(Published December 2015, last updated March 2024)
Consisting of barely more than a church, a hotel and a few dozen houses, the village of Espeyrac packs a lot of charm into the narrow streets and is a delightful place to stop for the night on a long-distance walk along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy.
A leisurely stroll around the village will take less than an hour, so leave your boots on and start exploring.
What will you find?
Hôtel de la Vallée will re-open in 2023 as Auberge des 3 Dazes
View from my room in Hôtel de la Vallée
Water well
Stone houses partially disguised under a layer of stucco
Typical stone house
…a choice of water wells
A thin layer of mist hangs over the valley as we leave the next morning
Views of Espeyrac from the GR65 Chemin de Saint-Jacques
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Espeyrac?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 2: Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac)
Where is Espeyrac, France? Find it on Google maps
Espeyrac is located 191 kilometres (119.4 miles) along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques – a relaxed 12-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay but if you are pressed for time, Espeyrac can be reached quite comfortably in 9 days without sacrificing any of the highlights.
Click through to find my suggested itinerary for all five stages of the walk or click through onto each of the five stages to find faster itineraries.
If you prefer to set your own agenda, I share the steps I take to plan my itinerary on any long-distance walk (using the Chemin de Stevenson as a case study)
The Compostel’Bus service runs every morning, connecting Espeyrac with villages along the path between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques and making the return journey each afternoon. Other stops include Montbonnet, Saint-Privat-d’Allier, Monistrol-d’Allier, Saugues, Villeret-d’Apchier, La Chapelle-Saint-Roch (3 kms beyond le Sauvage), Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, Aubrac, Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac and Sénergues.
Tourist Office in Espeyrac
There is no Tourist Office in Espeyrac but if you need assistance, ask at the mairie which is open every morning from Monday to Saturday. Opening hours are listed on the mairie website.
Accommodation in Espeyrac
Options for accommodation are limited so I recommend booking ahead.
Hotel
Auberge des 3 Dazes (previously Hôtel de la Vallée will re-open in 2024)
Gîtes
Gîte de l’École d’Espeyrac (14 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Espeyrac
If you are spending the night at Gîte de l’École d’Espeyrac, cooking facilities are available in the communal kitchen.
A new grocery store in the village is open every day, except Saturday afternoon and all day Sunday.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the 2024 editions of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks
Purchase five guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
