Our itinerary and all our accommodation for the walk was arranged by Sherpa Walking Holidays.

ite near the Cathedral in Le Puy. The way of St James, France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles hawes

Anxious about giving ourselves plenty of time for today’s walk, we walked up to the Cathedral, the “official” start of the walk, the night before. This is a walkers hostel nearby.

Colchicum autumnale on the way of St James, France GR65 Route Saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles Hawes

We climbed steadily from the town from about 2100 feet to around 3000 feet. Throughout the day we walked by fields with, I think (thanks Maggie!) Colchicum autumnale.

The way of St james France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photographed by Charles Hawes

It was gentle, undulating agricultural land. Corn, cattle and clover in the fields.

The chapel of St Roch on the way of St James in France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles Hawes

The chapel of St Roch

Old building in Saint Privat- D'Allier, France on the way of St James, Ferance. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photographed by Charles Hawes

The date inscribed above this gate is 1763.

Mill on the edge of Saint Privat- D'Allier on the Way of St james in France. GR65. Route saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles Hawes

Mill on the edge of Saint Privat- D’Allier

St Privat - D'Allier on The way of St James, France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles Hawes

St Privat – D’Allier – a pretty picture

St Privat D'Allier, photgraphed from the way of St James, France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques.

As you walk into the village, this is the view of the valley.

Wall in St Privat - D'Allier on the way of St James in France. GR65. Route Saint Jacques. Photograph by Charles hawes.

Most of the buildings in the area are built of these rough irregular lumps of volcanic stone, with lots of mortar between the joints.

Bottle of Cote D'Auvergne photographed by Charles Hawes

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