Cycling the Le Puy Route: the first 741 km of the Via Podiensis.
This first volume links Le Puy-en-Velay with Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The Way of St James, described as extending 1,600 km across southern France and northern Spain, is divided into two guides: this one covers the French section, and a second covers Spain.
The cycling route stays as close as possible to the walkers' GR65, with a variation through the Lot Valley between Conques and Figeac and then the Célé Valley between Figeac and Cahors, notably via Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. It therefore does not follow the GR65 exactly, and the GR65 itself cannot be said with certainty to match the medieval pilgrims' route.
The walking trail's technical difficulties and ascents and descents could exhaust many cyclists, force them to push a loaded bicycle for long stretches or expose them to falls. The proposed itinerary is not a cross-country mountain bike route. Instead, it follows the spirit of the Way: reaching Santiago de Compostela, and initially Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the best possible conditions while enjoying discoveries along the journey.
An electrically assisted hybrid or mountain bike will be particularly welcome on this trip, which involves more than 9,000 m of ascent.
The guide includes precise descriptions, detailed maps, elevation profiles and sections linking towns and villages with accommodation, allowing readers to plan at their own pace. Practical information includes contact details for more than 600 places to stay.
The 741 km can be ridden in 10, 14 or 18 days, or sampled over a few stages on a long weekend.
