Via Podiensis, Le Puy-en-Velay - Ostabat, 740 km, 30 days

GR65, Geneva - Le Puy-en-Velay - Ostabat, 1090 km, 44 days

The Via Podiensis is one of the main pilgrim ways in France. The start is in Le Puy-en-Velay, and for about a month, pilgrims walk southwest till they hit the Pyrenees in Ostabat, Basque Country. The trail is very attractive, taking in some of the best parts of France, like the Causse, the Aubrac plateau, the volcanoes of Velay. The trail is also dotted with many churches, old towns and other monuments. Not surprisingly, this route is one of the most popular and busy pilgrim ways in France.

The walking association FFRP did a great job to mark the whole way white-red, and describe it in a topoguide. As a bonus, an extra itinerary between Geneva and Le Puy - the Via Gebennensis - has been added to the GR65. The GR65 continues into Spain, where it is better known as Camino Francés.

Did you know that the European Long Distance Trail E3 follows practically the same itinerary between Santiago de Compostela and Le Puy? It diverges in Le Puy from the GR65 and heads north.

Visit Traildino's overview page for the Way of Saint James / Camino de Santiago.