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SpanishThe Puy route: the GR65
The Puy route, or GR65, is the traditional way to get to Santiago de Compostela. Its notoriety will allow you to make fabulous encounters and easily find all the necessary services during your trip, while discovering marvelous bucolic landscapes.
For beginners or those with little time, we offer an itinerary varying from 2 to 4 days.
From: Limogne-en-Quercy
The route that we suggest starts from the charming village of Limogne-en-Quercy. Located in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, you will discover sublime wooded landscapes and an astonishing local heritage made up of surprising dry stone constructions, characterful architecture (butterfly washhouses, Quercy dwellings, etc.), and beautiful dolmens!
The botanical trail of Limogne is a short alternative to the GR65. Located in the heart of undergrowth, this very pleasant 700-metre path will allow you to learn more about the many species of local flora, particularly rich in the Causses du Quercy.
Step 1: Limogne - Mas de Vers (22km)
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Caussenard landscapes during this first stage! Particularly preserved and composed mainly of oak forests and open countryside, you will succumb to the moving authenticity of this territory.
Keep your eyes wide open on your journey! Territory with an extremely rich local heritage, here are some nuggets that will delight you:
- The dolmens of Joncas then of Ferrières-Haut, shortly after your departure from Limogne, witnesses of a history dating back several millennia.
- The butterfly washhouse Varaire, which will take you back to the time of the washerwomen in the heart of this strikingly charming hamlet.
Step 2: Mas de Vers - Cahors (22km)
This stage with more marked relief will slowly abandon the wooded landscapes to offer you spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. The arrival at Cahors will be the highlight of your hike, with a panoramic view of the city gradually opening up to you.
You can then discover the famous Valentré bridge and the Saint-Etienne cathedral, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites as part of the Santiago de Compostela routes.
The Valentre bridge
Saint-Etienne Cathedral and its cloister
CAHORS
Viewpoint of Mont Saint-Cyr
CAHORS
Viewpoint of the Croix Magne
CAHORSLot washhouses flourished between 1800 and 1950, as in the rest of France. In the Lot, these witnesses of the past are still present and have been preserved. Some washhouses in the Lot even have their own specificity with their stone slab in the shape of a "V", and which respond to the sweet name of "Butterfly washhouses". Very fine examples are visible at Varaire a few dozen meters from the GR65, but also in Aujols, a small village south of Cahors et Saint-Cirq Lapopie, near Lalbenque.
Step 3: Cahors - Lascabanes (24km)
Here you are on your way to Quercy Blanc! Here the landscapes will change radically, starting with a good climb on the side of the cliff to get out of Cahors. The marvels will continue to unfold before your eyes, with in particular charming villages and bastides all dressed in white.
On your way, at the entrance to the village of Labastide-Marnhac, you will see a castle with various architectural styles. Do not hesitate to pass through its gates if they are open in order to enjoy a well-deserved break while discovering a delightful place!
Stage 4: Lascabanes - Montcuq (17km)
Welcome to the heart of Quercy Blanc! Here the forests begin to part with some of their oaks to introduce new species of trees. They are also more discreet, to give way to rural paintings with distant and hilly views.
To fully enjoy your walk, do not hesitate to stop and take the time to observe the treasures you will find on your way:
- As you leave Lascabanes, a stunningly preserved gariotte will appear in front of you. A little further, the chapel of Saint-Jean-le-Froid will move you with its serenity.
- In Montcuq, the 24 meter high tower will offer you a superb view of the village located at its bedside. At the same time, the exhibitions set up in the monument will allow you to learn more about medieval times, the Lot heritage and... Nino Ferrer!
The next step...
Here you are at the end of your journey within the destination Cahors Lot valley. If you have taken a liking to these daily escapades, you can continue your journey by taking the direction of Lauzerte. You will then leave the Lot department through the village of Montlauzun, perched at the top of a flowery hill with many sunflowers and occupied by our famous dark-spectacled sheep.
Pratical information
You will find all the practical information concerning your itinerary (accommodation, services, transport) in our pilgrims guide.
The small heritage that you will be able to observe along your route: low walls, huts, then... is maintained and restored twice a year by the volunteers of the "2 hands in the dough" operations. Find out more and participate!
