Via Podiensis Puy to the Pyrenees
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Cahors - Lectoure 7 days /6 nights / 5 walking days  | Between Cahors and Lectoure, the route crosses farming country, ending in the Gers, region of 'bastides' (fortified villages) and of foie gras. As you go you will be able to enjoy the superb village of Moissac, historic staging post of the pilgrimage and Mecca of Romanesque art. |
Day 1: Arrive Cahors
Day 2: Cahors - Montcuq
Altitude at departure: 122m/403ft
We finally leave the Lot Valley, that we have been following off and on since Espalion, and head more directly south. Meanwhile we scale the slopes above the river by means of steps and rungs (height difference of 200m). Then the route stretches away across the fertile Quercy Blanc (the name derives from the region's chalky rock) to Montcuq and its distinctive fortress.
Altitude at arrival: 175m/577ft, 31 kms/19.4 miles, 7 hours 45 mins Day 3: Montcuq – Durfort Lacapelette
Altitude at departure: 175m/577ft
The journey across Quercy continues and brings us to Lot et Garonne. We pass our first 'bastide', Lauzerte, isolated on its pinnacle (a worthwhile 2 kms/1.25 miles detour) and, enjoying the pretty architecture of the region, head on to Durfort.
Altitude at arrival: 206m/680ft, 25.7 kms/16 miles, 6 hours 30 mins
Day 4: Durfort Lacapelette – Moissac
Altitude at departure: 206m/680ft
A short walk across fields and orchards brings us swiftly to Moissac, a lovely town on the banks of the Tarn that has always been an important halt on the Way of St. James. As well as the historic centre, it is worth having a look at the Canal Bridge, where the Garonne canal spans the river.
Altitude at arrival: 76m/251ft, 14 kms/8.75 miles, 3 hours 30 mins. Day 5: Moissac – Auvillar
Altitude at departure: 76m/251ft
Our route today follows the canal towpath for the most part – a relaxing, tranquil day (unless you decide to take the higher and more tiring path along the slopes above). Cross the bridge at Pommevic and head south to Auvillar.
Altitude at arrival: 108m/356ft, 19.2 kms/12 miles, 4 hours 45 mins. Day 6: Auvillar – Lectoure
Altitude at departure: 108m/356ft
Walk beneath the motorway and soon we are in Gers. Pass Flamarens and its old castle, followed by Miradoux, the oldest bastide of the Gers, before arriving at Castet Arrouy. Now there is a choice – the direct route for Lectoure or the old GR route via Saint Avit Frandat (191m/630ft).
Altitude at arrival: 186m/614ft, 33.1 kms/20.70 miles, 8 hours Day 7: End of holiday after breakfast. |
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