The Way of St James - France

The Way of St James is one of the most popular long-distance treks in the world, a pilgrimage route for over 1000 years. Starting in Le Puy-en-Veley in central France, it angles southwest to cross over the western Pyrennes into Spain before heading west to the end point of Santiago de Compostela (or further, to the Atlantic at Finisterre). Many who walk the route, known as the Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle in France, are not experienced walkers, but with this guide, all the information a pilgrim needs to tackle the challenge is at hand.

Ancient pathways, medieval churches, castles, towering mountains, and following in the footsteps of history over 1500km in France and Spain. It's a daunting distance, and this first-part guide to the pilgrimage in France covers the first 730kms of the route. It is further divided into four sections: Le Puy-en-Veley to Figeac, Figeac to Moissac, Moissac to Aire-sur-l'Adour and Aire-sur-l'Adour to the Pyrennees at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Further route guidance is given to cross the Pyrennes, either to Roncesvalles (and Pamplona), or to Irún to begin the Camino del Norte trail rather than the usual Camino Francés route (the latter being the most popular way to Santiago, covered in the second volume).

This guide is the ideal companion to the French section of the Pilgrim Way to Santiago. The walk from Le Puy to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port can be completed in four to five weeks by anyone who is fairly fit and who also likes to visit the myriad places of interest along the way. It can also be undertaken in sections by those who lack the time to do it all in one go or who would just like to cover certain stretches. As well as the route description, the guide also includes stage maps, information on accommodation, access and where to get your pilgrim stamp in the towns and villages. A thorough introduction informs on the long history of the Way of St James, and advises on what to take with you, and how to manage a long-distance trail.

The Spanish section of the route is covered in Cicerone’s companion volume: The Way of St James (Camino de Santiago: Pyrenees-Santiago-Finisterre).

The other Spanish Camino routes, such as the Camino del Norte mentioned above, are available in Cicerone's The Northern Caminos guide.

Or if you prefer to cycle the Pilgrim Road to Santiago de Compostela, Cicerone also has The Way of St James Cyclist Guide.

•Seasons - definitely not recommended in winter but can be safely undertaken, adequately prepared, any time between late March and mid-late October

•Difficulty - far from flat but requires no specialist equipment and can be undertaken, with appropriate preparation, by anyone of average health and fitness

•Must See - starts in the volcanic Velay region of France, passes through the Margeride, over the Aubrac plateau, the causse before Cahors and the flat Landes region before reaching the foothills of the Pyrenees and the Basque country; interesting churches, cathedrals, historic monunments and vernacular architecture architecture along the way

ISBN:9781852846084