Le Puy-en-Velay is the traditional starting point of the Via Podiensis, the most popular of the four great French pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. The GR 65 long-distance footpath begins here and covers some 750 kilometres to the Pyrenees, where it joins the Camino Francés for the final stretch into Spain. The route follows medieval pilgrimage roads through the Auvergne, Lot, and Gers, passing through Conques, Figeac, Cahors, and Moissac before crossing into Spain at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Even if you are not walking to Santiago, the pilgrim culture of Le Puy is palpable: the cathedral issues Credencials (pilgrim passports) each morning, pilgrims queue for the blessing at the cathedral mass, and the streets around the old quarter are full of people with walking poles and heavy packs. The Office de Tourisme can provide information on the first stages of the route, and there are good gîtes for those beginning the walk.