Œuvre d'art refuge sur le GR65, Super-Cayrou à Gréalou, sur le parcours Fenêtres sur le Paysage en direction de Compostelle

Saint-Jacquesby the way of Puy

The GR®65

The GR®65 is one of the four main long-distance paths that line France on the way to Saint James of Compostela in Spain. This route, the via Podiensis also called the way of Puy is the most famous and the most used to reach the tomb of the apostle Saint James the Great in Galicia. Opened in 1972, it is as close as possible to the historic route. Whether you are backpackers, hikers, sportsmen or simply in search of peace and quiet, this route is an immersion in the heart of nature, discovering sections with wild landscapes, monuments of faith, and works of art refuge.

The GR65 crosses the Lot from one side to the other and runs through the Grand-Figeac from Montredon to Saint-Jean-de-Laur. Let’s embark on a three-day walk, from the last valleys of the Auvergne mountains to the Causses of Quercy and on two sections of trails classified as World Heritage by Unesco.

Stage 1: Livinhac-Le-Haut - Figeac

25,6 km

Let’s gently leave the Lot valley on the Aveyron side to reach the village of Montredon in the Lot. We gradually enter the Ségala Quercynois on a section of trail of 18 km classified as World Heritage of Unesco : from Montredon to Figeac. The path crosses green valleys and wooded with chestnut trees. From Saint-Felix to Felzins, the relief flattens. We switch to a landscape of bocage where cattle breeding predominates. In Felzins, the Romanesque chapel Sainte-Madeleine de Guirande is remarkable for its 15th-century wall paintings. It’s here a little farther on, at Lake Guirande, that a work of art refuge is installed: the Tank Bed with the promise of a cozy night under a field of stars and waking to the sound of birdsong. Heading west, the horizon opens up to the Rouergue and the terrain drops to regain Figeac, and the Célé Valley. The medieval town, birthplace of the famous Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion, displays the sublime silhouettes of these two major churches: the Saint-Sauveur and Notre-Dame-du-Puy abbey churches. It is here that the Hôpital Saint-Jacques, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a place of hospitality and Christian charity, once welcomed pilgrims.

Stage 2: Figeac - Cajarc

31.5 km

After a restful night, direction Cajarc, medieval village nestled in the hollow of the Lot Valley. On the way, clinging to the cliff, Faycelles with its typical Quercy architecture is revealed and offers us a sublime viewpoint on the mountains of Auvergne. From Faycelles to Cajarc, we are on a section of trail listed as World Heritage by Unesco. In Béduer, we admire the feudal castle, implanted in a dominant position. Little by little, as you walk, you enter the Causses du Quercy. The paths lined with low walls and oak undergrowth then reveal vast limestone plateaus, dotted with dry grasslands. Take a break in Gréalou, the horizon clears. The church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption opens onto a small square with trees. A few km later, at 395 m altitude, the highest point of the causse, Pech Laglaire offers a surprising panorama at 365°. On the way, the dolmen of Pech Laglaire 2 is listed as a world heritage site by Unesco. A few steps away, the refuge artwork Super-Cayrou. Between Gréalou and Cajarc, we follow the book-path composed of stories drawn on stones and then built into the dry stone walls. Gradually, we descend into the Lot valley, before arriving in Cajarc, a warm village where an air of dolce vita floats.

Dolmen De Pech Laglaire Gréalou Gr 65 © Lot Tourisme C. Ory 140912 090834

Super Cayrou ┬®malikaturin 3986 Modifier Bd

Stage 3: Cajarc - Limogne

18 km

We leave Cajarc and its cliff cirque to join the causse blanc and Limogne-en-Quercy. The path takes us through a sparse forest from hamlet to hamlet At Gaillac, we take a path going up through undergrowth. In Saint-Jean-de-Laur, we land in front of the lake of Saint-Namphaise. One passes then to Gayfié and one joins Limogne-en-Quercy. Here, the causse is dotted with fields of lavender, junipers and truffle oaks. The village has amegalithic heritage that is very rich, including five dolmens classified as Historic Monuments.

Randonner sur les chemins du Grand Figeac

It is not the goal of the walk that is important but the small steps that lead to it.

Chinese proverb

Practical information

Le Super Cayrou double caselle en pierre sèche sur le causse de Saint-Chels

Where to park in FIGEAC?

At the parking lot next to the train station, Avenue des Poilus or along the Avenue des Poilus spaces. This parking lot is free and unattended. To leave your vehicle there for more than 7 days, we invite you to contact the Figeac Municipal Police: Tel. 05 65 50 07 69.

TRANSPORTATION OF LUGGAGE AND PILGRIMERS