(Published May 2013, last updated March 2024)
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—almost daring you to keep walking without stopping to take a photo.
The ‘most beautiful village’ of Estaing on the River Lot
I recommend a shorter walk (12 kilometres/7.5 miles) on the eleventh day of walking along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (day 5 on the second stage from Aumont-Aubrac to Figeac), arriving in Estaing around lunchtime and leaving the afternoon free to relax. There are plenty of picturesque corners to explore or to simply sit and rest your feet.
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—and start walking!
Église Saint-Fleuret
Visit the church of Saint-Fleuret
From the river, head up Rue François d’Estaing. Tucked away behind the buildings on your right is the fifteenth-century church dedicated to Saint-Fleuret, a priest who died here in 621 CE while on a pilgrimage to Rome. Like all good saints, he performed many miracles and a procession is held in his honour on the first Sunday in July.
Carved panel of a young girl about to lose her head in l’église Saint-Fleuret
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.
Château d’Estaing
Explore Château d’Estaing
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. Some of the rooms that are open to the public display an exhibition dedicated to his life and career, while others provide information about the room’s original use.
The château can be explored at your own pace or guided visits are available.
Stone houses line the stream which runs through Estaing
Wander through the back streets
Every corner in Estaing is a photo opportunity and every fork in the road is an agonising decision. No matter which way you choose, the views will be splendid and if you wander aimlessly for half an hour or so you are bound to cover most of the village.
Medieval houses in Estaing
Picturesque street through Estaing
Enjoy an ice-cream at Chez Lilou
Every afternoon (except for Wednesdays), the staff at Chez Lilou set out tables and chairs along the footpath beside the river.
Chez Lilou sets out tables here alongside the river
You’ve earned a rest, even if you’ve only walked twelve kilometres (seven miles) from Espalion, so find a seat overlooking the river. In addition to the usual choice of cold drinks, coffee and light meals, Chez Lilou also serves an extensive range of ice-cream.
Auberge Saint-Fleuret
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)
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 but 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)
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.
Estaing is one of eleven most beautiful villages found along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy.
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 or can be downloaded at Guide de visite d’Estaing.
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
The number of beds in Estaing has risen sharply with four new gîtes and chambres d’hôtes adding to the supply. You’ll find accommodation at:
Hotels
Auberge Saint-Fleuret
Aux Armes d’Estaing
Chambres d’hôtes
Chez Jeannot (5 rooms, 12 people)
Lou Bellut (2 rooms, 4 people)
Chez Tifille
Gîtes
Gîte Communal (22 people)
Gîte Saint-Christophe (5 rooms, 15 people)
Gîte les Pieds dans l’Olt (5 rooms, 14 people)
Gîte au Paradis sur Terre (4 rooms, 14 people)
Gîte Chez Aurelie (3 rooms, 8 people)
Gîte L’Oustal del Camin (6 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 l’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 if you prefer, pizza or crêpes—and, of course, ice-cream and light snacks at Chez Lilou.
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
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
I’d never heard of Estaing before this, Melinda, but given your description of how picturesque it is, somehow I suspect I’d be tempted to stay much longer than half a day. 🙂 How long did it take you to do the Chemin de Saint-Jacques?
Hi Tricia, we did the section from Aumont-Aubrac to Conques in six days of comfortable walking. Estaing certainly is a gorgeous village and it would be a shame to rush through without exploring 🙂