Hikers on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in TenceHikers on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
©Hikers on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Tence

On the road to Santiago de Compostela

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From Switzerland to the Haute-Loire, the Route de Saint-Jacques GR 65

Path to Santiago de Compostela – via Tence and Le Puy-en-Velay

This contemporary route between Geneva and Le Puy-en-Velay, known as the Via Gebennensis, GR 65, joins the historic route from Le Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela. From Geneva, the route crosses Savoie, Dauphiné and Pilat to reach the highlands of eastern Velay in Haute-Loire. Altitudes reach 1,200 metres, and the landscape is volcanic.

It’s a 360 km hike that can be completed in around 18 days.

The Haut-Lignon is crossed by the following two stages:

  • Stage 16 from Montfaucon-en-Velay to Saint-Jeures, 19.5 km (5h)
  • Stage 17 from Saint-Jeures to Saint-Julien-Chapteuil, 21 km (5h15)
Long-distance hiking trail markingsGr markings
©Gr markings
In the foreground, a Saint Jacques pilgrim looks out over the old village of Tence with its bridge and the Lignon river.Haute Loire Randonnee Sur Le Chemin De Compostelle De Geneve Au Puy En Velay Au Bord Du Lignon A Tence 18 Luc Olivier
©Haute Loire Randonnée Sur Le Chemin De Saint-Jacques de Compostelle De Geneve Au Puy En Velay Au Bord Du Lignon A Tence |Luc Olivier

    You’ll find the complete itinerary of the Camino de Compostela in the FFRandonnée TopoGuide. It contains all the practical information you need to prepare your stages and follow the right path:

    • Detailed maps
    • Precise mileage and walking times
    • Step-by-step description of the route
    • Accommodation and services along the route
    • Tourist and cultural information
    • On this route in the Haute-Loire, it is possible to have your luggage transported. You can contact one of our transport partners.

    Trail markings

    • In France, the GR 65 is marked in white and red (see photo).
    • The path is passable in all seasons, except for a few sections which may be snow-covered from December to April. In Haute-Loire, the Meygal massif rises to an altitude of 1,200m.

    To continue the route to Saint-Jacques, you’ll need to cover a further 1,522 km.

      Sentier vers Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle” guidebook

      Last edition: May 2023.
      The essential guide to slip easily into your rucksack. With descriptions, detailed maps and all practical information.
      On sale at our reception desks or ordered directly online.


      Practice

      • Appropriate footwear and clothing for all weathers
      • Pay close attention to the weather forecast.
      • In autumn, hunting takes place several days a week, so be careful.
      • Trains: Saint-Etienne and le Puy-en-Velay – SNCF stations
      • Bus line 37H Saint-Agrève / Saint Etienne
      • Oura the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes mobility website www.oura.com
      • Personal and luggage transport: La Malle Postale 04 71 04 21 79 or 06 67 79 38 16 – www.lamallepostale.com
      • Cabs are available in our villages – Information at the Tourist Office.
      • Respect nature along the way
      Hikers on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de CompostelaHikers on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
      ©Hikers on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela
        On the Way of St. James, from Riotord to Saint-Julien-Chapteuil
        On the Way of St. James, from Riotord to Saint-Julien-Chapteuil
        Sur le chemin de Saint-Jacques GR65

        Lodging

        It is advisable to book accommodation before each stage.

        Refreshments

        In Tence

        Restaurants, grocery store, supermarket, cafés, tourist office, cash dispenser

        In Saint-Jeures

        Grocery, coffee, butcher

        Contact