(Published February 2021, last updated June 2025)
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.
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.
The interior of the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre
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.
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 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).
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.
Maison de Maurice Serreau, across the square from L’Étape d’Angéline
As you wander through the streets of La Romieu, you’ll notice several stone cats, perched on window sills, in gardens and above doorways. These are the work of Maurice Serreau, an artist from Orléans who fell in love with the village and made his home here.
The sculptures are a tribute to a young girl, Angéline, and her two cats who, in the fourteenth century, saved the villagers and their crops from a devastating plague of rats.
Another Pilgrims’ Trail, the GR 652, arrives in La Romieu through Porte de Rocamadour, having followed a meandering 300-kilometre route from the medieval city of Rocamadour
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.
FAST FACTS
Which long-distance walk in France visits La Romieu?
Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy (Stage 4: Cahors to Eauze)
Look inside the CHEMIN DE SAINT-JACQUES (PDF) guidebook
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 you’ll visit along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du Puy. The others are Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Estaing, Conques, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lauzerte, Auvillar, Larressingle, Montréal-du-Gers, Navarrenx and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
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.
Read the full story of how Angéline and her two cats saved La Romieu.
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)
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)
On Va Vers le Beau (18 people)
La Constellation (15 people)
Gîte de la Planette (9 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 Chemin de Saint-Jacques (PDF) guidebooks
Purchase five guidebooks covering Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
