Geneva to Le Puy en Velay (Via Gebennensis)

[Elsabe Beard]

I'm arriving in Geneva on 13 May 2016 to begin my walk to Le Puy en Velay. I'm coming from South Africa and need some advise about the weather conditions in Geneva and France at that time of the year. Can I expect rain, sun etc. Also tips about good accommodation will be most welcome. Do a lot of people walk this route at this time of the year?

In Sept/Oct 2014 I walked from Le Puy to Pamplona, had beautiful weather.

Thanks
Elsabe

 

[Kitsambler]

May is springtime, and so the weather can be quite variable: the possibility of some rain perhaps mixed with late snow, as well as some fine days and a few hot ones. Dress in layers and be prepared for wet and mud. That section is not heavily walked at any time of year, so I would think May would be lightly populated.

Your issue will be finding lodging. I suggest you get the guide from the Amis upon landing in Geneva, and get a tourism office to book your reservations several days out.

There's a current discussion on weather, gear, and holidays for the route from Le Puy in May, which has similar elevation. https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/lepuy-weather-gear-for-may.38950/#post-388073

 

[backpack45scb]

We walked that route in spring of 2012 and 2013. It was a wonderful trip, weather sometimes very hot 103F. Mostly great, a few days with rain. For accomodations the Amis yellow guide was essential. Most of the accommodations were rooms in private homes including food, often donativo, and it was necessary to call a day in advance to arrange. We got our yellow guide from the Confraternity of St. James. I see now they are out of stock. The guide is in German and French, but quite usable even if you speak neither. You could contact the Amis association. http://www.amis-st-jacques.org/page_daccueil.php

 

[Elsabe Beard]

May is springtime, and so the weather can be quite variable: the possibility of some rain perhaps mixed with late snow, as well as some fine days and a few hot ones. Dress in layers and be prepared for wet and mud. That section is not heavily walked at any time of year, so I would think May would be lightly populated.

Your issue will be finding lodging. I suggest you get the guide from the Amis upon landing in Geneva, and get a tourism office to book your reservations several days out.

There's a current discussion on weather, gear, and holidays for the route from Le Puy in May, which has similar elevation. https://www.caminodesantiDago.me/community/threads/lepuy-weather-gear-for-may.38950/#post-388073

Thank you for your advice. What is better for this time of the year: hiking shoes or hiking boots?

 

[Elsabe Beard]

We walked that route in spring of 2012 and 2013. It was a wonderful trip, weather sometimes very hot 103F. Mostly great, a few days with rain. For accomodations the Amis yellow guide was essential. Most of the accommodations were rooms in private homes including food, often donativo, and it was necessary to call a day in advance to arrange. We got our yellow guide from the Confraternity of St. James. I see now they are out of stock. The guide is in German and French, but quite usable even if you speak neither. You could contact the Amis association. http://www.amis-st-jacques.org/page_daccueil.php

Thank you, I have the yellow guide and will definitely make use of it.

 

[backpack45scb]

We both used running shoes and were quite happy with them.

 

[Kitsambler]

hiking shoes or hiking boots?

In France, I would always vote for boots. The French build their footpaths straight up the hillside (no switchbacks), so the water comes straight down, making a streambed. Like most streambeds, the paths can be quite rough and stony in dry weather, not to mention muddy (if not torrential) in wet weather.

 

[Kitsambler]

We both used running shoes and were quite happy with them.

I see this experience quite a bit. Personally I don't understand it - but I respect that it worked for you.

 

[Elsabe Beard]

We walked that route in spring of 2012 and 2013. It was a wonderful trip, weather sometimes very hot 103F. Mostly great, a few days with rain. For accomodations the Amis yellow guide was essential. Most of the accommodations were rooms in private homes including food, often donativo, and it was necessary to call a day in advance to arrange. We got our yellow guide from the Confraternity of St. James. I see now they are out of stock. The guide is in German and French, but quite usable even if you speak neither. You could contact the Amis association. http://www.amis-st-jacques.org/page_daccueil.php

Accommodation question: Accueil jacquaire - the accommodation in private homes - how much does one normally give as "donativo"?

 

[Kitsambler]

Accommodation question: Accueil jacquaire - the accommodation in private homes - how much does one normally give as "donativo"?

My understanding of 'donativo' is that one should pay the going rate, if one is able. For a demi-pension gite, that would be in the EUR 35-40 range. For lodging without the meals, probably EUR 20-25. I haven't had any personal experience with this, however, so I look forward to reading the input of those who have.

 

[John copelyn]

I'm arriving in Geneva on 13 May 2016 to begin my walk to Le Puy en Velay. I'm coming from South Africa and need some advise about the weather conditions in Geneva and France at that time of the year. Can I expect rain, sun etc. Also tips about good accommodation will be most welcome. Do a lot of people walk this route at this time of the year?

In Sept/Oct 2014 I walked from Le Puy to Pamplona, had beautiful weather.

Thanks
Elsabe

Hi Elsabee we are walking the same route starting on the 5th June 2016. I would be so keen to hear anything you care to share of your walk. Where to stay. How difficult each leg was etc. best Johnny (Cape Town)

 

[Elsabe Beard]

Hi Elsabee we are walking the same route starting on the 5th June 2016. I would be so keen to hear anything you care to share of your walk. Where to stay. How difficult each leg was etc. best Johnny (Cape Town)

Hi Johny, I will only get back to South Africa on 12 June, so I won't be able to contact you on Forum besfore you leave to give you information. I fly back from Geneva on 10 June. How can I contact you before I leave. Can you send me a private message on this forum then you can give me an e-mail address? I do not know how to do that. I live in East-London, you can phone me at night. Telephone directory under initial NS. If you are on Facebook, you can invite me as a friend. I will put information about my trip there.
Groete, Elsabe

 

[Elsabe Beard]

It's time to go! Flying out from Johannesburg to Geneva. Again with a bag that's too heavy. . . (I think)!
I will try to put information on the forum ad I go.

 

[Kitsambler]

I will try to put information on the forum as I go.

Bon chemin! I'll be walking this section next year, so I really look forward to hearing your reports.

 

[Elsabe Beard]

Information so far:

Yellow guide of L'Association Rhone-Alpes design Amis de Saint Jacqueline is very good. It gives you distances, topography, addresses for accommodation.

You can buy it in Geneva, there's a Librairie (book shop) over bridge towards the old town that sells the guides.

When it says no refreshments on route make sure you take snacks with you. Nothing between Beaumont and Chaumont.

We stayed at Gite Etape Rustique in Chaumont, very "rustique" from outside but very comfortable inside. One bunk room where everyone sleep. Food can be provided, all for 25€. Don't be put off by outside look.

Seyssel: Camping at Anant Matraz. Stay in little cute chalet, 15€. Carrefour across the road where you can buy food.

Chanaz: Lovely town next to canal Savierre. Gite El Camino, very comfortable.

Yenne: Gite Le Comte Vert. Self catering. Excellent! As you leave town, over bridge, turn right and go over steel bridge. Then the first house on your right. It's a bit further from town. Lovely hosts. They were prepared to take us to Carrefour (which is on the other side of town) to buy food.

No food or coffee on the next day. Be prepared.

Yenne: The walk from Yenne is tough when you choose the high road but beautiful. Lovely views, lower road is next to river.

Les Abrets: I suggest you walk about 3km past Keswick Abrets to Charancieu and stay with Alain and Florentine at Le Juvenin. Worth every cent of the 40€! Food great, very hospitable people. They use money they make for a charity project in Madagascar.

La Cote-Saint-Andre: Chambre d'hote - Les Arts ont la cote, 40€. Lovely place, good food. Lovely hostess. Glad I stayed there.

A few tough uphills so far! Be prepared for some tiring stretches but the scenery is lovely.

 

[jsalt]

Hi Elsabe, keep posting if you can. Would love to walk this route one day. I will catch up with your info in a couple of weeks. (Going offline tomorrow, as I am hiking the Fish River Canyon). Jill (in Sabie, Mpumalanga).

 

[Elsabe Beard]

Hi Elsabe, keep posting if you can. Would love to walk this route one day. I will catch up with your info in a couple of weeks. (Going offline tomorrow, as I am hiking the Fish River Canyon). Jill (in Sabie, Mpumalanga).

Hi Jill, Enjoy your hike in the Canyon. I did it last year just before it closed for the season. Very hot! Totally different from what I'm doing now!

 

[John copelyn]

Hi Elsabe, keep posting if you can. Would love to walk this route one day. I will catch up with your info in a couple of weeks. (Going offline tomorrow, as I am hiking the Fish River Canyon). Jill (in Sabie, Mpumalanga).

Information so far:

Yellow guide of L'Association Rhone-Alpes design Amis de Saint Jacqueline is very good. It gives you distances, topography, addresses for accommodation.

You can buy it in Geneva, there's a Librairie (book shop) over bridge towards the old town that sells the guides.

When it says no refreshments on route make sure you take snacks with you. Nothing between Beaumont and Chaumont.

We stayed at Gite Etape Rustique in Chaumont, very "rustique" from outside but very comfortable inside. One bunk room where everyone sleep. Food can be provided, all for 25€. Don't be put off by outside look.

Seyssel: Camping at Anant Matraz. Stay in little cute chalet, 15€. Carrefour across the road where you can buy food.

Chanaz: Lovely town next to canal Savierre. Gite El Camino, very comfortable.

Yenne: Gite Le Comte Vert. Self catering. Excellent! As you leave town, over bridge, turn right and go over steel bridge. Then the first house on your right. It's a bit further from town. Lovely hosts. They were prepared to take us to Carrefour (which is on the other side of town) to buy food.

No food or coffee on the next day. Be prepared.

Yenne: The walk from Yenne is tough when you choose the high road but beautiful. Lovely views, lower road is next to river.

Les Abrets: I suggest you walk about 3km past Keswick Abrets to Charancieu and stay with Alain and Florentine at Le Juvenin. Worth every cent of the 40€! Food great, very hospitable people. They use money they make for a charity project in Madagascar.

La Cote-Saint-Andre: Chambre d'hote - Les Arts ont la cote, 40€. Lovely place, good food. Lovely hostess. Glad I stayed there.

A few tough uphills so far! Be prepared for some tiring stretches but the scenery is lovely.

 

[John copelyn]

Information so far:

Yellow guide of L'Association Rhone-Alpes design Amis de Saint Jacqueline is very good. It gives you distances, topography, addresses for accommodation.

You can buy it in Geneva, there's a Librairie (book shop) over bridge towards the old town that sells the guides.

When it says no refreshments on route make sure you take snacks with you. Nothing between Beaumont and Chaumont.

We stayed at Gite Etape Rustique in Chaumont, very "rustique" from outside but very comfortable inside. One bunk room where everyone sleep. Food can be provided, all for 25€. Don't be put off by outside look.

Seyssel: Camping at Anant Matraz. Stay in little cute chalet, 15€. Carrefour across the road where you can buy food.

Chanaz: Lovely town next to canal Savierre. Gite El Camino, very comfortable.

Yenne: Gite Le Comte Vert. Self catering. Excellent! As you leave town, over bridge, turn right and go over steel bridge. Then the first house on your right. It's a bit further from town. Lovely hosts. They were prepared to take us to Carrefour (which is on the other side of town) to buy food.

No food or coffee on the next day. Be prepared.

Yenne: The walk from Yenne is tough when you choose the high road but beautiful. Lovely views, lower road is next to river.

Les Abrets: I suggest you walk about 3km past Keswick Abrets to Charancieu and stay with Alain and Florentine at Le Juvenin. Worth every cent of the 40€! Food great, very hospitable people. They use money they make for a charity project in Madagascar.

La Cote-Saint-Andre: Chambre d'hote - Les Arts ont la cote, 40€. Lovely place, good food. Lovely hostess. Glad I stayed there.

A few tough uphills so far! Be prepared for some tiring stretches but the scenery is lovely.

Hi Elsabe

Your trip sounds so awesome. Do post more as you go. We are still due to start on 5th June.

Tell me a little more about the route on the first day out of Geneva. Did you do 13,5k or 20k? Were the tough hills there already?

Bon Chemin
Johnny

 

[Davey Boyd]

Hi Elsabe

Your trip sounds so awesome. Do post more as you go. We are still due to start on 5th June.

Tell me a little more about the route on the first day out of Geneva. Did you do 13,5k or 20k? Were the tough hills there already?

Bon Chemin
Johnny

Hi Johnny, you can read my day by day account of Geneva to Le Puy (and onwards) here

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/from-geneva-to-the-end-of-the-world.40650/

It is a wonderful route. Do get a copy of the 'Yellow Guide' as stated above for accommodation. The other useful guide (maps) is

The FFRP topoguide ‘GR65 St-Jacques de Compostelle: Geneva - Le Puy-en-Velay’. Has excellent maps and route descriptions. In French but easy to understand.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have, though I am off on Camino again from June 14th

Bon Chemin
Davey

 

[celio]

Information so far:

Hi Elsabe! Great to hear recent news about this route!

Intend to start next week around June 28th!
If possible i will apreciate your help on a few questions.
Did you get the credential for the Gebennensis route? The
THe Bookshop name if possible!

Regards
Celio


Yellow guide of L'Association Rhone-Alpes design Amis de Saint Jacqueline is very good. It gives you distances, topography, addresses for accommodation.

You can buy it in Geneva, there's a Librairie (book shop) over bridge towards the old town that sells the guides.

When it says no refreshments on route make sure you take snacks with you. Nothing between Beaumont and Chaumont.

We stayed at Gite Etape Rustique in Chaumont, very "rustique" from outside but very comfortable inside. One bunk room where everyone sleep. Food can be provided, all for 25€. Don't be put off by outside look.

Seyssel: Camping at Anant Matraz. Stay in little cute chalet, 15€. Carrefour across the road where you can buy food.

Chanaz: Lovely town next to canal Savierre. Gite El Camino, very comfortable.

Yenne: Gite Le Comte Vert. Self catering. Excellent! As you leave town, over bridge, turn right and go over steel bridge. Then the first house on your right. It's a bit further from town. Lovely hosts. They were prepared to take us to Carrefour (which is on the other side of town) to buy food.

No food or coffee on the next day. Be prepared.

Yenne: The walk from Yenne is tough when you choose the high road but beautiful. Lovely views, lower road is next to river.

Les Abrets: I suggest you walk about 3km past Keswick Abrets to Charancieu and stay with Alain and Florentine at Le Juvenin. Worth every cent of the 40€! Food great, very hospitable people. They use money they make for a charity project in Madagascar.

La Cote-Saint-Andre: Chambre d'hote - Les Arts ont la cote, 40€. Lovely place, good food. Lovely hostess. Glad I stayed there.

A few tough uphills so far! Be prepared for some tiring stretches but the scenery is lovely.

 

[Elsabe Beard]

Hi Celio, I don't know where you get the Credential in Geneva, I got the Credential here in South Africa. I am sure if your Google it you will find out where to get it.

I also don't know what the name of the bookshop is, I walked towards the old town and found it. Ask for the "Libraire" (that is bookseller in French, not a library

Enjoy your walk, it is beautiful!

 

[celio]

Hi Celio, I don't know where you get the Credential in Geneva, I got the Credential here in South Africa. I am sure if your Google it you will find out where to get it.

Hi Elsabe thanks for your answer! One more question please?

Did you follow the GR65 route presented at the guide?

For others looking for information! Found the GR65 guite at FNAC at Rue de Rive - Geneva! Chf 23,60!

Buen camino to all!! God speed!!

I also don't know what the name of the bookshop is, I walked towards the old town and found it. Ask for the "Libraire" (that is bookseller in French, not a library

Enjoy your walk, it is beautiful!

Hi

 

[Elsabe Beard]

We took the GR65 (Via Gebennensis) over La Cote-St-Andre and Chavanay (350km). There is also another route over St-Antoine and St Agreve (383km). Yellow guide book shows GR65 route, Green guide book shows 2nd route. I hope this helps.

 

[Kitsambler]

I'm just back from walking Geneva to Le Grand-Lemps (approx halfway, connected into Lyon). July is rather not the month to walk this route. Had a heat wave early on, and much competition for lodging from non-walking tourists. The Amis guide is absolutely essential. The app GPSTrax has the topo route, so one can dispense with the FFR topo-guide. More daily details and overviews in the blog, linked in the signature block.