length

8 Days

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

trip cost

from $1540 pp

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

8 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

from $1540 pp

Nature Immersion

Cultural Interest

Self-Guided Trip

our walk expert

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • ON THE TRAIL
  • NAVIGATION
  • FOOD & WINE
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • Exclusive Guide
  • Similar Walks

Overview

Cele Variant: Figeac to Cahors - Le Puy Camino

The Célé Variant is a route that offers hikers a scenic detour from the GR65 (Le Puy Camino), stretching nearly 120km between Figeac and Cahors. Following the GR651 and GR36-46 trails, it winds through the picturesque Célé Valley, from which the route takes its name. Hikers will journey through the Lot department in the Occitanie region in France, rich in historic sites, charming medieval towns, shrines, and churches, all set against stunning landscapes. This less-travelled trail provides a peaceful, serene experience, allowing for quiet moments in nature, with something special to observe each day. Hikers can choose to explore this short trail on its own or incorporate it into a longer Le Puy Camino journey.

Yellow hiker icon We are the longest established and most popular Camino operator in Australia.
Find out why we are the No.1 choice

Cele Variant: Figeac to Cahors - Le Puy Camino

Highlights

Get ready for

  • Hike along the Célé Valley, enjoying stunning river views, limestone cliffs, and lush landscapes
  • Pass through medieval towns and villages, châteaux, and rich historical sites
  • Sample local delicacies, including foie gras, truffles, and wine
  • Spend the night in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France‘ 
  • Enjoy a peaceful, reflective journey, away from the crowds

Itinerary

DAILY DETAILS

DAY 1: Arrive Figeac

Today you need to make your way to Figeac. A medieval town founded in 830 AD around its Benedictine abbey, Figeac became a thriving city in the 13th century thanks to agriculture and commerce. Now with a population of almost 10,000, it contains a substantial and interesting medieval historical centre, dating in part from as far back as the 9th century. It is the birthplace of Champollion, (decipherer of the Egyptian hieroglyphs), and you can visit the Champollion museum. On the ‘Place des Ecritures’ there is a giant copy of the Rosetta stone.

Overnight: Figeac

DAY 2: Figeac to Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie (28km, 6–7 hours)

Your walk from Figeac to Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie begins with a stop at the Tourist Office to get your credential stamped, before following the GR 65 for 10km. At the hamlet of Le Mas de la Croix in Béduer, you’ll branch off onto the GR 651, leading you into the heart of the Célé Variant. The route takes you through striking landscapes of cliffs, semi-troglodyte houses, and scenic viewpoints, all within the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. The peaceful surroundings offer a perfect blend of nature and history. As you pass through charming villages like Corn, you’ll eventually arrive at Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie, nestled at the foot of the river. Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie is home to a beautifully preserved 13th-century priory, Notre-Dame du-Val-Paradis, originally a 12th-century Augustinian monastery. The church’s bell tower, with its square wooden turret and pyramidal slate roof, is a remarkable feature. A wooden statue of a pilgrim with his staff marks the village as an important stop on the GR 651.

Overnight: Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie

Meals: B

DAY 3: Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie to Marcilhac-sur-Célé (15km, 4.5–5 hours)

The walk from Espagnac Sainte-Eulalie to Marcilhac-sur-Célé is a challenging yet rewarding section, with steep climbs and narrow paths, especially along the La Cause plateau. As you hike, you’ll pass dramatic cliffs, semi-troglodyte houses, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll pass the remains of a fortification from the Hundred Years’ War and walk through the village of St Sulpice, once a stronghold of the Hébrard family, whose fortress is still in their possession. Several structures along the route today offer a glimpse into the medieval past of this noble family.

The route then leads you to Marcilhac-sur-Célé, where you can explore the 11th-century Abbey of Marcilhac, founded by the Benedictines. Despite suffering damage during the Hundred Years’ War and the French Revolution, the abbey still boasts impressive remains, including a 14th-century tower and Gothic frescoes linked to the Hébrard family. After a rewarding day on the trail, you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the Célé River or relax with an apéro dinner in the town square.

Overnight: Marcilhac-sur-Célé

Meals: B

DAY 4: Marcilhac-sur-Célé to Cabrerets (18km, 5–6 hours)

Departing from Marcilhac-sur-Célé, today’s route takes you through the serene woodlands of the Célé Valley, offering an undulating path shaded by trees. As you hike, you’ll pass through Sauliac-sur-Célé, a village known for its ancient houses and cave-filled cliffs, before reaching the village of Cabrerets, where you’ll spend the night.

Cabrerets is a charming village nestled within a natural amphitheater, surrounded by the imposing Rochecourbe Cliff. The village is home to the Château du Diable (Devil’s Castle), a mysterious troglodyte fortress dating back to the Hundred Years’ War. After a rewarding day on the trail, you can relax and take in views of the 14th-century Château Gontaut, making Cabrerets the perfect place to rest before continuing your journey the following day.

Overnight: Cabrerets

Meals: B

DAY 5: Cabrerets to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (10.5km, 3.5–4 hours)

Today’s walk from Cabrerets is a short but scenic journey, blending nature, art and history. Shortly after starting the ascent out of Cabrerets, you can visit the Pech Merle Cave. If you wish, check the cave’s hours and pay the entry fee to explore its 2km of tunnels, adorned with over 700 vivid murals dating from 25,000 to 16,000 B.C. Highly recommended!

As you continue through the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park along the GR 651 and GR 36 trails, you’ll pass through Bouziès, the largest town of the day, where the Célé River meets the Lot. It’s a great spot to take a break before the next leg of your journey. One of the highlights is the towpath to Bouziès, a narrow trail carved into the cliffside with stunning views of the Lot River. The path features rugged rock faces, peaceful waters, and a remarkable 30m bas-relief sculpture by artist Daniel Monnier. The day ends in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” perched above the Lot River. With its cobbled streets and panoramic views, it’s the perfect place to unwind and explore this hidden gem.

Overnight: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Meals: B

DAY 6: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to Vers (23km, 7 hours)

Today’s walk takes you from the charming Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to Vers, passing through a series of scenic and hilly terrains. The route begins with a brief retracing of steps back toward Bouziès before heading towards Vers, a village nestled at the foot of limestone cliffs. The trail winds along the Lot River and ascends onto a limestone plateau, offering stunning views. As you climb, you’ll be shaded by oak trees and conifers, with occasional glimpses of the river far below. Along the way, you’ll pass fields of crops and grazing sheep, adding to the pastoral charm.

On your journey, you’ll pass through the small village of Bears before crossing the Lot River into Vers. Vers is a peaceful village with a rich historical backdrop. Anchored by castle ruins, the village exudes a quiet, picturesque atmosphere, making it the perfect spot to unwind after the day’s hike.

Overnight: Vers

Meals: B

DAY 7: Vers to Cahors (18km, 6 hours)

As a final challenge, the day begins with some hills as you leave Vers and pass through the village of Arcambal, a settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. Known for its beautiful Renaissance church of St. Anthony, with fortified foundations from the 13th century, and the impressive Château Bousquet, perched high above the town, Arcambal offers a glimpse into the area’s rich history. From here, you’ll continue toward Cahors, nestled in a bend of the Lot River.

As one of the largest towns on the Le Puy Camino, Cahors marks a return to the more well-trodden path of the GR65. You’ll notice the shift from quieter rural trails to a lively town, with a mix of modern conveniences and charming historic sites. Cahors is a medieval gem, renowned for its black wine, the Cathedrale Saint-Étienne (11th century), and the iconic Valentré Bridge (14th century), a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town is also celebrated for its lovely gardens and narrow streets, lined with historic houses and arcades that harken back to the days of medieval bankers and merchants.

Fun Fact! Did you know that the village of Cahors is mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy, a testament to its infamous reputation during the Middle Ages.

Overnight: Cahors

Meals: B

DAY 8: Depart Cahors

You are free to check out of your hotel any time before 10 am. If you’d like to explore Cahors further, you can leave your bags with reception. Interested in more walking options from Cahors? Consider extending your journey with our enchanting 13-day Cahors to Condom walk for a journey through rural France. 

Meals: B

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Closed

Map

Cele Variant Route Map

Figeac

Figeac is a charming medieval town that enchants pilgrims walking the Le Puy Camino. Known for its rich history and beautifully preserved architecture, Figeac offers a step back in time with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and bustling squares. The town’s centrepiece is the Place des Écritures, a tribute to the Rosetta Stone that reflects Figeac’s connection to the famed French Egyptologist, Jean-François Champollion.

CLICK ON A PIN TO REVEAL INFORMATION ABOUT THAT LOCATION
Béduer

The quaint village of Béduer is surrounded by rolling hills, limestone cliffs, and lush greenery. Perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque Célé Valley, it is known for its rustic charm and rich medieval history. Don’t miss the striking Château de Béduer, a fortified castle that dates back to the 13th century and dominates the landscape.

Espagnac Saint Eulalie

Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie is a captivating medieval hamlet that enchants pilgrims with its serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere. Once home to an ancient priory, this village exudes a sense of sacred tranquility. Its narrow lanes, stone cottages, and Romanesque architecture transport visitors to a bygone era.

Marcilhac-sur-Célé

Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and verdant landscapes, Marcilhac-sur-Célé offers a peaceful retreat. You can relax by the river, explore quaint streets, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty. The centerpiece of the village is the ruins of the Abbaye Saint-Pierre, a once-grand Benedictine abbey dating back to the 9th century.

Cabrerets

Known for its dramatic setting, Cabrerets is framed by the rugged limestone peaks of the Causse du Quercy and the serene waters of the River Célé.One of the highlights of Cabrerets is the nearby Pech Merle Cave, famous for its prehistoric paintings and impressive stalactite formations. The village itself is a peaceful haven, with cobbled streets, traditional stone houses, and welcoming cafés.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Perched high above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a breathtakingly beautiful village that seems to rise from the cliffs like something out of a fairy tale. Often regarded as one of France’s most stunning villages, its medieval houses and narrow, winding streets are a testament to its rich history and well-preserved architecture.

Vers

Nestled along the peaceful banks of the River Lot, the village of Vers is serene and picturesque. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, its narrow lanes and traditional stone houses add to its timeless charm. The Church of Saint-Michel dates back to the 12th century. Vers provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a delightful stop along the way.

Cahors

The medieval and captivating town of Cahors is the largest town on the Le Puy Camino. The famous 14th-century fortified Valentre bridge, an emblem of the city classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and a well-known pilgrim milestone, crosses the Lot on the west side of town (discover the legend of the pact that the bridge builder made with the devil). Cahors is a place where the past and present beautifully intertwine. The city’s narrow streets, lined with ancient stone houses, lead to hidden squares, bustling markets, and charming cafés, providing the perfect stop for weary pilgrims.Cahors is also renowned for its vibrant wine culture, particularly the deep, rich Malbec wines that thrive in the surrounding vineyards.

Inclusions

What's included?

Included
  • Charming accommodation with en-suite bathrooms
  • Daily continental style breakfast
  • Luggage transfer each day from hotel to hotel on days when walking (1 x piece/bag per person, strict maximum weight <13kg per bag on Le Puy Camino)
  • RAW Travel App with maps of your hotel locations and local emergency contact numbers
  • Local RAW Travel support person 
Excluded
  • Single supplement
  • International or domestic airfares
  • Travel Insurance
  • Lunches or dinners
  • Taxi fares or bus tickets in need
  • Train tickets
  • Guidebooks and phrasebooks
  • Arrival or departure transport and/or transfers (into Figeac and out of Cahors)
Cele Variant: Figeac to Cahors - Le Puy Camino

ON THE TRAIL

TERRAIN UNDERFOOT

The Célé Variant, though shorter, is more demanding than the main Le Puy Camino route. It involves daily ascents and descents, particularly on the GR651, with rocky single-track paths, steps, and sections of gravel or dirt tracks. The terrain offers stunning views but requires significant effort. While signage is generally good, using the RAW Travel App can help when signs are unclear. The trail is less frequented by pilgrims, and services are limited in some areas, so careful planning and preparation are essential. Despite the challenges, the route rewards hikers with diverse landscapes and unique experiences daily.

RAW Travel App

NAVIGATION

FINDING YOUR WAY

The trail is very well-marked with the frequent horizontal red-and-white stripes of the French Grande Randonée network. ‘Wrong direction’ signs (red-and-white crosses) are nailed to trees or painted on rocks. Finding your way has become a lot easier with our exclusive APP, which has all your trip information and route guidance in one handy place. You still need to be self-reliant with wayfinding. For the best results, use a combination of road and trail signs, a backup paper map or guidebook, and our app. Our app can pinpoint and confirm whether you’re still on the correct trail. Read more about all the great features of the app and how to use it for navigation.

Cheese, Le Puy Camino France

FOOD & WINE

GASTRONOMY

This is a journey that tantalises not only your senses of adventure but also your taste buds. As you hike through the breathtaking Célé Valley you can savour the region’s gastronomic treasures. The valley is renowned for its luxurious foie gras and black truffles – the aroma an unforgettable highlight of the hike. Sample the exquisite wines of the region. The Cahors wine, made primarily from the Malbec grape, boasts a deep, inky colour with aromas of black fruits and spices; it’s the perfect accompaniment to the region’s rich dishes.

Le Puy Camino France

ACCOMMODATION

WHERE YOU STAY

Memorable accommodation is a hallmark of our trips on Le Puy Camino. We have long-standing relationships with hoteliers and have hand-selected the most beautiful, unique and character-filled properties on the trail and in the surrounding villages. We want you to enjoy each overnight stay as much as the walking. Our hosts enjoy sharing their knowledge of the local area and history and are accustomed to welcoming RAW Travellers into their establishments.

Camino De Santiago destination guide

Exclusive Guide

Le Puy Camino

Walking the Camino is an incredible journey that will immerse you not only in Europe’s grand history, food and culture but most importantly the extraordinary camaraderie that exists along these routes. The spirit of the Camino de Santiago is alive and well among people from all over the world. It is a ‘bucket list’ experience you will never forget! Discover inspiration, travel essentials, practical information and more in our free Destination Guide. All you need to know about walking the Camino de Santiago routes through France, Spain and Portugal.

Download Now

Similar Walks

Camino

Le _Puy_Estaing_thumbnail
40 Days

Le Puy Camino (France)

The Full Le Puy Camino

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Stunning, ever-changing terrain
  • Impressive architecture and historic UNESCO world heritage sites
  • The most beautiful villages in France
  • French culture, gastronomy and dialects across different regions
from

$7,795.00

view trip
Conques, Le Puy Camino, France
8 Days

Le Puy Camino (France)

Conques to Cahors: Le Puy Camino

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A stunning week-long walk on tranquil trails through rural France
  • Ever-changing landscapes from limestone plateaus to verdant farmland 
  • Fairytale Conques, one of the most beautiful villages in France
  • Medieval Cahors, famous for its gastronomy and Valentré bridge
from

$1,540.00

view trip
le Puy en velay
20 Days

Le Puy Camino (France)

The Cahors Trip: Le Puy Camino

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • Charming villages with rich historical and architectural heritage  
  • Peaceful walking through woodlands, moors of heather, limestone plateaus and verdant farmland 
  • The mythic Aubrac high plateau with its wildflowers and grazing cows
  • Medieval Cahors – famous for its gastronomy and legendary Valentré bridge
from

$4,050.00

view trip
Le Puy Camino
13 Days

Le Puy Camino (France)

The Conques Trip: Le Puy Camino

Moderate - Challenging Self-Guided
  • A beautiful 200km walk across the Central Massif of France
  • Ever-changing cultures, gastronomy and dialects
  • Espalion’s 16th-century Veiux Palace and 11th century Pont Veiux
  • The beautiful medieval Romanesque abbey and hidden village of Conques
from

$2,620.00

view trip
Pont Valentre medieval bridge, Cahors
13 Days

Le Puy Camino (France)

The Slow Walk – Cahors to Condom

Moderate Self-Guided
  • Shorter daily distances and ample time to relax in the village squares
  • Tranquil country paths and beautiful trails 
  • Picture-postcard rural scenery and a wealth of gastronomic experiences 
  • Impressive architecture and historic UNESCO world heritage sites
from

$2,795.00

view trip

TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

SELECT PREFERRED DATES

sign up to our newsletter

explore the world with Raw

Subscribe