Hi Sonia ,
Will give our first 5 nights after getting off the plane [from the first capital of Oz] and then flying to Lyon and train to Le Puy.
[ 1 ] We walked to Montbonnet.
Were tired , went to the pilgrims mass at 7am and decided on a short day.
It was great as all had a beer and sleep.
Stayed in L'Escole . Later on we heard that there is a new gite where the bar was and was lovely.
[ 2 ] In pouring rain we ventured to Monistrol D' Allier , a lovely 13 km.
Gite La Trabone was 50/50 as many stayed.
It was slippery when arriving in town , beware if raining.
[ 3 ] The next 12km walk to Saugues was wonderful.
Be very careful when climbing out of M D' Allier , especially if drizzle or rain.
The photos you will get if clear in the next few km's will hang on wall.
We stopped in Saugues because the market was on , we were wet and they pilgrims from France who were accompanying us suggested we stay in Gite La Ferme.
It was wonderful , private rooms, ensuite, and great food.
Could not have had a better day.
**Please find up a lane .... Bar Des Carmes.
Old worlde charm , locals, rugby memorabilia everywhere and a shout from the owner. A very nice experience according to my beloved..
Many of the older french couples out for a weeks walk now stopped at La Falzet.
Very nice food for lunch.
We continued onwards;
[ 4 ] Chanaleilles .
Was a great day / night as everybody had private rooms and the food presented in the bar for dinner was wonderful. Lovely lawn for reading and relaxing.
The company made the evening and the atmosphere in the bar/dining room during the world cup [ Australia v Germany ] made the night.
[ 5 ] Saint- Alban sur Limagnole
Beautiful room with Pierre and Helene @ Les Genets.
They do not do food and as Felcon269 said eat at Hotel Du Central.
They also have rooms but we had already unpacked. The food and staff were terrific.
I will stop here as the next night we believe we had the worst room [ hygiene] we experienced on the GR65.
It is well known , does cheese as for dinner, the cost was 65E/double and there were better places to stay.
After this night mate the distances increased to 25-30km a day as the cobwebs were off and the rain decreased ...until The Aubrac.
Plenty of great places to stay.
Don't book too far ahead as it spoils the spontaneous stops which normally work out to be the best.
You know the best parties are never planned Sonia
have a great walk,
David
