Alison Raju

The Way of St James - Le Puy to the Pyrenees: GR65: The Chemin de Saint Jacques Alison Raju

This comprehensive guidebook describes the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago) pilgrim route through France. Also known as the Chemin de St Jacques or GR65, the 730km (454 mile) route runs from Le Puy-en-Velay in central France to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees. People have been walking it as a pilgrimage route for over 1000 years, and with adequate preparation it is suitable for most walkers with a basic level of fitness. This indispensible guide contains detailed descriptions and sketch mapping for the route, accompanied by a wealth of practical advice on accommodation, facilities and local points of interest. It also includes information about the history of the pilgrimage, and notes on holy sites and imagery along the route. The guidebook describes 2-3 additional days from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncevalles (and Pamplona), for those continuing along the Camino Frances through northern Spain. It also outlines a 3-4 day route from Saint-Palais direct to Irun, which links with the Camino del Norte coastal route. A companion volume: The Way of St James: Pyrenees-Santiago-Finisterre covers the Spanish section of the route.