International Retreats
France Camino Le Puy
October 10-17, 2025
Overview of the Camino Le Puy
The Camino Le Puy / Via Podiensis / Chemin de Saint-Jacques / GR 65 goes by several names and is the most significant pilgrimage route in France. This long-distance trail of 463 miles starts in Le Pay-en-Velay and eventually merges with the Camino de Santiago French Way in Saint - Jean-Pied-DE-Port and continues a further 500 miles across Spain to Santiago de Compostella where the body of the Apostle Saint James lies.
We will walk the last 40 miles of the Camino over 5 days from Sauvelade to Saint-Jean-Pied-de- Port through the bucolic setting of southwestern France where a herd of sheep or tractor is more likely to cross our path than a car.
As we near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, ranked among “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France,” the majestic French Pyrenees will form a classic alpine backdrop for our walk in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
Highlights of the Camino Le Puy include walking in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who have traveled since Medieval times, interacting with locals in tiny hamlets where time has stood still, exploring ancient churches and abbeys, and savoring local specialties such as pain au chocolat, confit, cassoulet, truffles and vin rouge. Restaurants and brasseries proudly feature artisanal products from local farms. Come experience the diverse landscapes and flavors of a lesser known side of France!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Oct 10
Fly to Pau (PUF), Biarritz (BIQ) or Bordeaux (BOD)
It is recommended to make your flight arrangements early from your hometown.
Day 2- Oct 11
Transfer to Navarrenx, afternoon yoga, dinner included
From Pau airport, it is a 40 minute taxi to Navarrenx.
From Biarritz airport, Navarrenx can be reached by 1 hour taxi or a combination of train and bus (3 hours)
From Bordeaux, it is a 1 hour and 45 minute train ride to Orthez followed by a 25 minute taxi to Navarrenx.
Navarrenx - no ordinary walled city
Navarrenx with its rustic and elegant houses and Italian style fortifications, is one of France’s most beautiful villages, and the capital of salmon fishing. Its history is long and tumultuous. Like many towns in southern France, it was well-settled when the Romans swept through in the first century A.D. By the twelfth century, a fortress—la Casterasse—dominated the eastern bank of the river Gave d’Oloron, controlling access to the town and providing protection for the ruling viscounts. In 1289, the first bridge was built across the wide and fast-flowing river, ensuring a more comfortable passage for early pilgrims. Nothing remains of la Casterasse, which was destroyed by William of Orange during a battle in 1523.
Fifteen years later, Henri II engaged an Italian architect to design rampart walls, reinforcing the military strength of the town. In 1569, during the Wars of Religion, much of this area was devastated, but the rampart walls held firm, providing a sure line of defense for villagers throughout a siege lasting four months. In 1551, a few years before the Wars of Religion ravaged much of France, a new church dedicated to Saint-Germain was built within the city walls. After suffering severe damage during the French Revolution, the church was rebuilt in the middle of the nineteenth century. Inside, dark-timbered walls and ceilings decorated in a rich shade of blue provide a somber but welcoming atmosphere.
Afternoon yoga will be offered. We will meet other pilgrims at 6pm in front of Église Saint-Germain to hear the history of the church and receive a short briefing about tomorrow’s walk at a group dinner.
Overnight: Navarrenx - Logis Hotel le Commerce**
The Hotel du Commerce is an authentic Béarn house, providing accommodation in comfortable rooms equipped with bath or shower and cable TV. Facilities include 2 lounges, a bar and 3 dining rooms, in which you can enjoy a range of delicious dishes. A large, shaded terrace, opposite the village walls is an ideal spot for an evening drink before dinner.
Day 3 - Oct 12
Walk Sauvelade to Navarrenx (8.5 miles), breakfast and packed lunch included, afternoon yoga
After breakfast we will drive 20 minutes to Sauvelade, the start of today’s walk and the location of the Cistercian Abbey of Sauvelade, founded by Gaston IV of Béarn in 1128 and gifted to an order of Benedictine monks. The abbey became an important stage on the Chemin de Saint- Jacques because the monks provided food and shelter to the passing pilgrims. Towards the end of the 13th century, the abbey was taken over by Cistercian monks—an order that did not support or approve of pilgrimages, and so the generous flow of hospitality ceased. In 1569 during the Wars of Religion, the abbey was burned by Protestants but later rebuilt and restored.
Inside the abbey we can admire the beautifully decorated interior chapels, and a wooden statue of Saint-Jacques le Majeur, gilded in goldleaf. After viewing the abbey, we will proceed with our walk through the farmlands of Labarthe and cross a ford before arriving back in Navarrenx.
Afternoon yoga will be offered followed by a group dinner later in the evening. Overnight: Navarrenx - Logis Hotel le Commerce**
Day 4- Oct 13
Walk Navarrenx – Chateaux Montgaston (9.5 miles), breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included, afternoon yoga
As we depart Navarrenx, we pass through the 10 foot-thick walls of Porte Saint-Antoine—one of two gates that guarded the entrance to the town during the Middle Ages. A drawbridge sealed the opening and could be raised whenever danger threatened. We cross a bridge over the river and head towards Castenau-Camblong with its Béarn-style houses. We cross from the Béarn into French Basque country. Over the next few days, the landscape changes from green wooded
hillsides to steep farm country with lofty conifers. We will finish our walk at Chateaux Montgaston, a fortified medieval place built by Gaston VII of Moncade during the 13 th century and restored in the 16 th century. From there, we will transfer to Saint Palais. Afternoon yoga will be offered followed by a group dinner later in the evening.
Overnight: Saint Palais – Hotel de la Paix***
The Hotel de la Paix is in a traditional building in downtown Saint Palais along the route to Santiago de Compostela. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Continental breakfast consists of hot drinks, fresh orange juice, natural and local apple juice, bread, ham, cheese, cereals, fresh fruit, homemade marmelade of seasonal fruit, and yogurt. The restaurant proudly features local products and traditional cuisine.
Day 5 - Oct 14
Walk Saint Palais – Ostabat (7 miles), breakfast and packed lunch included, afternoon yoga
From Saint Palais we will pass the Stèle de Gibraltar, erected in 1964, which marks the junction of the three French pilgrimage routes: from Tour (via Turonensis), from Vezelay (via Podiensis), from Puy en Velay (via Lemovicensis). Next, we will climb up to the Chapelle de Soyarza, a small chapel with magnificent views and a fountain. From the chapel we will make our way down to Harambeltz, a tiny farming hamlet with a rustic church dedicated to Saint Nicholas restored in 2008.
Day 5 - Oct 14
Our walk will conclude in Ostabat-Asme, which is a very small village today (population 200) but in the Middle Ages was an important historic gathering point for pilgrims traveling along the different routes. As the pilgrimage to Santiago grew in popularity during the 14 th century, as many as 5000 pilgrims arrived each night, taking shelter in the village’s fifteen hostels and
twenty auberges. Three hospitals provided care for the sick until they were ready to continue their journey. Most of these buildings were destroyed during the Wars of Religion so the town is much quieter in the present era.
From Ostabat we will transfer back to our hotel in Saint Palais. Afternoon yoga will be offered followed by a group dinner later in the evening. Overnight: Saint Palais – Hotel de la Paix***
Day 6 - Oct 15
Walk Utxiat – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (9.5 miles), breakfast,packed lunch and dinner included
We will walk through the hamlet of Ainchice Mongelos and past the ancient chapel of Bustince before climbing uphill through St Jean le Vieux and arriving in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, located less than 5 miles from the Spanish border and which is the terminus of the GR 65 Chemin de Saint-Jacques. In addition to the walkers who finish their French Camino journey here, we will see hundreds more who begin here, headed for Santiago in Spain.
Just as other pilgrims before us, we will enter the village by the Porte St Jacques, one of four medieval gates where access was granted (or denied) to the traders and pilgrims who arrived in the village each day. From the gate, the path continues down the hill along Rue de la Citadelle, a charming street lined with colorfully flowered windows and doorways. We will pass Prison des Évêques, a beautiful 13 th century stone building built for bishops who were based here. Although
the name translates to Prison of the Bishops, conflicting reports make it unclear whether the building was actually used for this purpose. It was certainly used as a prison several hundred years later during the eighteenth century and today houses a variety of cultural exhibitions.
Next door to Prison des Évêques, is the Bureau des Pèlerins (Pilgrim’s Office), an obligatory stop for pilgrims about to embark on the 500-mile walk to Santiago to collect their pilgrim’s passports. At the bottom of the hill, hemmed in snugly among shops and the city walls, is Église Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont where Pilgrims’ Mass is held each evening. The front corner is often ablaze with dozens of candles, lit as an expression of thanks for a successful pilgrimage from le-Puy-en-Velay, or as a requested blessing for a safe onward journey.
We will meet for pilgrim mass (optional) followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Saint Jean Pied de Port - Hotel des Pyrenees****
Hotel des Pyrenees is a former coaching inn, set next to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port’s citadel. This 4-star hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi access. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and feature mountain views, an LCD TV, AC, bathrobes, slippers. Continental breakfast is served daily, which can be enjoyed in guest rooms or on the terraces. Regional cuisine and set menus are available in the restaurant.
Day 7 - Oct 16
Saint Jean Pied de Port – Orisson / Borda (5-10 miles); breakfast,packed lunch and dinner included, afternoon yoga
Today we will walk to Orisson / Borda alongside hundreds of pilgrims starting their journey to Santiago de Compostella. The pilgrimage to Santiago begins at the bottom of Rue de la Citadelle, where Porte Notre-Dame leads walkers across the often-photographed Pont Romain (Pilgrims’ Bridge) and on to Rue d’Espagne. We will have a break together at Abuerge Orisson.
Those who wish for a longer distance can walk back to Saint Jean Pied de Port while those who want more time to explore the town can take the optional transfer back. You have the rest of the day free to continue exploring Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. A walk along the medieval wall, Chemin de Ronde, will take you from Porte de Navarre back up the hill to Porte Saint-Jacques, where you will be treated to picturesque views of the Pyrenees Mountains. Basque-style houses with ornate green and red trimmed roofs contrasting beautifully against the crisp white stucco walls. It was from Chemin de Ronde that soldiers guarded the town in medieval times, providing the first line of defense against attacks from the Spanish. Behind them the Citadelle provided protection for the ruling nobility. Built in the first part of the seventeenth century on the site of an earlier fortified château, the buildings now contain a secondary school.
And if you cannot walk another step by now? The tourist train will whisk you around all the town’s major sights in 40 minutes.
Afternoon yoga will be offered. We will meet for a goodbye dinner. It is time to rest our feet and raise a glass to acknowledge our achievement.
Overnight: Saint Jean Pied de Port - Hotel des Pyrenees****
Day 8 - Oct 17
Tour Ends – breakfast included
Enjoy breakfast before transferring back to Pau / Biarritz / Bordeaux airport or extending your stay in France. If you are so inspired, you could continue your journey on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago! Bon chemin!
PRICE PER PERSON:
$2450 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$2950 SINGLE OCCUPANCY (Limited)
To register for this trip, please submit the online Booking Request below, then call or email our
Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, to submit the initial deposit. (317) 544-8391 or susie@peacethroughyoga.org.
Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation. 3.5% is added for credit card fees or Venmo can be used.
Send checks to:
Peace through Yoga Foundation Attention: Susie Morwick, 7904 Pine Lake Road Indianapolis, IN 46268
Cancellation policy: $500 is charged for cancelling up to 90 days prior to departure;
100% cancellation fee is charged after 90 days prior to departure
Trip Protection is recommended. Call Travel Guard at 800-826-1300
Includes
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Pre-departure briefing to orient you and answer any questions
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Six (6) night accommodations at unique properties
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Five (5) days of hiking as described
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Daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners starting with dinner on arrival day (day 2) and ending with breakfast on departure day (day 8)
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Four (4) Tai Chi classes
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Transfers to and from trailheads as described
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Daily luggage transfers
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Trip leaders
Not included
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Airfare from your hometown
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Airport transfers
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Beverages
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guide
Notes:
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This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
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Where we stay may vary depending on availability but will be of a similar standard to the accommodation listed.
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We have the luggage van to transport your luggage and you, if you feel you need some assistance while on this journey.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all thedifferent paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
TRIP LEADERS
Christine Klotz
Christine Klotz, MPH, has lived as a nomad for more than 15 years, balancing a career working as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with long distance walking for thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. Pilgrimage routes have a special place in her heart and the fellow pilgrims she has met along these paths have impacted her life in profound ways.
Some of the multi-day hikes she has enjoyed include the John Muir Trail in California, backcountry trekking in Denali National Park in Alaska, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Ciudad Perdida and Nevado del Tolima in Colombia, W-Trek in Patagonia Chile, Lakes District and Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cirque de Mafate in Reunion, Drakensburg Circuit in South Africa, Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Rwenzori Central Circuit in Uganda, Mt. Karisimbi in Rwanda, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Ras Dashen and Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Mt. Toubkal and High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Jordan National Trail, Druk Path in Bhutan, Kumano Kodo in Japan, Guguan Seven Heroes in Taiwan, Ma Pi Leng in Vietnam, Mt. Apo in Philippines, Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia, Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia, Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand, Janapar Trail in Nagorno-Karabakh, Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, Lycian Way in Turkey, High Tatras in Slovakia and Poland, Via Dinarica in Croatia, Alpe Adria in Slovenia, Peaks of the Balkans in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanian Coastal Trail, Prague-Viena Greenway in Czechia and Austria, Kaiserkrone in Austria, GR20 and GR10 in France, Coronallacs Trail in Andorra, Laugavegur Trek in Iceland, various Caminos in Spain and Portugal (del Norte, Primitivo, Salvador, Mozarabe, Frances, Portuguese, Espiritual), Alta Via 1 and Via Francigena in Italy, of course, the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal. She is always dreaming about the next adventure. “It's a beautiful world, and I'll be thrilled to explore it with you one step at a time.”
Martin Taticek,
Martin Taticek, MA, is a bike tour guide, ski instructor, language teacher, musician, occasional woodworker... an Iyengar yoga and Tai Chi follower…and aspiring DJ and swimming coach. In short, he is a fan of moving and observing his body. He was born and raised in Czechia (formerly Czech Republic), a relatively small country in the heart of Europe otherwise known as the beer country. He is from the second city of Pilsen which gave the world the famous Pilsner Urquell beer in 1842. He moved to Paris for a year to study French and admire the work of impressionists in 2010 as a part of a student exchange program. In 2012 his passion for mountains brought him to Canada mainly for ski instruction, but also hiking, and mountaineering. Martin has hiked to many peaks in the Canadian Rockies and ranges in Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. In 2015, he started guiding cycling trips in Central Europe for world-renowned tour operators to keep himself busy during the summer. His current work life balance includes cycling, skiing, woodworking and playing drums for "Balkan Party Band." He recently discovered the benefits of different breathing techniques, and minimalist “total
immersion” swimming for his own wellbeing. Martin looks forward to knowing you better over a glass of beer or wine after a rewarding day of hiking and sightseeing.