Noailhac: Pilgrim Route, Churches and Saint-Roch Chapel

The GR 65 passes through Noailhac and is also known as the Via Podiensis and the Route du Puy-en-Velay. As a pilgrimage route, it leads to Santiago de Compostela. Noailhac is also home to a history of churches and pilgrimage: Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, Saint-Roch Chapel and the Stations of the Cross each offer a different perspective.

GR 65 and the Noailhac–Rébouscou walking route

The Noailhac–Rébouscou walking route starts and ends in the village square opposite Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church. The village square and church are therefore clear landmarks for this route. The GR 65 offers a different point of reference: it passes through Noailhac and is designated as a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. If you include both routes in your plans, you can distinguish the named starting and ending point of the walking route from the pilgrimage route.

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church and its furnishings

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church in Noailhac was rebuilt in the first half of the 18th century. The high altar reredos, the ornamental structure behind the altar, contains a painting of the Crucifixion and gilded wooden statues of John the Baptist and Saint Peter. The building’s history and furnishings offer different insights into the church: the period of rebuilding places the building in its historical context, while the reredos displays specific religious-art motifs. The painting and gilded wooden figures together form the focal point of the high altar.

Saint-Roch Chapel and pilgrimage

Saint-Roch Chapel was built outside the village of Noailhac on a hill and solemnly blessed on 16 August 1884. It is a popular stopping point for pilgrims on the Way of St James and offers them a panoramic view. Two contemporary stained-glass windows were designed by master glazier Victor Loup Deniau. The chapel brings together its history, its connection to the pilgrimage route, the view and specific artistic features.

16 August figures in the history of Saint Roch in two ways: as the date of the 1884 blessing and as the date of the annual pilgrimage. It ends with an open-air Mass in front of the chapel. The specific arrangements may vary from year to year; if you are travelling especially for the occasion, check the details for the relevant year.

Other local traditions

The Stations of the Cross in Noailhac date from 1934 and are among the few Stations of the Cross still preserved along the GR 65. Their date and connection to the pilgrimage route each give them a distinct historical context. The Noailhac fair tradition includes a breakfast of “chevreau à l’oseille” (kid goat with sorrel). This culinary tradition complements the religious buildings and routes with a secular aspect of local festivities.

Where to stay in Noailhac

Noailhac’s municipal stopover gîte provides accommodation for pilgrims on the Way of St James. Availability and services offered may change. If you plan to stay here, check both for your intended travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Centrès, Martiel, Réquista, Nauviale, Saint-Jean-du-Bruel, Villefranche-De-Rouergue, Saint-Maurice-De-Sorgues, Saint-Léons.

For the regional travel overview: Aveyron.