Arrival in Le Puy-en-Velay, capital of Haute-Loire, in the southeastern sector of the Massif Central. Take in the impressive volcanic scenery, where rocky peaks rise up from the valley floor. Starting point of the Via Podiensis and a major pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, Le Puy boasts UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sights such as the Hôtel-Dieu and Romanesque Cathedral of Notre Dame. Get ready to ride and purchase a pilgrim’s passport to be stamped at stops on your journey.

Start cycling directly from the cathedral as you follow the pilgrimage route up out of Le Puy. Traverse the Monts du Velay among fields of green lentils, then glide down into the Haut-Allier Gorge. A scenic mosaic of landscapes unfolds as you ride across La Margeride Plateau. Conquer one last ascent just before Saugues, home to the mysterious man-eating Beast of Gévaudan and a yearly Wild Mushroom Fair. 

Challenge: 46km, 1050m ascent, 625m descent

Tremble at the terrible legend of the 18th-century Bête du Gévaudan and pause to take pictures of the English Tower, then roll off toward Truyère Valley. Crowning the highest point at St Roch Chapel, elevation 1300m, you’ll pedal past the hamlets of Le Rouget, St Alban-sur-Limagnole and Les Estrets. Your day of cycling ends in the very heart of Lozère, for centuries a key stop on the pilgrimage route.

Challenge: 44km, 800m ascent, 730m descent

Take off and traverse pine groves to reach Aubrac Plateau, then hit higher terrain with panoramas as far as the eye can see. Just after the nomadic shepherds’ site of Nasbinals, you reach Col d'Aubrac, elevation 1340m, the highest point on the Way of St James! The lovely village of Aubrac signals the start of a long steep descent, nearly 30km leading to Saint Côme d’Olt, one of ‘Les plus belles villages de France’. Coast along on a relaxing flat stretch through Lot Valley and end your day in picturesque Estaing.

Challenge: 78km, 655m ascent, 1375m descent

Steel yourself for a short but tough stage, starting with the steep ascent up to Campuac. Once you catch your breath, continue riding to reach Espeyrac’s medieval castle in ruins. Stop in Sénergues to explore the Tour Carrée and yet another castle. Then revel in a spectacular descent on your way to Conques, a Romanesque gem and must-see on the Via Podiensis!

Challenge: 36km, 680m ascent, 440m descent

Set off on the Dourdou de Conques, pedalling pleasantly toward the River Lot. Sail along to Livinhac-le-Haut, then press uphill into the Célé Valley. The last bit is a steep ascent up to Figeac, a pretty pilgrim town packed with art and history. Set on the banks of the Célé, this lovely location saw the birth of Champollion, ‘Father of Egyptology’ and the first to decipher hieroglyphics.

Challenge: 43km, 430m ascent, 740m descent

Slide into secret Célé Valley and wind alongside the river, stopping at quintessential Quercy villages. Espagnac boasts ancient troglodyte dwellings and the lovely 13th-century church of Saint Sulpice, and Marcilhac will move you with its Benedictine Abbey in ruins. Next, Sauliac leads to Cabrerets and the prehistoric cave of Peche Merle. In Conduché you meet up with the River Lot and cruise across the bridge into Bouziès.

Challenge: 54km, 80m ascent, 150m descent

Your last day ... and what a ride we have in store! Leaving the cycling variant behind, you join hikers on the main pilgrimage route. Then you take off on a breath-taking stretch, cut right into the rock above the River Lot. Pause to rest in gorgeous Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched on a rocky outcropping, and check off another of France’s 'most beautiful villages'. Surge onward along a steep ascent with panoramic views, take a break in Aujols then pedal toward Flaujac-Poujols. A stunning 5-km descent leads to the medieval town of Cahors, your final destination.

Challenge: 35km, 540m ascent, 550m descent

Your cycling trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. An extra night(s) may be booked to extend your stay in Cahors, with its Valentré Bridge.