Walking the Le Puy route in Feb/March

[loumiller]

I would like to walk the Le Puy route next year in Feb/March. Is this a crazy idea? I am 60, and would be walking alone. It's the best time for me to go.

 

[Kitsambler]

I would like to walk the Le Puy route next year in Feb/March.

How are your snowshoeing skills? Seriously! Although you might be ok from Cahors westward since the elevation is lower, there will be serious snow on the ground from Le Puy through to Figeac. If truly pressed for a 1 Feb start, I would recommend walking the west half (Cahors-SJPP) first, and then the east half (Le Puy - Cahors).

Easter comes early in 2018, falling on Apr 1. So Palm Sunday falls on Mar 25. Most lodgings on the Le Puy are open from Easter to All Saints. Check the listings in Miam Miam Dodo for those that are open earlier or year-round, and make reservations several weeks in advance. (People have been known to take off for sunnier climes if no guests are booked in.)

 

[gavin01]

Are you crazy? Short answer - Yes. Perhaps you should consider a Southerly route like Arles or even the Portuguese route.

 

[Crazy Kiwiman]

It really depends on your fitness and experience hiking in Feb/March weather, but being 60 will not be an impediment. This route is very popular with French retirees.

 

[backpack45]

If I knew how to post a photo to this site, I would be showing you a few pictures of our hiking across the Aubrac area of the LePuy route in April/May 2004. Snow was fun for a while, but overall the surroundings were bleak that time of year. It was a little exciting when the trail and signs were hidden. One of the other pilgrims on the route became so panicked she left the trail to return home--I assume until warmer weather. I was very happy that we had sleeping bags and full raingear just in case we needed to take shelter in someone's outbuilding. I do not recommend hiking through this area so early in the year--besides the lovely daffodils/narcissus won't be out yet. (This is from someone who has both hiked in snow and also camped (purposefully) in it.)

 

[jsalt]

Hi, I crossed the Aubrac in early May 2014. There were snow flurries, and it was bitterly cold. I wouldn’t like to have tried it 2 months earlier.
Jill

 

[AlwynWellington]

I began from Le Puy early April 2016. While the weather was generally good. But there was a lot of water around. So much so that I decided to walk on roads rather than sticky paths wherever possible.

Kia kaha (take care, be strong, get going)

 

[Kanga]

No way would I walk across the Aubrac in February. Head south young man!

 

[pilgrim82]

Walking in February and March is possible, but you gamble with the weather and a small number of people around. In terms of the Aubrac Plateau, the Gendarmerie now block the route and make you take the road if there is snow and the weather is bad, so you can take comfort in that. We have seen pilgrims in January who pass the plateau with no problems, with pilgrims in April being diverted because of snow. You never know.
I think in February the numbers of gite open will be less, so your choices could be more limited. 1st April is the traditional opening date for most gite.
On the way everything is possible but it is up to the gods what weather you get.

 

[rdinap]

You also have to keep in mind that the mud, particularly after Cahors, is brutal. The adhesion of superglue and the weight of cement.