The Way of St James France

The Way of St James needs little introduction: over 200,000 pilgrims and backpackers complete the journey to the saint's grave in Santiago de Compostela every year and its popularity seems to be only increasing. The most popular version of the route is the Camino Francés which crosses the France–Spain border via the Pyrenees between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Roncesvalles then continues through northern Spain to Santiago. Whilst many opt to start their walk at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, those seeking a longer route or greater challenge may choose to start in central France, following the Chemin de St Jacques.

This guidebook describes the Chemin de St Jacques – also known as the Vía Podensis or GR65 – from Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The 730km (454 mile) route is suitable for most walkers with a basic level of fitness. Detailed route description and sketch mapping is accompanied by a wealth of advice about local points of interest, accommodation and facilities and the guide also includes information about the history of the pilgrimage and holy sites and imagery along the route.

Alison Raju Alison Raju is a former language teacher and author of three other Cicerone guides to pilgrim routes: 'Way of St James: Pyrenees - Santiago', 'Via de la Plata' and 'The Pilgrim Road to Nidaros: Oslo - Trondheim'.