Balise Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Routes

The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Routes in Haute-Vienne

Embarking on a pilgrimage along the Santiago de Compostela routes remains an unforgettable life experience for everyone. Whatever the reasons that drive you to walk the path — self-discovery, (re)discovering the Franco-Spanish landscapes and heritage, sports spirit, spirituality… it is important to plan ahead, from preparing your route to completing your journey. Among the many paths to Compostela, the Haute-Vienne is crossed by the Vézelay Route on the GR®654, covering 170 km from the northeast to the southwest.

The Vézelay
route

All those who have approached Vézelay on foot, coming from the north, or who have left it at the pace of their steps, will forever remember it. This route extends the paths coming from the North, East, and from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. At the start, pilgrims can choose between the northern branch via Bourges and the southern branch via Nevers. Starting from the hill of Vézelay, passing through the Limousin countryside, you cross the Loire, then the Entre-deux-Mers, and the vast Landes forest to reach Saint-Palais. This is the site of the famous Gibraltar stele, a monument erected in 1964 that symbolizes the crossroads where the paths of Tours, Vézelay, and Le Puy-en-Velay meet. The “bonus”: for an even more enjoyable hike, don’t forget the Bergerac variant offered along the Vézelay route. It takes you through a path dotted with vineyards of the Bordeaux region.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Vézelay route, also known as the Via Lemovicensis, starts from a highly symbolic site, the basilica containing the relics of Saint Mary Magdalene.

Stopover towns

Saint-Léonard
de Noblat

It’s an exceptional heritage awaiting hikers. A collegiate church listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a Romanesque collegiate dedicated to Leonard, the saint who founded the town. A little-known sweet specialty that will delight you, the marzipan. Renowned craftsmanship in porcelain, with the Carpenet company, certified as a Living Heritage Company and Protected Geographical Indication. And, of course, the most popular cycling champion, Raymond Poulidor.

Limoges

The hiker reaches Limoges, the capital of the Limousin region, passing through Feytiat. Upon crossing the Saint-Etienne bridge, they arrive at the Limoges cathedral, which dates back to the 13th, 16th, and 19th centuries. They can stroll through the old streets of the ‘Cité,’ visit the bishop’s gardens, the National Porcelain Museum, or the Central Market (designed in the workshops of Gustave Eiffel), located next to the famous Rue de la Boucherie.

The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is more than just a hike.

  • It requires preparation so that the pilgrim can fully experience this journey. A place of encounter, discovery of nature and others, personal growth, and solidarity, the pilgrimage makes the pilgrim humble and grateful.
  • Walking to Santiago de Compostela, following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims, is a unique personal experience.
  • It is not a race, a marathon, or an obsession with the number of kilometers covered.
  • Everyone walks at their own pace, everyone walks their own path.

Come as you are

Solo, in a group, with friends
At your own pace, we're in no hurry!
Walking shoes are mandatory
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