Camino Le Puy Way: Stage 6
- Exploring the old town of St Jean Pied de Port, the end point of the Camino Le Puy Way
- Sauvelaude, a Cistercian Abbey and one of the most impressive sights on this route
- See the shimmering snow-capped vistas of the distant Pyrenees Mountains
- Immersion in the French Basque culture, language and traditions
- Walk through shady pretty wooded villages and the Tursan wine area
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Aire sur l’AdourArrive in Aire sur l’Adour in the Landes region and check into your comfortable hotel. This ancient town has two distinct parts, the lower section by the river with the St Jean Baptiste Cathedral and the upper town which has the brick built Gothic Church of St Quitterie built on the site of a Benedictine monastery. This church is dedicated to St Quiteria who, according to Christian tradition, was beheaded here in the 5th century.
A lovely 2* hotel with all the necessary amenities and services.
Walking in the Landes region is quite easy has this area is quite flat. The route continues to be waymarked with blue and yellow cockle shell stickers as well as the familiar red and white balises.
You will see your first view of the snow-capped Pyrenees today as you enter the department of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. Your first stop is Pontet and en route you also pass the magnificent 11th century Church of Miramont Sensacq formerly dedicated to St James and which contains a total immersion font for christening infants. Arrive in Miramont Sensacq, your overnight stop.
Ascent: +144m (472ft) / Descent: -50m (164ft)
A stone house built in 1772, it was restored in 2002. Set in 9 hectares of garden, with swimming pool.
On departing Miramont Sensacq you reach Arzacq-Arraziguet, a bastide town with two main squares. This town has an interesting beginning as when it was founded in the 13th and 14th centuries it was actually in France and not in the Béarn, which was then an independent country. This town used to mark the boundary between France and Béarn.
Pass the modern Church of St Martin in Louvigny and follow the road along the ridge until you reach Fichous-Riumayou and eventually Larreule, the site of a Benedictine monastery founded in 995. The name of this town derives from the word Le Règle meaning monastic rule. When you reach Larreule a pre-arranged transfer (you will need to call the owner the day before) will bring you to your accommodation in Hagetaubin.
Ascent: +444m (1456ft) / Descent: -533m (1748ft)
This 18th century house was converted into a nice guest house by Raoul. There is a swimming pool. This guest house only has shared bathrooms and not ensuite.
Today the hotel owner will transport you to Pomps so that you may continue on the trail. Pomps has a 17th century church with an interesting octagon-shaped tower. In Castillon there is a an 11th century church of St Pierre that was used as a hospital for pilgrims and travellers at that time. The restored Romanesque Chapelle of Caubin, which you also pass by, is on the site of the remains of a former Commandery of the Knight of St John.
Also walk through the long and narrow town of Arthez-de-Béarn (nearly 2km from one end to the other!) which is situated along a ridge. See some interesting old houses and ramparts, remnants from the Wars of Religion.
Ascent: +173m (567ft) / Descent: -222m (728ft)
Hosted by Theresa and James, this boutique B&B boasts 4 cozy bedrooms, a great room with wood-burning fireplace, expansive outdoor patio, spectacular views, and western country design. Fuel up on a hearty, healthy two-course breakfast before you head out for the day.
This morning you will encounter one of the greatest sights of the Camino Le Puy Way, the Cistercian Abbey of Sauvelade, founded by Gaston IV of Béarn in 1128. Before reaching the abbey follow the Gave de Pau from which there are stunning views over the faraway mountains.
Upon reaching Sauvelade it is worth stopping to view the abbey and its statue of St James before continuing on through the farmyard of Labarthe. Then cross a ford before arriving in the medieval bastide town of Navarranx with its rustic and elegant houses. In former times this town had a large population of cagot (outcasts), many of whom became important public figures in the 20th century. Its Italian–style fortifications have lasted until this day and it is worth strolling through this charming and historic town.
Ascent: +436m (1430ft) / Descent: -391m (1282ft)
Located right in the centre of the medieval quarter, this guest house 5 very charming rooms.
As you depart the fortified town of Navarrenx you cross a bridge over the river and head towards Castenau-Camblong with its Béarn-style houses. You will pass two chateaux today, Montgaston and Joantho, the former you can visit, but the latter is privately owned. Once you get close to Aroue you have now crossed from the Béarn into French Basque country. Over the next few days, as you walk from one region to the next, the change in landscapes from green wooded hillsides to steep farm country with lofty conifers becomes more and more apparent.
Ascent: +267m (876ft) / Descent: -274m (899ft)
This accommodation is located in the small hamlet of Aroue surrounded by pretty countryside. You can enjoy a homemade breakfast while sitting on the terrace. This accommodation does not provide ensuite rooms.
This accommodation is set in the countryside and is located in a typical Basque house in the "soule" region. It is built of stone and has Picon tile roof. There is a lovely swimming pool for you to enjoy and 5 comfortable rooms. A homemade breakfast is included.
Back on the GR65 path you will see the Stele de Gibraltar to the right, a stone cross that marks where the three French Camino routes of Le Puy, Vezelay and Tours were thought to have met. Now officially in the Basque country many of the signs are written in the Basque language and in every town and village there is a pelota court (a traditional Basque game).
Ascent: +382m (1253ft) / Descent: -458m (1502ft)
A comfortable and cosy hotel in the centre of Saint Palais.
En route to Larceveau you will also go through Ostabat-Asme, a small village today, but in the Middle Ages it was a very important gathering point for pilgrims coming along the different routes. At this time in history the hospitals and inns along the route were able to accommodate up to 5000 pilgrims at a time, but today there is just a gite d’etape and the Maison Optalier.
Arrive into Larceveau where you anticipate your last day of walking along the trail tomorrow and into St Jean Pied de Port.
Ascent: +450m (1476ft) / Descent: -338m (1108ft)
Aranzeta is a former farm, dating back to 1550.
Today is the last stage of the Camino le Puy Way and as you walk along you are constantly greeted with magnificent views of the snow-capped Pyrenees.
Walk through Ainchice Mongelos and see the ancient chapel of Bustince before walking uphill through St Jean le Vieux and arriving in St Jean Pied de Port, your final destination. It is a small town, only 8km from the border of Spain and has ancient cobbled streets and several places of interest, such as the Citadelle, and the Prison des Evêques. Also note the houses built in the Basque-style that have ornate wooden overhangs at roof level. Just as other pilgrims have done you will enter the town along the GR65 by the Porte St Jacques.
Ascent: +241m (790ft) / Descent: -222m (728ft)

The hotel stands out in the town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with its pink sandstone façade from the Basque Country, on the banks of the Nive, in the town centre. Once through the door, you will be charmed by the recent renovations (dating back to 2015), modern equipment, contemporary-style decoration and old elements such as the monumental oak staircase and the floor of the hall in cement tiles.
Bid farewell to the Camino Le Puy today. After breakfast check out of your hotel and make your onward journey.
This trip has a carbon score of 1kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 1kg is equivalent to 9 bananas. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?You can either complete Stage 6 of this pilgrimage route as a self-guided walking tour in its own right, or you may complete more or all of the sections at the same time. This particular section is graded as moderate, because of the daily distances which are between 18 and 25km per day. Towards the end of the tour there will be more elevation gains as you will be walking in the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Pilgrimages | For those looking to follow a path of self-discovery. Our Pilgrimage and Camino routes take you on a journey through diverse landscapes and local flavours, while meeting like-minded adventurers along the way.
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
This walk is graded moderate and includes daily walks of 15-33km. The walk is extremely well way-marked and you will also be supplied with turn by turn route notes and detailed maps so you will have no problem following the route each day. On the Le Puy Camino you will follow a mixture of farm/dirt tracks, minor roads and footpaths.
On this self-guided walk in France you will stay in comfortable 1 or 2* hotels.
Please note that on occasion you may not have en suite rooms.
Alternate accommodation
You might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo walkers are also welcome, and again, a supplement is payable.
Meals
Daily breakfasts and dinners at your hotels are included. Breakfasts are buffet-style and dinners will be the “meal of the day” at the hotel. If you want a choice for dinner you can pay a supplement. You can order packed lunches at your hotel the evening before (ranging from €7 to €10) or you can buy lunch in grocery stores, cafes and restaurants en route.
The route is well waymarked with white and red painted arrows but please take care at intersections. There will always be other walkers around in case you are looking for help. A detailed information pack including route notes, local information and maps will be waiting for you at your first accommodation. You will also have access to the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS so you will have no problems finding the way. You can simply download the GPX tracks to your phone for offline use and off you go!
- 9 Nights in either 1 or 2* hotels
- 9 Breakfasts
- 9 Dinners
- Baggage transfers
- Daily route information and access to mapped GPX tracks within the Macs Adventure App
- 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our partner in France and our UK office
- Travel to Aire sur l’Adour
- Travel from St Jean Pied de Port
- Lunches, drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Travel insurance
- Mountain rescue / emergency assistance
- Additional nights before or after the holiday
This tour can be started on any day between the beginning of April and the end of October, offering flexibility to suit your travel plans. For bookings from October onwards, a supplementary charge might apply due to the out-of-season bag transfer service required.
Snow is possible in early April, particularly at higher elevations on the Camino Le Puy, especially in the Aubrac region. If you plan to begin your journey during this time, be well-prepared for wintry conditions. The weather along the Camino Le Puy varies greatly, reflecting the changing seasons and regional differences.
The best way of getting to Aire sur l’Adour is by flying into either Toulouse Airport or Bordeaux Airport and then taking a train to Agen and next a bus to Aire sur l’Adour. It is also possible to fly into Pau, which is served by Ryanair and then take a bus from here. For train schedules please check the SNCF website. It is also possible to drive to Aire sur l’Adour and you can leave your car close to the hotel. To return to Aire sur l’Adour you can either take a taxi, or take a train to Bayonne, to Pau, then a bus.
When departing from St Jean Pied de Port it is possible to take the train to all of the recommended airports. To Pau Airport, take the train to Dax and from Dax to Pau (from here you will need to take a taxi to the airport which costs around €20). To Biarritz Airport you can take a train to Bayonne, then another train to Biarritz and from here a bus to the airport. To Bordeaux Airport you can also take a train to Bayonne, then onto Bordeaux and a bus to the airport. Again for train schedules please check the SNCF website. To return to Aire sur l’Adour you can either take a taxi, or take a train to Bayonne, to Pau, then a bus.
Baggage transfers are included in the Camino Le Puy trip. Your bags should be left in the reception of your accommodation every morning. Your bags will then be transferred onto your next nights’ accommodation.
Please note that the luggage transfer company have placed a limit of 13kg per person (1 piece of luggage) to be transported from accommodation to accommodation. So please pack accordingly. Please choose a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase as these can be damaged when transported. If you wish to increase the amount of luggage you want to bring the cost per transfer from accommodation to accommodation will be an additional €8.50 per person, per bag. This must be paid for locally.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person and the weight of your luggage allowed is specific to the destination you will be travelling to. This is why it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags and/or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
Towards the end of the tour and as you enter the foothills of the Pyrenees there will be some elevation gains and losses. You will walk through vineyards, rolling hills, hamlets, villages, alongside rivers and streams and over rocky, volcanic landscapes. The terrain will be quite smooth most of the time (except for a few rocky sections), but may be slippery when wet.
We suggest you book as far in advance as possible as the Camino le Puy Way is extremely popular. We will always try and accommodate late bookings but realistically you need to book at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
The tour operates between May and October although we recommend travelling in May or June when spring wild flowers are at their peak, or in September/October when the autumn colours are stunning. July and August can be very hot if you are not used to walking in the heat.
We arrange for your bags to be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. Your bags should be left in the reception of your accommodation every morning. Your bags will then be transferred onto your next nights’ accommodation. Your bag should not weigh more than 15kg (per bag, 1 bag per person). This is due to strict health and safety regulations in France.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, lightweight clothes, waterproofs and a day pack.
We recommend May when the summer flowers are at their best and September/October when the colours are just lovely. June, July and August can be very hot if you are not used to walking in the heat.
Public transport and taxis are available to get you to your next destination.
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