(Published February 2016, last updated March 2024)
One of the highlights of a walk along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy is a visit to the church of Saint-Pierre, located in the hamlet of Bessuéjouls, three kilometres past Espalion.
The bell tower of this ancient church dates from the twelfth century and was left intact when the rest of the church was renovated, some 400 years later.
First glimpse of the bell tower as you approach Bessuéjouls
Church of Saint-Pierre in Bessuéjouls
Inside the church, simple white-washed walls offset colourful carvings and paintings of Christ and the apostles.
Inside the church of Saint-Pierre
Stairs at the rear of the church will take you up to the chapel dedicated to the archangel Saint-Michel.
Inside Chapelle Saint-Michel
It’s hard to imagine who used this tiny space.
Perhaps it was reserved for priests, or perhaps it was visited only when needed, to ring church bells which are no longer there. Perhaps it only became a chapel centuries later.
No matter what the original purpose, there is an overwhelming sense of tranquility oozing from the red sandstone columns.
(Take a closer look inside the chapel on the Chapiteaux website.)
Walkers take a break in the sunshine in front of Saint-Pierre
As the Chemin de Saint-Jacques continues on towards Estaing, the path passes a small café
Views back towards the church as the Chemin de Saint-Jacques leaves Bessuéjouls
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Bessuéjouls?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 2: Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac)
Where is Bessuéjouls, France? Find it on Google maps
Bessuéjouls is located 159 kilometres (99.4 miles) along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques. If you’ve been following my suggested itinerary since leaving Le Puy-en-Velay (and stopped to visit Château Fort de Calmont d’Olt on your way out of Espalion), you’ll arrive late in the morning on the eleventh day of walking, but if you are pressed for time, Bessuéjouls can be reached quite comfortably on the eighth day 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 villages along the path between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques and making the return journey each afternoon. The nearest stop to Bessuéjouls is three kilometres east in Espalion or nine kilometres further along in Estaing. 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, Golinhac, Espeyrac and Sénergues.
Accommodation in Bussuéjouls
Chambre d’Hôte
Domaine d’Armagnac (3 rooms, 9 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Bessuéjouls
The grassy lawn in front of the church is a popular spot for long-distance walkers ready to take a break, enjoy a picnic lunch and soak up the atmosphere of this ancient and historic site.
And if you’ve forgotten your picnic lunch—there’s a small café just over the bridge beyond the church.
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
