Hiking guides and maps on the GR®655

Discover the GR®655 route, the Paris and Tours Route

The GR®655, better known by its ancestral name of Via Turonensis, is much more than just a path. It is one of the four great historic routes that lead pilgrims from France to Santiago de Compostela. Starting from the gates of our capital, this route takes you through landscapes that change with every step, and through towns whose stones tell centuries of history, to the magnificent Tours, where other pilgrimage routes join it.

Generally, this route is traveled from Paris to Tours. This direction has a meaning: it allows you to glide gently from the Paris Basin to the peaceful banks of the Loire. As the kilometers pass, you will feel a deepening immersion in the traditions and the unique atmosphere of pilgrimages.

Your adventure officially begins at the foot of the Saint-Jacques Tower, in the heart of Paris. From there, the trail winds through the Île-de-France region, the vast Beauce region, and the charming Gâtinais region, finally taking you to Touraine. Each stage is a parenthesis, an invitation to slow down, to take the time to contemplate your surroundings and to connect intimately with the thousand-year-old history of this path. Your trusty IGN GR 655 map will quickly become indispensable for staying on track and for unearthing all the hidden treasures along your route. At Cartovélo.fr, we’ve prepared a beautiful selection of GR655 maps, perfect for your explorations.

Que voir pendant le GR®655 ?

The GR®655 is a series of stages rich in discoveries, which go far beyond simple walking or a few pedal strokes. Each kilometer you travel is a page in the history of France and the tradition of pilgrimage.

• The Secret Paris of Pilgrims : Of course, the departure from the majestic Saint-Jacques Tower is a highlight. But the Way also invites you to discover unexpected Parisian neighborhoods, before offering you a well-deserved escape to the verdant countryside.
• Fontainebleau and the Gâtinais : The Fontainebleau forest and the expanses of the Gâtinais offer shaded trails and abundant biodiversity, truly inviting contemplation.
• Chartres and its Cathedral : This is a highlight of your journey. Chartres Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Orléans, the Loire, and the Legacy of Joan of Arc : This major historic city, liberated by Joan of Arc, marks a turning point on your journey. Arriving on the banks of the Loire is a real change of scenery.
• Beaugency : This picturesque little village, nestled on the banks of the Loire, is a delightful stopover. Take the time to admire its keep and historic bridge, both testaments to a rich past.
• Tours, a crossroads of history and life : Your destination on this section of the GR®655 is a city brimming with history. With its imposing cathedral, narrow streets lined with half-timbered houses, and lively atmosphere, Tours is an essential crossroads for all the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela.

Routes connected to the GR®655

The GR®655 – Route of Paris and Tours is an essential link in the network of pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela and long-distance hiking trails. It intersects and connects with several other major routes, such as:

• The Way of Compostela (Via Lemovicensis and Via Podiensis): In Tours, the GR®655 connects to the other French routes of Compostela, allowing pilgrims to choose their route towards the south: the Via Lemovicensis (Le Puy-en-Velay) or the Via Podiensis (Vézelay).
• Le GR®3 – Sentier des Bords de Loire : Parallèle au GR®655 sur certains tronçons ligériens, ce GR offre une perspective différente sur la vallée de la Loire, idéale pour des échappées complémentaires.