The roads to Santiago de Compostela

The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Routes in Haute-Vienne

For everyone, a pilgrimage along the Camino de Compostela is an unforgettable experience. Whatever your reasons for taking the pilgrimage route: self-discovery, (re)discovery of the Franco-Spanish landscape and heritage, a sporting spirit, spirituality… it’s a good idea to get organized, from the preparation of your route to the completion of your project. Among the many routes to Compostela, Haute-Vienne is crossed by the Voie de Vézelay on the GR®654 over 170 km from north-east to south-west.

The Vézelay
of Vézelay

All those who have approached Vézelay on foot from the north, or who have left it as they went, will treasure their memories. This route extends the itineraries from the north, east and from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Pilgrims can choose between the northern branch, via Bourges, and the southern branch, via Nevers. Starting from the hill of Vézelay, then passing through the countryside, you cross the Loire, then the entre deux mers and the immense Landes forest to arrive at Saint-Palais. This is the site of the famous Gibraltar stele, a monument erected in 1964 to symbolize the crossroads where the Tours, Vézelay and Puy-en-Velay routes meet. The “plus”: for a more enjoyable hike, don’t forget the Bergerac variant of the Vézelay route. It offers a path dotted with Bordeaux vineyards.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Vézelay Way, 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

An exceptional heritage awaits the walker. A UNESCO-listed Romanesque collegiate church dedicated to Léonard, the town’s founding saint. A little-known but delightful sweet speciality: marzipan. Renowned crafts such as Limoges porcelain, leather and paper. And let’s not forget our most popular cycling champion, Raymond Poulidor.

Discover Saint Léonard

Limoges

Hikers reach Limoges, the capital of the Limousin region, via Feytiat. Crossing the Saint-Etienne bridge, he reaches the 13th-, 16th- and 19th-century Limoges cathedral. Stroll through the old streets of the “Cité”, visit the gardens of the bishop’s palace, the national porcelain museum, or the Halles Centrales (designed by Gustave Eiffel) adjacent to the famous rue de la Boucherie.

Discover Limoges

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

Pilgrims need to be well prepared for the experience. A place of encounters, of discovery of nature and of others, of personal enrichment and solidarity, the road makes the pilgrim humble and grateful.
Walking to Compostela in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims is a unique personal experience.
It’s not a race, not a marathon, not an obsession with mileage.
Everyone walks at their own pace, each on their own path.