In the heart of the Southwest, between the Dordogne and Gironde rivers, the Pays Foyen has been a land of welcome and passage for centuries. Crossed by the Way of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, and more specifically by the Vézelay Way (Via Lemovicensis)The territory offers pilgrims and hikers an authentic stopover, rich in heritage, vineyard landscapes and encounters.
De Pineuilh à Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, then up to ExcavatorThe route invites you to slow down, recharge your batteries and discover the emblematic bastides of the Pays Foyen, where the spirit of the pilgrimage is still very much alive.
The Way of St. James in the Pays Foyen – Vézelay Route
La Vézelay route, also called Via Lemovicensis, is one of the four major French historical routes leading to Saint-Jacques de CompostelaIt connects the Vézelay Basilica to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port over nearly 900 km and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unesco World Heritage.
This route crosses regions with strong identities and offers a great diversity of landscapes. In the Pays Foyen, the route charms with its peaceful atmosphere, its rural paths and the proximity of the Dordogne valley.
The Vézelay route arrives in Gironde from the bridge of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. The path continues in Entre-deux-Mers, then beyond Réole, through Bazadais and finally into the entrance to the Landes de Gascogne. The pilgrim will then be able to discover territories steeped in history and a remarkable Jacobean heritage.
The Vézelay Way of the Way of St. James in the Pays Foyen
Le Pays Foyen constitutes a key stage of the Vézelay Way, between the Dordogne and the Gironde vineyards. The path follows the GR®654, perfectly marked, and crosses several communes before reaching the bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, the historical and commercial heart of the territory.
The stages in Pays Foyen
Find all the practical information you need to plan your trip in Pays Foyen:
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, a stop on the Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)
Founded in the 13th century, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande It is a remarkable bastide, renowned for its central arcaded square and its famous market. It represents a privileged stop for pilgrims on the Way of St. James, who find shops, services and suitable accommodation there.
The municipality is designated a "Saint James of Compostela Stopover Town", a label awarded in partnership with theFrench Agency of the Ways of Compostela, recognizing the quality of the welcome and the commitment of the municipality to the pilgrims.
THEPays Foyen Tourist Office, located in the heart of the bastide, assists walkers in organizing their stage and discovering the territory.
Church of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 
Bastide of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande 
Compostela sign
Pellegrue, a stop on the Way of St. James in the Pays Foyen
After Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, the path continues towards Excavator, another medieval bastide marked by the history of pilgrimage. Its evocative name recalls the ancient presence of pilgrims.
The municipality of Pellegrue is also designated a "Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle stopover town", in partnership withFrench Agency of the Ways of Compostelahighlighting its historical and current role in welcoming walkers.
Even today, Pellegrue welcomes pilgrims in a rural and friendly setting, with dedicated accommodation solutions.
Pellegrue Church 
Pellegrue Hall 
Saint-Jacques de Compostela
The pilgrim accommodation at Pellegrue
The municipality of Pellegrue offers accommodation for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago in a property it owns. The overnight stay costs €10 per person. Reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting the town hall at +33 5 56 61 30 21.