Domaine du Sauvage
The Vía Podiensis
The Domaine du Sauvage is one of the most memorable stops on the entire Via Podiensis. This former monastery and farming estate sits at about 1,292 m in the heart of the Margeride, surrounded by nothing but granite, forest, and sky. It feels like the edge of the world.
The domaine has been welcoming travelers since the 12th century, when it served as a hospitalet for pilgrims crossing this desolate stretch. Today it operates as a gite d'etape and working farm, with about 40 beds and meals prepared from local products. Half-board is the norm. The atmosphere is communal and austere in the best possible way: stone buildings, shared tables, farm animals, and the deep quiet of the high plateau.
Book ahead. This is the only accommodation for a long stretch, and it fills up quickly in season.
There are no services between Saugues and Le Sauvage, roughly 20 km of open plateau. Carry food and water from Saugues. The next services after Le Sauvage are in Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole, another 14 km south.
The domaine was established in the 12th century as a hospitalet, a shelter for pilgrims on the road to Santiago. It was managed at various times by the Knights Hospitaller and the Hotel-Dieu du Puy. The name "Sauvage" reflects its wild, remote setting rather than any violent history. The estate has been continuously occupied for over 800 years, serving as monastery, farm, and pilgrim shelter through the centuries.
From the Domaine du Sauvage, the path continues south across the Margeride toward Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole. You'll descend gradually from the high plateau through forest and farmland. The terrain remains remote but the gradient is gentle. The walking is peaceful and solitary.
Accommodation in Domaine du Sauvage.
| Gîte d´étape Le Sauvage en Gévaudan 18€ 41 |
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