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La Romieu (Chemin de Saint-Jacques)

By Melinda Lusmore

Low manicured garden surrounded by stone columns of the cloister in La Romieu

(Published February 2021, last updated March 2024)

Almost one thousand years ago, in the eleventh century, two monks returning from a pilgrimage to Rome founded a small priory and built a church—dedicated to Notre-Dame—here, where the Hôtel de Ville now stands, in La Romieu.

Over the next 300 years, the village grew in prominence. In 1318, a collegiate church, dedicated to Saint-Pierre, was built to accommodate the Cardinal and fourteen canons. Soon after this, the Cardinal’s Palace and a cloister were added.

Lush green garden in front of the cloister arcade

In 1569, during the Wars of Religion, La Romieu came under attack from the English. The village was badly damaged and the cloister was burned, destroying the wooden upper floors.

Two centuries later in 1790, following the French Revolution, the original church of Notre-Dame was destroyed and the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre became the parish church.

Interior of the church of Saint-Pierre with high vaulted ceiling, tall stained glass windows

The interior of the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre

The tombs of the Cardinal and his nephews are tucked away in the side walls near the front of the church, and a door to the left leads up to the top of the Belvedere Tower. The stairs are narrow and don’t encourage two-way traffic. I suggest calling out to make sure the way is clear before you start the climb.

View from Tour Belvedere through the security screen of the cloister and village streets of La Romieu, and the Cardinal's Tower

View of the village and the Cardinal’s Tower from Tour Belvedere

From the top, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the village, the cloister and the tower which is all that remains of the Cardinal’s Palace. (The Cardinal’s Tower is the only part of the complex not open to the public).

Delicate stone columns of the fourteenth-century cloister

Fourteenth-century cloister adjoining the church of Saint-Pierre

The complex is open to the public every day (opening hours vary according to the season). Allow an hour to explore the church and cloister, and enjoy the view from the top of the Belvedere Tower.

Stone walls and buildings in the streets of La Romieu ooze medieval charm

The streets of the village ooze medieval charm

In mid-June, La Romieu hosts an arts festival, with artworks displayed throughout the village. In late July, a music festival offers concerts in the church and cloister and throughout the village.

Stone buildings with pal blue shutters, an outdoor café with small potted trees and white shade umbrellas

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits La Romieu?

Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 4: Cahors to Eauze)

Where is La Romieu, France?  Find it on Google maps

La Romieu is located 486.1 kilometres (303.8 miles) along the traditional Chemin de Saint-Jacques path.

My preferred route follows the variante from Figeac through the Célé valley which increases the distance to 507 kilometres (316.9 miles)—a relaxed 29-day walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay, but if you are pressed for time, La Romieu can be reached quite comfortably in time for lunch on the twenty-third day of walking 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)

La Romieu is one of eleven most beautiful villages found along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy. 

Tourist Office in La Romieu 

You’ll find the Tourist Office on Place Étienne Bouet. 

Opening hours for the church and cloister vary throughout the year, and can be found on the village website.

Check the schedule of festivities for any which coincide with your visit. 

Accommodation in La Romieu 

La Romieu offers a good selection of gîtes and chambres d’hôtes. During the summer months when the arts and music festivals are held, rooms can be scarce. I recommend booking well ahead.

Options for accommodation include:

Chambres d’hôtes 
L’étape d’Angeline (5 rooms, 14 people) 
Au Bon Repos (2 rooms, 6 people) 
La Maison d’Aux (2 rooms, 4 people) 
Maison d’Artiste (2 rooms, 4 people) 
La Villa des Artisans (2 rooms, 4 people)
Maison Lantin (2 rooms, 4 people) (book through your favourite hotel booking website) 

Le Perrouet (1 room, 2 people) 
La Clef de Champs (1 room, 2 people)
La Chambre des Marroniers (1 room, 2 people)
Studio du Moulin du Haut (1 room, 2 people) 

L’Ancienne École de Garçons des Frères Maristes 

Gîtes 
Gîte de Beausoleil (35 people) 
Gîte de la Planette (2 rooms, 3 people) 
Le Refuge du Pèlerin 

Campground 
Camp de Florence 

How to book accommodation in French

Where to eat in La Romieu 

You’ll find meals served at l’Étape d’Angeline and The Cardinal restaurants in La Romieu. During the summer months when the village is busy with visitors, I recommend reserving a table in advance or taking the demi-pension option with your accommodation where available.

For more practical supplies, you’ll also find a bakery and supermarket in the village.

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

Purchase the 2024 editions of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks

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Purchase five guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

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About The Author – Melinda Lusmore

Hi! I’m Melinda, the walker behind I Love Walking in France. Nothing makes me happier than wandering through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside in rural France, and helping others to do the same. Whether you’re looking for practical tips or a little inspiration for your own long-distance walk, you’ll find everything you need right here. This website contains no sponsored posts or affiliate links. If I recommend a product, service or somewhere to stay, it’s because I’ve used it, loved it—and I think you will too!

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Are you dreaming of a walk through the picturesque villages and glorious countryside of rural France and don’t know where to start?

Download your FREE guide now!

3 Steps to the Perfect Long-distance Walk

Your details stay here - no walking EVER! It's a promise!

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