Cost of accommodation from Le Puy to SJPDP?

[sunsengnim]

Hi everyone! My husband and I are planning to walk from Le Puy to Santiago this September. We've been looking online to find about how much is typical for pilgrim's accommodation in France, but can't come up with any numbers. I walked from SJPDP to Santiago in 2006, so I have an idea of the costs of the Spanish side. I imagine the French side will be more expensive, but roughly how much?

We won't have a big budget, and would be interested in dormitory style beds with the occasional splurge on a private room. Can anyone share what they have previously paid on the Le Puy route for a range of accommodation- dorm to simple private rooms?

Merci beaucoup!

 

[Kitsambler]

In September 2010, I stayed mostly in private gites with demi-pension -- those ran about 25-30 euros. Less for the municipal gite with no meal (10-15 euros). More for the small hotels when nothing less expensive was available (50+ euros, often with demi-pension). Lunch ran me about 5 euros on average (sandwich baguette or some groceries).

MMD will have the current rates for you, of course. The lodgings are smaller than the big dorms you find in Spain.

 

[McAleerSherry]

We took the Chemin St. Jacques 25 April-25 May 2008. The prices have undoubtedly increased since then, but our prices were consistent with which others have mentioned.

Until you get Miam Miam Dodo, you might try their selective website http://www.chemindecompostelle.com/Selection/CarteFrance.html . It is not as complete, but will give you an idea of accomodation options and prices.

We found that we enjoyed eating le diner at communal tables when offered, and made do with an apple or yogurt for lunch.

Good luck

 

[Deleted member 3000]

On the Via Vezelay a few kilometers away, we spent about 40 Euro per day per person, generally in double accommodations in hotels and chambres d'hotes with demi-pension. France is noticeably more expensive than Spain, but the food is better and the accommodations smaller. Municipal gites were 8 to 12 Euro per person, meals not included. Kitchens were variable, including a couple with gas stoves but no matches, and a couple with microwave ovens only. With supermarches often closed on Sunday and Monday, you are well advised to keep a couple of meals in your pack!

 

[Kitsambler]

Amen to that, Falcon! On my last day walking in 2010, I arrived in Cahors on a Sunday to find everything in town closed down. Dinner was a can of sardines and a raw carrot, the last of the surplus lunch. I was really ready for breakfast the next morning!

One thing just threw me. There is a major line of grocery stores in the pilgrimage towns in France, by the name of 'Casino'. I kept wandering around these towns, wondering how on earth they could be gambling when they weren't even eating. It was Limogne before I realized they were actually grocery stores, and not gambling houses!

 

[sunsengnim]

Sorry for my late response! Thank you all for your replies and extremely helpful information. We don't have the MMDD book yet, but it is on our list to get. This gives us a much better idea of how to budget and prepare. Thank you all!

 

[maritameter]

What is the 2017-updates prizes? I have the same question, as for cost per day, for accomodation and food.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Eroski provides a calculator here:
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/calculadora/

 

[MichaelC]

I have the 2017 Miam Miam Dodo, and started a spreadsheet with albergue costs. Demi pension comes to 28€ to 35€ per night, with 33€ to 34€ being the norm. Some places also offer to pack a picnic for 6€ to 8€.

A bed with no meals is 11€ to 15€. Dinner alone is 12€ to 14€. Breakfasts are 6€ to 8€. It's strange that breakfasts are so expensive relative to the dinners.

I only priced out the albergues that offer communal dinners, so I don't know the prices for ones that only offer a bed.

For rest days, I've found hotels in the main towns on booking.com for about 60€ per night.

Also, Miam Miam says that September is one of the busiest months, & they recommend making reservations in advance. There were also some festivals where certain towns get fully booked, but I'll have to look through the guide to remind myself where and when those are.

 

[petro]

Thanks Michael, this is good to know -I start in Le Puy on the 11th of May.

Petro

 

[MichaelC]

Another point: my "variante du célé" mini guide arrived today. It looks like the prices here are a bit higher, and there are fewer "gîte d'etapes" and more "chambre d'hôtes." This section looks like it will take a bit more advanced planning - I'd order the guide if you have the time!

I'll be passing this way towards the end of August. I'll post anything else I learn.

 

[BlackRocker57]

you’re right about the Célé valley variante, but the chambre d’hôtes are worth every centime ...

 

[renaissancerebecca]

Another point: my "variante du célé" mini guide arrived today. It looks like the prices here are a bit higher, and there are fewer "gîte d'etapes" and more "chambre d'hôtes." This section looks like it will take a bit more advanced planning - I'd order the guide if you have the time!

I'll be passing this way towards the end of August. I'll post anything else I learn.

MC -- I'm just walking from Le Puy to Air Sur l'Adour. Does the guidebook you just got cover that area? If so, from what web site did you purchase it? Thank you!
-Rebecca

 

[BlackRocker57]

Hi Rebecca, just letting you know that the Miam Miam Dodo Célé mini-guide is a separate volume from the main guides to the route. Until this year, MMD was one single volume [and included the variantes] but now it is three separate books:
Section 1: LePuy to Cahors
Section 2: Cahors to Roncevaux
and the mini guide: Variante du Célé and Variante de Rocamadour
All three are available from bookdepository.com [free postage worldwide] and amazon.com I believe [though I struggled to find it there]. Certainly it is readily available at amazon.fr