(Published December 2015, last updated April 2025)
Consisting of little more than a church, a hotel and a few dozen houses, the village of Espeyrac packs a lot of charm into the handful of narrow streets.
Approaching the village of Espeyrac
As you arrive in the village, you’ll find a well-stocked grocery store offering a wide range of snacks, pastries and takeaway meals and drinks, in addition to other essential items.
The shaded picnic tables beside Epicerie d’Espeyrac offer the perfect spot to relax before continuing on
Whether you are staying the night or just passing through, allow half an hour to explore this gem of a village.
The view from the upper floor of Hôtel de la Vallée (now Auberge des 3 Dazes)
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
View of Espeyrac from the Chemin de Saint-Jacques on the way out of town
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits Espeyrac?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 2: Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac)
Look inside the CHEMIN DE SAINT-JACQUES (PDF) guidebook
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 nine 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)
Transport options to and from Espeyrac
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.
Gîtes
Gîte de l’École d’Espeyrac (14 people)
Gîte Loulapi (1 room, 4 people)
How to book accommodation in French
Where to eat in Espeyrac
Epicerie d’Espeyrac is open every day, except for Sunday afternoons, and while the restaurant at Auberge des 3 Dazes is often open for lunch or dinner, opening hours are irregular.
A communal dinner is available (and recommended) at Gîte Loulapi, and should be requested when booking your bed. If you are spending the night at Gîte de l’École d’Espeyrac, cooking facilities are available in the communal kitchen.
Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters
Purchase the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks
Purchase five (PDF) guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
