Period to walk the Podensies

[Casper1]

Hello,

I'm planning to walk the Camino Podensies, beginning in Le Puy en Velay, in the spring of 2025. Of course, the weather is unpredictable, but we hope to begin when the likelihood of snow is minimal. We also hope to avoid the biggest Easter crowds. We're thinking of beginning around 6 May. Does that seem like a reasonable time to avoid significant snow? Is at a good time to walk? Thanks for advice!

 

[Pafayac]

It could be a good idea because in May the snow fall should be past, and the school holidays ends on the 5th May.
However, you will probably have to book on the 8-9-10-11 May (because the 8 is holiday), and probably also the 29-30-31 May and 1 June (because the 29 is Ascension Thursday).
Do you know about the french concept of "bridge" ("pont") ?

 

[Casper1]

Thanks, The French concept of bridge I don't no!

 

[Pafayac]

Thanks, The French concept of bridge I don't no !

When we have a public day holiday, if it is a Tuesday, sometimes the Monday is given. Or if it s a Thursday, the Friday is given.
Thus we have 4 days free (including the week-end), and french caminos could be quite busy.

 

[CTLawGal]

Hello,

I'm planning to walk the Camino Podensies, beginning in Le Puy en Velay, in the spring of 2025. Of course, the weather is unpredictable, but we hope to begin when the likelihood of snow is minimal. We also hope to avoid the biggest Easter crowds. We're thinking of beginning around 6 May. Does that seem like a reasonable time to avoid significant snow? Is at a good time to walk? Thanks for advice!

I am planning to walk this route Spring 2025 as well, but will start in Geneva. I plan to leave Le Puy May 3 and finish in SJPDP June 4. So if you start earlier or walk faster I may see you!

I am definitely booking ahead based on everything I’ve read. May is a busy month in France with those “bridged” weekends, as mentioned. Also, I understand many French towns shut down on Sundays and Mondays, so if you don’t have demi pension you’ll need to plan ahead for meals on those days. I’m trying not to worry about that too much and hoping by conferring with my hosts and I can figure out once I’m there. That, plus a can of tuna should help me make it thru

Buen Camino!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I walked the Via Podiensis starting June 1st a few years ago as I'd read on the forum that there were no public holidays that month. Not sure if it was true, but my friends and I encountered no festivals nor booked up gites. We winged it day by day with no issues.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Thanks, The French concept of bridge I don't no!

The Germans do it too, it's absolutely brilliant! I have utilized it on several occasions, because for 3 days leave I get an entire week off!

As a complete aside, does anybody know if that's also a thing in Spain?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

In the US we have several three day "bridge" weekends a year, too, as you call them, but rarely four days. Our Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday and is always four days off, but if you work in any retail sector, good luck; it's known as the busiest shopping of the year. I always avoid the madness.

 

[CTLawGal]

I walked the Via Podiensis starting June 1st a few years ago as I'd read on the forum that there were no public holidays that month. Not sure if it was true, but my friends and I encountered no festivals nor booked up gites. We winged it day by day with no issues.

I've read that a lot of that area shuts down during August holidays, so what little services there may be, especially in smaller towns, may shut down then, Not sure how true that is, but sounds like something that would be true in many parts of France in August...

 

[Camino Chrissy]

June was perfect. We wanted to go before a lot of heat and finished in late June, going as far as Auvillar. We'd heard there were quite a few holidays in May, plus often slushy snow in parts.

 

[CTLawGal]

June was perfect. We wanted to go before a lot of heat and finished in late June, going as far as Auvillar. We'd heard there were quite a few holidays in May, plus often slushy snow in parts.

I am NOT looking forward to slushy snow! Yikes! Fingers-crossed!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I am NOT looking forward to slushy snow! Yikes! Fingers-crossed!

Try not to worry. Every year is different and there are no "weather rules", except that water freezes at 32,°F, and I melt at 75° if walking on an uphill.

 

[CTLawGal]

Try not to worry. Every year is different and there are no "weather rules", except that water freezes at 32,°F, and I melt at 75° if walking on an uphill.

I know! I've picked my time, I'll just deal with what there is - I don't mind cold, I mostly don't mind rain - but torrential downpours and mud/slush... that's a little harder, but I'll manage!

 

[Smash123]

I left Le Puy on April 2 2023. One morning there were flurries, but I never hit snow. A few days after I passed the Aubrac it was closed because of snow. So, you can hit snow in April or May. I booked pretty much in the morning for where I was planning on getting to that night, and though there were some hassles with Sunday/Monday closures, nothing was serious, and I always had a bed. If I was really concerned (like the Easter weekend) I spoke with the host wherever I was and they would provide guidance. Helps if you speak French

 

[CTLawGal]

If I was really concerned (like the Easter weekend) I spoke with the host wherever I was and they would provide guidance.

That's my plan! I lived in France for a year (way back when), so my French is pretty good and I will just ask some questions about any concerns for the coming day(s) and be mindful about the Sunday/Monday closures. Plan my stays, wing the rest!