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Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac (Chemin de Saint-Jacques)

By Melinda Lusmore

Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

A church, a school, a café, several small hotels or chambres d’hôtes – Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac is the quintessential rural French village, a place where the locals carry on with daily life, unperturbed by the steady stream of long-distance walkers passing though (although they do a fine job of looking after them!).  

Although it feels quite modern after the medieval charm of Aubrac, the church here in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac dates from the fourteenth century and the turrets and towers are a reminder that village life has been going on here for many centuries.

(Published April 2013, last updated April 2022)

Rooftops and turrets of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac set below the forested hills

Our home for the night was la Tour des Chapelains—a tower built around 1475 to shelter the monks who worked in the nearby fields. The spiral steps leading up to our rooms had been worn smooth by thousands of footsteps over the past five hundred years and these thick walls, I am sure, will be sheltering pilgrims well into the future.

La Tour des Chapelains, Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

Welcome to La Tour des Chapelains

Before you scroll to the bottom for practical tips on where to stay and where to eat, what will you see as you wander through the village?

Walkers and locals gather for a drink at Café de la Mairie

First things first – an Orangina at café de la Mairie

Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

The red and white of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques points the way through town.

Church door, Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

Entrance to the fourteenth-century church

La Tour des Chapelains, Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

Pretty as a picture – corner garden of la Tour des Chapelains

Tiled rooftops, Church bell tower and tree covered ridge surrounding Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac

View from the window of la Tour des Chapelains

Two walkers crossing the old stone roman bridge in Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac

The morning sun has yet to hit the pilgrims bridge as we leave Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac for Saint-Côme-d’Olt

Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac, GR65, France

The path out of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac climbs the ridge passing by the cemetery

View of Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac from the top of the ridge, the village nestles into the bottom of the valley

And life in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac continues on as it has for centuries

FAST FACTS

Which long-distance walk in France visits Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac?

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

Where is Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac, France?   Find it on Google maps

Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac is located 131.5 kilometres (82.2 miles) along the Chemin de Saint-Jacques – seven day’s walk from the starting point of Le Puy-en-Velay.

Click through to find my suggested itinerary for all five stages of the walk

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 Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac 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 Roche, Les Faux, Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, Aumont-Aubrac, Nasbinals, Aubrac, Saint-Côme-d’Olt, Espalion, Estaing, Golinhac, Espeyrac and Sénergues.

Tourist Office in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac  

You’ll find an Information Bureau on Route d’Espalion although it does have limited operating hours. If you need assistance, call in to the mairie which is located on the main square. Opening hours are listed here.

A map of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac can be downloaded from this page along with an accompanying brochure which describes some of the listed points of interest.

Accommodation in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac 

No matter what type of accommodation you prefer, you’ll find something to suit your taste and budget in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac.

I can personally recommend la Tour des Chapelains which overflowed with historical charm. There was no demi-pension option when I stayed, but breakfast was so good I wouldn’t hesitate to book it now.

Hotels
Les Coudercous 

Hôtel des Voyageurs 

Chambres d’Hôtes
Tour des Chapelains 

La Carderie 
Relais Saint Jacques
Côté Boralde  

Gîtes
Chez Fanny et Jérémy Gîte Communal
Gîte Saint-André
Gîte Sarbonnel

Campground
Chez Fanny et Jérémy Municipal Camping 

How to book accommodation in French 

Where to eat in Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac 

Whether you arrive at lunch time or looking for a beer (or in my case, an Orangina) at the end of the day’s walk, you’ll find the locals and other walkers gathered at Café de la Mairie.

At dinner time, you’ll find a restaurant in each of the hotels and dinner is often included with the demi-pension rate in other accommodation.

If you need to stock up on snacks and maybe a strawberry tart for the following day, you’ll find a bakery across the road from les Coudercous.

Fresh food markets are held every Wednesday morning throughout the year and on Thursday evenings during the summer months.

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

Find the perfect long-distance walk - green button

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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