Chemin de Compostelle: all the actors gathered for the 1st GR65 meeting in Figeac

In a few weeks, the hiking trails, and in particular the GR 65 which crosses the Lot, will regain their colour. Increasingly popular, the Via Podiensis, which designates the mythical route from Le Puy to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, is at the heart of a great dynamic. Many actors – local authorities, associations and accommodation providers – work to make the route attractive, which enters the department at Montredon, passes through Figeac and reaches Cajarc before heading towards Limogne, Cahors and finally Montcuq. They will gather at the Salle Balène in Figeac on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 March for the first Assises de la Via Podiensis – GR 65 organized by the Agence Française des Chemins de Compostelle and the French Hiking Federation.
The aim is therefore to bring together, during these two days, the various players in the process (technicians and representatives of local authorities, associations, guests, etc.) beyond the perimeter of the Massif Central with the idea of ​​extending governance by associating actors downstream of the Lot (Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, Landes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques). These meetings take place as part of the animation of the GR65 Via podiensis and the Call for Proposals for the “Support for roaming in the Massif Central” project, which made it possible between 2021 and 2023 to include actions to improve the route between Le Puy and Montcuq in white Quercy. Approximately 150 participants are expected. Workshops, friendly moments but also field visits are on the program. In particular, a discovery of the Super Cayrou work shelter in Gréalou is planned.

A record with 18,800 passes logged last year in Montredon

“It is interesting that this event is organized in Figeac which is an essential platform on the road, well located on the GR 65 but which also allows you to go towards the GR651 in the Célé valley or the GR6 towards Rocamadour. We see an increasingly large public making their way”, enthuses Marta Luis, municipal councilor of Figeac and very involved in the maintenance of the paths of Saint-Jacques, in particular within the association of 1,000 hands in pasta. . All’ tourist office of Grand Figeac, the return of pilgrims is clearly confirmed by the months of March and April.Last year 3,126 walkers were welcomed, a figure up 39% compared to 2021. For Marta Luis, the path represents “a essential asset for the area”: ​​”we see a large number of walkers and pilgrims arriving in Figeac. The Montredon eco-meter logged 18,800 steps last year. We broke all records. This year we foresee at least as many passages, here too we have two portions declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco”. The elected confides that Figeac, a stage town recognized in particular for its efforts in terms of welcoming hikers, intends to apply for the “Commune halte – Chemin de Compostelle en France” label.