N o r t h S e a

the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe ‑ your way. It’s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative ‑ and very affordable. Set English Channel your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it’s many exotic islands. There’s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging ‑ with all offering unique opportunities to discover the ‘untrodden’ Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries‑old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all‑inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you’ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2‑star or 4‑star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the B a way y you want.

explore europe your way

TRIP COST Joining Aumont‑Aubrac :$1290 All prices are per person

TRIP NAME: THE WAY OF ST JAMES ‑ o f

AUMONT TO CONQUES B i s c a y TRIP CODE: CT4

TRIP DURATION: 8 DAYS OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS GRADE: MODERATE ‑ 3

France Aumont-Aubrac Nasbinals Conques Toulouse

October supplement pp:$130

Single Supplement:$290

ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED WALK

OR HOTELS

Single Person:$310 Single Supplement upgrade:$420

Hotel upgrade supplement:$440

Single Person upgrade:$500 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single room is required ‑ or a single traveller supplement if you are travelling solo*. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single rooms ‑ The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin rooms. *The single traveller surcharge is only available on trips deemed suitable for solo travellers. It is usually more expensive than the single supplement due to the extra cost for luggage transfers and organisation.

IMPORTANT NOTES DN1 - The October supplement applies if any walking days occur in October.

Spain

ACCOMMODATION: 7 NIGHTS IN GUESTHOUSES DATE DETAILS:  DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 31 OCT

highlights  Experience the busiest section of the trail ‑ marked by magnificent architecture, crosses, statues and grain silos  Enjoying the camaraderie of fellow hikers and pilgrims M e d i t e r r a n e a n  Learning about the tale of the “Bête du Gévaudan” (Beast of the Gévaudan)  Viewing the contrasting landscapes and architecture along the walk

the trip Traverse the centuries Strait of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. of Gibraltar In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela. The site became the focus of a pilgrim trail beginning in France, and crossing northern Spain to Santiago de Compostela. This journey, also known as the ‘Way of St James’ winds its way across borders, following in the footsteps of thousands of medieval pilgrims through the beautiful Sierras of Navarre and Aragon. The route passes a multitude of churches and monasteries, resembling a travelling museum of Romanesque art. Four stages of this historic trail are included in our self‑guided walking programs. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who have travelled through this route to Spain for over a thousand years on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Cross the rugged countryside and the Aubrac plateau, the oldest European volcanic massif and walk through picturesque towns, past the roadside crosses, chapels, and looming fortresses that marked the way for the faithful in centuries past. This itinerary can be easily combined with The Way of St James ‑ Le Puy to Aumont beforehand, or continue to Cahors.­

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques DN2 - Upgrade to 3 and 4 star hotels - supplement applies.

itinerary at a glance Day 1

Arrival in Aumont-Aubrac

Day 2

To Nasbinals or Recoules d’Aubrac (26.5km, 7hrs)

Day 3

To St Chely d’Aubrac (4 or 5hrs, 20 or 17km)

Day 4

To picturesque St-Come d’Olt or Espalion (4 or 6hrs, 16 or 25km)

Day 5

Follow the Lot river to Estaing (5 or 3hrs, 20 or 11km)

Day 6

Continue to Golinhac (4hrs, 16km)

Day 7

Finish walking at Conques (6hrs, 21km)

Day 8

Trip concludes, or continue to Cahors

detailed itinerary DAY 1 Arrival in Aumont-Aubrac Make your own way to Aumont-Aubrac. Set at 1043m, the town is in the heart of Lozère and is an important point on The Way of St James. There is a statue here of the “Bête du Gévaudan” (Beast of the Gévaudan), the maneating wolf-dog that terrorised the Lozère area in the late 1700s and as a werewolf has inspired literature and popular culture since the mid 1800s. meals: D

DAY 2 To Nasbinals or Recoules d’Aubrac (26.5km, 7hrs) From Aumont-Aubrac in “Terre de Peyre” (land of stone), the Way of St James crosses some beautiful pine forests before joining the Aubrac plateau, a vast expanse of pastures punctuated by “burons” (in the Auvergne region this is a shelter where the cowherd lives and makes cheese during the summer). Here you are in the country of the famous Laguiole knife, an indispensable tool to cut the cheese of the same name. Arrive at your hotel/guest house in Nasbinals or Recoules d’Aubrac. meals: B,D

DAY 3 To St Chely d’Aubrac (4 or 5hrs, 20 or 17km) This stage takes you through the heart of the Aubrac plateau, where the ancestral rite of transhumance is still practiced (the transhumance fair is on the Sunday nearest 25th of May). At lunch time, you can try the regional specialties at a buron or country inn, where local dishes are available such as the “aligot” (mashed potato with cheese and garlic), assorted cooked meats from the mountain or a good crepe omelette. In Aubrac you can see remnants of an ancient “Domerie” (name given to the hospital in Aubrac in medieval times). Overnight hotel in St-Chely d’Aubrac. meals: B,D

DAY 4 To picturesque St-Come d’Olt or Espalion (4 or 6hrs, 16 or 25km) We leave the country of the “Boraldes” (name given to the brooks descending from the Aubrac) to reach the Lot valley. Here you are near St-Côme d’Olt, listed among the “most beautiful villages of France”. There are remnants of numerous bridges constructed over the Lot river which made the pilgrims’ crossings easier. Overnight hotel in St-Come d’Olt or continue to Espalion, dependent on availability. Espalion’s lovely old stone bridge is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. meals: B,D

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques DAY 5 Follow the Lot river to Estaing (5 or 3hrs, 20 or 11km) The walk continues on the Way of St James following the stream of the Lot river to the lovely village of Estaing, with its Gothic bridge and imposing chateau. The annual St Fleuret fair has been held here since the 14th century (on the first Sunday of July). On this occasion, a great procession travels through the village in period costume. Overnight hotel in Estaing. meals: B,D

DAY 6 Continue to Golinhac (4hrs, 16km) We leave the Lot valley at the village of Golinhac, remarkable for its church. The church preserves the Roman foundations of a Benedictine priory, which was dependent on Conques abbey. At the entrance of the village of Golinhac, there is a stony cross with a small sculpted pilgrim erected on it. In Espeyrac in 960, according to the tale, a pilgrim who became blind after a mugging, recovered sight by making an invocation to the patron saint of Conques. Overnight hotel in Golinhac. meals: B,D

DAY 7 Finish walking at Conques (6hrs, 21km) The walk to Conques is very often one of the favourite stages for pilgrims as the view over the village is breathtaking if you come from the east. While descending into the deep valley of the Ouche, you will arrive near the Dourdou river (which flows into the Lot river, to the north) and discover this village with pointed roofs over which the towers of the Romanesque Abbey-Chruch Sainte Foy dominate. You can also admire the village’s portal, a real treasure from Roman times. Relax in one of the many bars to experience the atmosphere of this lovely town. meals: B,D

DAY 8 Trip concludes, or continue to Cahors Trip concludes after breakfast. Note: this itinerary can easily be combined with The Way of St James - Le Puy to Aumont beforehand, or you can continue to Cahors. Ask our staff for details. meals: B

inclusions

7 breakfasts, 7 dinners: Breakfasts are usually continental inclusive of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. Dinner will consist of 3 courses, usually starting with a salad, followed by a chicken, red meat, fish or pasta dish & finishing with a dessert of fruit or cakes. 7 nights in guesthouses or hotels, generally with ensuite facilities. On occasion facilities will be shared with one or two other rooms. (upgrade to comfort hotels available ‑ supplement applies) Information pack including maps and walking guide (per room booked) Visitor tax Luggage transfer ‑ max 1 bag of up to 15kg per person Emergency hotline

items not included Travel to and from Aumont‑Aubrac / Conques Drinks and lunches daily Items of a personal nature Entrance fees Tour guide – this is a self guided walking trip Transfers Travel insurance Excess Baggage ‑ arrangements can be made to carry baggage in excess of the 1 bag of 15kg limit. Excess baggage which has not been pre organised may be refused. A supplement applies for excess baggage. Please ask our office for details.

© 2011 World Expeditions Travel Group - Dana Garofani 12/15/2016 12:40:08 PM

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques getting there BY CAR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com BY TRAIN For timetables from Paris to Aumont‑Aubrac see www.voyages‑sncf.com. As Conques does not have a train station, you must travel to St Christophe‑Vallon (direct train to Paris) or Rodez train stations at the conclusion of the trip. There are some bus services between Conques and the trainline.There is a taxi / minibus transfer back to Aumont‑Aubrac which must be booked at least 5 days before travel due to limited availability. It is possible to travel by train but it involves at least 3 changes and takes 3 to 4 hours plus waiting time. BY AIR Fly to Rodez, France and then catch the train to Aumont‑Aubrac. On arrival catch a taxi to your hotel. You can use the French Rail website to view timetables or book tickets on line www.voyages‑sncf.com

trip grading - moderate

Daily walks are between 11 to 26.5km on well marked trails over diverse terrain – from relatively flat to mountainous. This is a well worn path where route finding will be reasonably straight forward (refer below for further details on self guided adventures). The accent is on keeping a steady pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure.

dietary requirements

Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut‑free or allergen‑free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life‑threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self‑administering these medications.

a note on our self guided adventures

Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again.

joining instructions

Three weeks prior to your departure you will receive details of the hotel and joining instructions. You will also receive a hotel list, maps and a guide book (one per room booked). © 2015 World Expeditions Travel Group - Automated Import 1/6/2017 11:24:11 PM

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques Detailed route notes

fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED France VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen‑visa‑countries‑list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE On the Aubrac plateau (between 1000 and 1400m high): uplands climate, cool in spring and autumn, warm but temperate by the altitude in summer. Risk of summer storms due to the mountains. In the Lot valley (between 400 and 700m high): mild in spring and autumn, warm in summer. MIN GROUP SIZE 1 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Wet weather gear, sunscreen, good walking boots / shoes, sun hat and walking poles. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre‑departure information provided on confirmation of your booking.

special notes

Combining this trip with the Way of St James ‑ Conques to Cahors walk:‑ As both trips include a night in Conques there will be two nights in Conques altogether. You can elect to have only one night and therefore obtain a discount. If you continue with the two nights, unfortunately the Abbaye where we stay in Conques does not accept 2 consecutive nights. You will therefore need to advise us if you would like to have one night in the Abbaye and one night in the Auberge, or have two nights in the Auberge (and therefore not change accommodation). Please ensure you advise us of this at the time of booking.

how to book

To book a UTRACKS trip, complete our booking form which is found at the back of our brochure or can be downloaded from our website www.utracks.com. On completion, fax or post the form to your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office or Travel Agent along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). A deposit only is required for participants of guided trips. UTRACKS/World Expeditions has access to pre and post accommodation and competitive airfares to Europe. Call your nearest UTRACKS/World Expeditions office or travel agent for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance and additional accommodation.

follow us

https://www.facebook.com/UTracks https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/UTracks_Travel There’s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques slide shows

UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website – www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!

e-newsletter

To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office.

IMPORTANT NOTE

THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE.

talk to us

If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office.

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the way of st james ‑ aumont to conques

AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) 8270 8488 F: (02) 8270 8489 Toll free: 1300 303 368 [email protected] Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:• Melbourne • Perth • Brisbane • Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at www.worldexpeditions.com NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, 59-67 High St Auckland CBD PO Box 106-275 Auckland City 1143 T: (09) 368 4161 F: (09) 368 4162 Toll Free: 0800 350 354 [email protected]

CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: 613 241 2700 F: 613 2414189 Toll Free:  1-800-567-2216 [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: 0845 241 7599 F: 020 8870 7014 T: 1800 946 258 (Ireland) [email protected]

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