Via Podiensis: Saint-Côme-D'Olt - Estaing

On the left bank, we follow the Lot river to Espalion, with a detour away from the river allowing us to pass directly by the Eglise de Perse, which, with its rich architectural decoration, especially the tympanum of the main portal, is worth a stop. In Espalion, we will be fascinated by the well-preserved Gothic stone bridge over the Lot.

Since the Lot winds through an increasingly deep gorge, we hike on the left side, sometimes near the Lot, then again away from the river. We reach the only larger settlement of the day, Estaing, where for the first time since Espalion, a bridge connects the two banks again.

Espalion on the way is a charming place that is also suitable as an overnight stop, offering everything pilgrims' hearts and stomachs desire, for example, Aligot here as well. The place is dominated by a mighty 15th-century castle, which is open to visitors. The church in town is also worth a visit. To continue the stage, we must cross back to the left side of the Lot, and for the rest of the stage, we ascend again, still away from traffic.