Le Puy Camino - Aire sur l'Adour to the Pyrenees

Land Tour

9 days

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Le Puy Camino - Aire sur l'Adour to the Pyrenees
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  • Itinerary
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$AUD 210 per day

Departure: Aire sur l'Adour, France

Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, along the Via Podiensis, the French Way of St James, takes pilgrims from Le Puy en Velay to the Pyrenees at St Jean Pied de Port. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Six stages of this historic trail are included in our self-guided walking program in France.
Walking from Aire sur l'Adour offers an insight into the contrasting Béarn and Basque regions of France which have a unique culture, language and cuisine. The landscape is inspiring as you walk between woods and open fields, past a multitude of chapels and historic sights and take time to absorb the history of the villages passed, once resting points for thousands of pilgrims during the Middle Ages. Arriving into St Jean Pied de Port through the Porte Saint-Jacques is a highlight and a rewarding end to the journey along the Via Podensis.
About
8 breakfasts, 8 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes.
8 nights comfortable hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 13kg, supplement applies for excess
Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and roadbook
Visitor tax
Emergency hotline
Hightlights
Walking through the wooded hills of the Béarn region with its white villages
Arriving in St Jean Pied de Port, the cross roads of the "Grand Chemin de Saint Jacques"
Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims
Experiencing the culinary delights of the region and the hospitality of your accommodation hosts

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Aire sur l'Adour or neighbouring Barcelonne du Gers
On arrival make your way to your hotel in either Aire or Barcelonne. Aire sur l'Adour is separated into two parts, with the lower section by the river and dominated by the cathedral of St Jean Baptiste, and the high town or Mas d'Aire which is dominated by the Eglise de Sainte Quitterie. Neighbouring Barcelonne is located on the banks of the Adour river and is known for its AOC Saint-Mont wine and rich architectural and historical heritage. The remainder of the day is free to explore before dinner in the hotel dining room.
Day 2 - Walk to Arzacq-Arraziguet (8hrs)
Your day to Arzacq Arraziguet wanders through lush green countryside with hamlets and ancient buildings such as medieval chapels and wash-houses (“lavoirs”). It is a demanding walking day, mainly due to its length rather than the difficulty of the trail. You will have your first view of the snow-capped Pyrenees today as you enter the department of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. You will pass the magnificent 11th century Church of Miramont Sensacq, formerly dedicated to St James. Pimbo is a “street bastide”, stretching along a high narrow bridge. From here you enter the region called “Béarn”. Arzacq Arraziguet is a bastide town built in the 11th century with two main squares and 2 “lavoirs”. Overnight and dinner in Arzaq-Arraziquet.
Distance 32km/19.9mi, +751m/2464ft, -725m/2379ft
Note: If you are unsure about walking 32km, it is possible to break this day into two days, staying in the town of Miramont (18km). If you wish to do this please advise us at the time of booking - a supplement applies.
Day 3 - Continue past small churches and a pilgrims hospital to Larreule (4hrs)
A shorter day today. The trail continues through the beautiful Béarn region. With the Pyrenees to the south, you'll cross rolling hills and pass many villages such as Louvigny to Larreule with its Benedictine Monastery. Overnight in Larreule.
Distance 12km/7.8mi, +310m/1017ft, -330m/1083ft
Day 4 - On to Maslacq or Argagnon (6hrs)
The trail continues past a Romanesque chapel to Arthez-de-Béarn where you'll notice the transition towards Basque-style architecture. The route passes through woods and the Church of Argagnon, the Chapelle of Caubin and the Chapelle of Cagnez before reaching the small village of Maslacq, situated on the Gave de Pau. Overnight Maslacq or 1.5km before town of Argagnon.
Distance 26km/16.1mi, +193m/633ft, -241m/790ft
Day 5 - Continue walk to Navarrenx (6hrs)
Starting the day through fields and woods following the Gave de Pau, the route passes a sanctuary and later a former monastery (La Sauvelade). The undulating trail takes you through quiet rural scenes to reach the town of Navarrenx, the first in France to be fortified with Italian style ramparts.
Distance 22km/13.7mi, +526m/1726ft, -660m/2165ft
Day 6 - Through fields and past small villages to Lichos (4.5hrs)
Another great day's walk through the last of the Béarnais countyside on this route, crossing small streams and ascending fields and wooded trails. En route you pass a pâté producer (Jean Haget) and the Mongaston Castle, before reaching the small village of Lichos, the birthplace of Saint-Grat, Bishop of Oloron. You have now crossed over into the Basque region of France.
Distance 15km/9.3mi, +331m/1086ft, -283m/928ft
Day 7 - Walk to Saint-Palais (6hrs)
The walk today takes you via the Eglise d'Olhaiby along rural trails to St Palais, a cultural town which plays host to colourful festivals and markets. Here the street signs are in the Basque language which is typical of the region. This is also the entry point into the Lower Navarre, formerly the Kingdom of Navarre. There are a number of sights to visit including a museum containing historic pilgrim relics and a statue of St James the pilgrim.
Distance 25km/15.5mi, +404m/1325ft, -612m/2008ft
Day 8 - To Ostabat-Asme (4hrs)
Continue on a trail past pilgrim hospitals, small chapels and historic villages to Ostabat-Asme, which was a large centre for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Dependent on availability, at times we use a hotel in Larceveau, 2km further along the trail.
Distance 11km/6.8mi, +406m/1332ft, -294m/964ft
Day 9 - To St Jean Pied de Port, trip concludes (5-6hrs)
The trail takes you along the D933 through the valley and usually along old lanes either side of the main road. En route you pass the sights of pilgrims hospitals and the Croix de Galzetaburia which is a cross placed on the crossing of Roman roads to mark the entry of secondary routes onto the Via Podiensis. Passing the villages of Mongelos and Bussanarits you reach Donazaharre with its church of St Pierre. Not long afterwards, you will enter the pretty pilgrimage town of St Jean Pied de Port via its Porte Saint-Jacques. The trip concludes on arrival in St Jean (the night in St Jean is not included).
Distance 22km/13.9mi, +446m/1463ft, -437m/1434ft
With its ornate Basque style houses, wealth of sights to visit (Citadelle, Prison des Eveques, museums and churches, the various Portes (doors) and bridges over the river Nive), it is well worth spending extra time at St Jean to appreciate the historic significance of the town and celebrate the end of your walk. We can assist with booking your accommodation - please ask for our rates.
Location

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