Estaing (Chemin de Saint-Jacques)

(Published May 2013, last updated March 2025)

One hundred and sixty-eight kilometres (105 miles) after leaving Le Puy-en-Velay, the Chemin de Saint-Jacques reaches the ‘most beautiful village’ of Estaing. Sitting on a bend of the River Lot and dominated by an imposing eleventh-century château, the village presents a breath-taking view.

An early arrival into Estaing, after a short 12 kilometre (7.5 mile) walk from Espalion, will allow plenty of time to relax over a long lunch, wander through the quaint, narrow streets and visit the château.

Before you start exploring, call into the Tourist Office in Rue François d’Estaing and ask for a map of the village which highlights eighteen marked points of interest.

In a small side street off Rue François d’Estaing is the fifteenth-century church dedicated to Saint-Fleuret, a local bishop, who passed through the village in 621 CE while returning from a pilgrimage to Rome. He performed several miracles during his stay but, unfortunately, became ill and died. A procession is held in his honour on the first Sunday in July.

The inside of the church is beautifully decorated in shades of gold and blue and displays an interesting collection of carved panels, including a poignant image of a young girl about to lose her head.

Across from the church stands Château d’Estaing—an imposing structure that dominates every view of the village. The château was built in the eleventh century but has been expanded over time, with extensive renovations being completed in recent years.

For most of the last 800 years, this grand building has been home to the ruling family of Estaing, many of whom have played important roles in the military and religious history of the region. Since 2005, it has been owned by Valéry Giscard d’Estaing—President of France from 1974 to 1981.

Inside the château, exhibits are divided into two broad sections. The first half explains how the rooms in the château were used throughout its history, but the second half is a tour through the cultural and political history of France during the time of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing’s presidency, with exhibits showing such events as the introduction of maternity leave for women.

The château can be explored at your own pace, and it is well worth allowing an hour or so to wander through the rooms. Guided visits are also available.

Estaing is filled with narrow, crooked lanes, medieval stone houses and is a joy to wander aimlessly for an hour or so. All streets lead eventually back to the river, so it’s impossible to become lost. Take your time, and settle in at one of the many cafés when you are ready to relax.

Estaing hosts several festivals throughout the year. Beds can be scarce at these times and I recommend booking well in advance.

Each Wednesday evening from mid-June until mid-September, a Son et Lumière display illuminates the château.

On most Saturday evenings in July and August, the village is lit by flaming torches as young and old parade through the streets in medieval costumes. The festivities culminate in a medieval festival which is held during the second weekend of September.

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Estaing?

Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 2: Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac)

Look inside the CHEMIN DE SAINT-JACQUES (PDF) guidebook

Where is Estaing, France?   Find it on Google maps

Estaing is located 168 kilometres (105 miles) along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques—a relaxed 11-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay If you are pressed for time, Estaing can be reached quite comfortably in 8 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).

Estaing is one of eleven most beautiful villages found along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du Puy. The others are Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Conques, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lauzerte, Auvillar, La Romieu, Larressingle, Montréal-du-Gers, Navarrenx and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. 

Transport options to and from Estaing 

The Compostel’Bus service runs every morning, connecting Estaing 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, Golinhac, Espeyrac and Sénergues.

On week days, daily bus services (select Aveyron region) connect Estaing to Espalion (line 212).

Tourist Office in Estaing 

You’ll find the Tourist Office at 24 Rue François d’Estaing. Opening hours are listed on the village website.

A tourist map, which includes a description (en français) of eighteen marked points of interest is available from the Tourist Office.

Check the Château d’Estaing website for opening hours throughout the year.

You’ll find a list of events and festivities for each month on the Aveyron website. 

Accommodation in Estaing  

There is a good selection of accommodation available in Estaing, and you are sure to find something that suits your taste and budget. You’ll find accommodation at:

Hotels 
Auberge Saint-Fleuret 
Aux Armes d’Estaing 

Chambres d’hôtes
Chez Jeannot (5 rooms, 12 people)
Manoir de la Fabrègues (3 rooms, 8 people) 
Chez Tifille (3 rooms, 8 people)
Lou Bellut (2 rooms, 4 people)  

Gîtes
Gîte Communal (22 people)
Gîte Saint-Christophe (5 rooms, 15 people)
Gîte L’Oustal del Camin (3 rooms, 12 people)
Gîte les Pieds dans l’Olt (5 rooms, 10 people)    
Gîte Chez Aurélie (3 rooms, 8 people) 

Campground
Campground Municipal la Chantellerie 

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in Estaing 

After a long day walking and sight-seeing, you deserve a good dinner and Auberge Saint-Fleuret offers delicious regional cuisine made from local produce. If the weather is warm, tables are set out on the vine-covered back terrace but cooler nights may be spent inside around the fire. (I have stayed at l’Auberge Saint-Fleuret on two visits to Estaing and can thoroughly recommend both the rooms and the dinner.)

Dinner is also served at Aux Armes d’Estaing and although I have not eaten there, the photos on the website look very tempting.

There are several other cafés located in the village serving local specialities or pizza, light snacks and ice-cream throughout the day.

Groceries and other essentials are available from the boulangerie and épicerie, both are located on Rue François d’Estaing.  

Fresh food markets are held on Friday evenings in July and August.

Practical tips for long-distance walking—preparation, packing and avoiding blisters

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Look inside the CHEMIN DE SAINT-JACQUES (PDF) guidebook