Am I being too greedy or ambitious? Le Puy AND start in Geneva?

[CTLawGal]

I am starting to plan my second Camino, focusing on Le Puy (although a little tempted to return to the Norte/Primitivo/Fisterre of my first Camino in Spring 2023... maybe next time!).

I've started reading through the posts on Le Puy, lots of good material there! Trying to absorb it all. I am thinking about maybe starting on the GR65 in Geneva, which would add another 3 weeks (I think I'll be able to do Le Puy to SJPDP in about 32-33 days) and would love to hear from others who have combined the two. That would make it maybe 10 days more than my first Camino, so I think I should be able to do it, although I was extremely exhausted my last day and remember thinking it's a good thing today IS my last day, I don't think I could do more (but maybe it felt like that because I KNEW it was my last day?).

Should I stick with my original plan to start in Le Puy? Am I being greedy or too ambitious to try to add another 3 weeks?

For those who have walked both Norte/Primitivo and Geneva/Le Puy, how does it compare elevation gain wise? From what I can tell from the guidebooks, it looks like mostly a bit easier, more moderate than the Norte/Primitivo, a few long days with some elevation gain, but mostly moderate. Does that sound right?

I will be 66 in the spring and I speak French ( a little rusty, but have fond memories of my last Camino with entire days speaking only French with pilgrims who spoke no or limited English). I am female and walked by myself, I never felt unsafe on my last Camino; do those of you who have walked either or both of these routes think any particular precautions are in order?

I'm also trying to decide whether to start mid-April, or maybe 3rd week of April, not sure if starting in Geneva impacts timing decision. I appreciate that weather can be unpredictable so it's hard to second guess timing, but I also know that there are lots of French holidays during May. I don't mind the cold, but don't love torrential downpours, but am prepared to walk in both.

Thank you in advance for all advice! While I've responded to many posts, I think this is my first query! Everyone on this forum is so helpful!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@CTLawGal , there’s quite a few forum members that have done this, hopefully some of them will chip in. I’ve only looked at it from a planning perspective to date.

Have you read this sub forum for the Via Gebennensis?

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/GenevatoLePuy/

@caminka has loaded a ton of info in the resources section too.

Edited to add: if you want a good read, don't miss the highly entertaining threads from @sunflowerfunk ! ( Via Gebennensis and Le Puy). Unfortunately Max never completed the Le Puy thread (I'm still hopeful)

 

[Jarrad]

Since you are concerned about the time, I'll throw another option at you: Maybe consider starting in Lyon. I visited in 2022 and it was fabulous. Beautiful cathedral, Roman amphitheater and museum, les traboules, not to mention the best food in France.

You can check out the route to Le Puy here, you'll just need to translate the page.

 

[CTLawGal]

@CTLawGal , there’s quite a few forum members that have done this, hopefully some of them will chip in. I’ve only looked at it from a planning perspective to date.

Have you read this sub forum for the Via Gebennensis?

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/GenevatoLePuy/

@caminka has loaded a ton of info in the resources section too.

Edited to add: if you want a good read, don't miss the highly entertaining threads from @sunflowerfunk ! ( Via Gebennensis and Le Puy). Unfortunately Max never completed the Le Puy thread (I'm still hopeful)

Thanks so much - I’ve been reading thru posts on the sub forum, lots of great info and really benefitting from the real life insights of others. Lots to absorb. Right now I’m trying to focus on the route and how far to walk, then keep filling in as I make the rest of my plans. Everyone seems to endorse booking early (now might be a was too early for some places) especially in May which seems to be popular time for the French to walk certain portions. I’m a planner and feel like I need to settle on the basic outline of the trip for now. For a variety of reasons I couldn’t go this year and I’m just itching to go back!

 

[CTLawGal]

Since you are concerned about the time, I'll throw another option at you: Maybe consider starting in Lyon. I visited in 2022 and it was fabulous. Beautiful cathedral, Roman amphitheater and museum, les traboules, not to mention the best food in France.

You can check out the route to Le Puy here, you'll just need to translate the page.

Interesting idea! I wondered if it would be difficult to find my way from Lyons. Hard to pass up best food in France!!

 

[KFH]

I haven't done it, though earlier this year was planning on doing Geneva ----> as well.

Consequently, I looked into it quite a bit but ended up changing and will therefore leave the comments to others-- except to wish you well and to mention that Efren did Geneva to Le Puy and Le Puy to SJ. I think you will find his Geneva- Le Puy videos quite helpful.

Geneva Way | Via Gebennensis

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

 

[CTLawGal]

I haven't done it, though earlier this year was planning on doing Geneva ----> as well.

Consequently, I looked into it quite a bit but ended up changing and will therefore leave the comments to others-- except to wish you well and to mention that Efren did Geneva to Le Puy and Le Puy to SJ. I think you will find his Geneva- Le Puy videos quite helpful.

Geneva Way | Via Gebennensis

Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

www.youtube.com

Thank you! I haven't really looked at Camino videos, maybe now is the time to start! Very helpful!

 

[federico]

I walked this route in 2021 as far as Cahors (via Rocamadour) and found it to be a wonderful combination. It took 30 days (about 25 km/day) with about 2 weeks to Le Puy. The Gebennensis is quiet and when you reach Le Puy it's a refresh. The energy changes and it's good to be around other pilgrims.

 

[Paul-CH]

Have a look at my Routing Info 3000km from Switzerland to SdC and Porto in 2017
You will find my daily stages with distance and the ups/down gains.

 

[CTLawGal]

I walked this route in 2021 as far as Cahors (via Rocamadour) and found it to be a wonderful combination. It took 30 days (about 25 km/day) with about 2 weeks to Le Puy. The Gebennensis is quiet and when you reach Le Puy it's a refresh. The energy changes and it's good to be around other pilgrims.

Thank you! That confirms my general impression - and I started watching the Efren YouTubes recommended by KFH above, in July it seems like he barely saw any pilgrims. I like the idea of starting in solitude and meeting more pilgrims as you progress, which seems similar to my experience on the Primitivo where I barely spoke to anyone the first week, then the over the next few weeks made friends I'm still in contact with now. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

 

[CTLawGal]

Have a look at my Routing Info 3000km from Switzerland to SdC and Porto in 2017
You will find my daily stages with distance and the ups/down gains.

Will check this out! Thanks!

 

[bullingtonce]

I am starting to plan my second Camino, focusing on Le Puy (although a little tempted to return to the Norte/Primitivo/Fisterre of my first Camino in Spring 2023... maybe next time!).

I've started reading through the posts on Le Puy, lots of good material there! Trying to absorb it all. I am thinking about maybe starting on the GR65 in Geneva, which would add another 3 weeks (I think I'll be able to do Le Puy to SJPDP in about 32-33 days) and would love to hear from others who have combined the two. That would make it maybe 10 days more than my first Camino, so I think I should be able to do it, although I was extremely exhausted my last day and remember thinking it's a good thing today IS my last day, I don't think I could do more (but maybe it felt like that because I KNEW it was my last day?).

Should I stick with my original plan to start in Le Puy? Am I being greedy or too ambitious to try to add another 3 weeks?

For those who have walked both Norte/Primitivo and Geneva/Le Puy, how does it compare elevation gain wise? From what I can tell from the guidebooks, it looks like mostly a bit easier, more moderate than the Norte/Primitivo, a few long days with some elevation gain, but mostly moderate. Does that sound right?

I will be 66 in the spring and I speak French ( a little rusty, but have fond memories of my last Camino with entire days speaking only French with pilgrims who spoke no or limited English). I am female and walked by myself, I never felt unsafe on my last Camino; do those of you who have walked either or both of these routes think any particular precautions are in order?

I'm also trying to decide whether to start mid-April, or maybe 3rd week of April, not sure if starting in Geneva impacts timing decision. I appreciate that weather can be unpredictable so it's hard to second guess timing, but I also know that there are lots of French holidays during May. I don't mind the cold, but don't love torrential downpours, but am prepared to walk in both.

Thank you in advance for all advice! While I've responded to many posts, I think this is my first query! Everyone on this forum is so helpful!

It is a question that needs not be asked. Always go for what pushes and challenges you. You are prepred to walk in whatever conditions so the three weeks addition is of no consequence EVEN IF IT GOES TERRIBLY WRONG. And as for walking by yourself, remember that 'He' has given you the potential to be the most vengeful and wrathful heroine on planet earth. God help anyone who even thinks of invading your God-given sacred space. And I double-check with God, He said it is permissible for you to carry some sort of protective device be it pepper spray or some such other device. And to top it off most everyone, not all, on this forum sends you spiritual energy to you. Go forth and conquer. Chuck PS I am seventy-seven years old and plan to do a two month trek in the Himalayas, 14,000 to 18,000 feet. On the other hand, I may well be mentally off in so many ways. Could well be.

 

[David Tallan]

And I double-check with God, He said it is permissible for you to carry some sort of protective device be it pepper spray or some such other device.

While "He" may have given permission, that doesn't necessarily carry a lot of weight with the authorities here on Earth. I always advise checking the local laws and regulations as to what is permissible before taking such things on Camino.

 

[CTLawGal]

While "He" may have given permission, that doesn't necessarily carry a lot of weight with the authorities here on Earth. I always advise checking the local laws and regulations as to what is permissible before taking such things on Camino.

Definitely! Good reminder!

 

[GuyA]

In 2013 I walked the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le Puy en Velay in 13 days. Then a rest day in Le Puy en Velay and the Via Podiensis to St Jean Pied de Port in 27 days. I was 56 now 67 so no idea what it would take me now

In 2022 I walked the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago in 12 days and Camino San Salvador from Leon to Oviedo in 5 days. I was 65.

I blogged on a daily basis www.caminolongwalk.blogspot.com…perhaps that may have some useful info.

The routes you are considering are beautiful.
Of the 8 Camino routes I have been fortunate to walk I rank Via Gebennensis as my favourite. I also speak French which was very helpful.

Bon chemin!

Guy

 

[CTLawGal]

In 2013 I walked the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le Puy en Velay in 13 days. Then a rest day in Le Puy en Velay and the Via Podiensis to St Jean Pied de Port in 27 days. I was 56 now 67 so no idea what it would take me now

In 2022 I walked the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago in 12 days and Camino San Salvador from Leon to Oviedo in 5 days. I was 65.

I blogged on a daily basis www.caminolongwalk.blogspot.com…perhaps that may have some useful info.

The routes you are considering are beautiful.
Of the 8 Camino routes I have been fortunate to walk I rank Via Gebennensis as my favourite. I also speak French which was very helpful.

Bon chemin!

Guy

Thank you! Will check out the blog. I love that you rank it as your favorite! Your pace seems very strong (amazing!), I'm thinking of doing it a little more slowly, ha! I thought I might enjoy it because it was an opportunity to speak French for weeks and experience a part of France with which I am not familiar.

 

[GuyA]

Thank you! Will check out the blog. I love that you rank it as your favorite! Your pace seems very strong (amazing!), I'm thinking of doing it a little more slowly, ha! I thought I might enjoy it because it was an opportunity to speak French for weeks and experience a part of France with which I am not familiar.

Agreed the pace in retrospect was really fast…I joined a group who became life long friends and they essentially pulled me along No question I would take more time today.

The Via Gebennensis was not busy when I walked it however the countryside was really something. I have never been able to really express properly why it has been my favourite Camino route however the feeling is there. Great memories and I hope you have an opportunity to walk it as well.

 

[BlackRocker57]

I am starting to plan my second Camino, focusing on Le Puy (although a little tempted to return to the Norte/Primitivo/Fisterre of my first Camino in Spring 2023... maybe next time!).

I've started reading through the posts on Le Puy, lots of good material there! Trying to absorb it all. I am thinking about maybe starting on the GR65 in Geneva, which would add another 3 weeks (I think I'll be able to do Le Puy to SJPDP in about 32-33 days) and would love to hear from others who have combined the two. That would make it maybe 10 days more than my first Camino, so I think I should be able to do it, although I was extremely exhausted my last day and remember thinking it's a good thing today IS my last day, I don't think I could do more (but maybe it felt like that because I KNEW it was my last day?).

Should I stick with my original plan to start in Le Puy? Am I being greedy or too ambitious to try to add another 3 weeks?

For those who have walked both Norte/Primitivo and Geneva/Le Puy, how does it compare elevation gain wise? From what I can tell from the guidebooks, it looks like mostly a bit easier, more moderate than the Norte/Primitivo, a few long days with some elevation gain, but mostly moderate. Does that sound right?

I will be 66 in the spring and I speak French ( a little rusty, but have fond memories of my last Camino with entire days speaking only French with pilgrims who spoke no or limited English). I am female and walked by myself, I never felt unsafe on my last Camino; do those of you who have walked either or both of these routes think any particular precautions are in order?

I'm also trying to decide whether to start mid-April, or maybe 3rd week of April, not sure if starting in Geneva impacts timing decision. I appreciate that weather can be unpredictable so it's hard to second guess timing, but I also know that there are lots of French holidays during May. I don't mind the cold, but don't love torrential downpours, but am prepared to walk in both.

Thank you in advance for all advice! While I've responded to many posts, I think this is my first query! Everyone on this forum is so helpful!

I haven’t walked the GR65 Via Gebennensis yet but done loads of research and had hoped to walk in 2020 [but we all know what happened then] ... it is definitely a less travelled path at any time of the year ... including in peak hiking and travelling months ... if you are on FB you might like to check out the blog called «Wandering with Soul» ... the author has just finished walking from Geneva solo and she wrote a very helpful summary when she arrived at Le Puy ...

 

[VNwalking]

Should I stick with my original plan to start in Le Puy? Am I being greedy or too ambitious to try to add another 3 weeks?

First thought best thought.
And even though I have no basis in experience to be saying this, my first thought reading your post is 'why not?' The walking will be the only thing that puts the doubt to bed.

You know your own fitness and stamina. Read a few live threads here, and based on what you know you can do, others' stories, and info here plan distances you can manage on a daily basis.

 

[CTLawGal]

In 2013 I walked the Via Gebennensis from Geneva to Le Puy en Velay in 13 days. Then a rest day in Le Puy en Velay and the Via Podiensis to St Jean Pied de Port in 27 days. I was 56 now 67 so no idea what it would take me now

In 2022 I walked the Camino Primitivo from Oviedo to Santiago in 12 days and Camino San Salvador from Leon to Oviedo in 5 days. I was 65.

I blogged on a daily basis www.caminolongwalk.blogspot.com…perhaps that may have some useful info.

The routes you are considering are beautiful.
Of the 8 Camino routes I have been fortunate to walk I rank Via Gebennensis as my favourite. I also speak French which was very helpful.

Bon chemin!

Guy

As a follow up, so you recommend a rest day in Le Puy? You were walking at a faster pace than I plan but I’m wondering if I should plan a rest day there? On my first Camino I didn’t take any rest days over 42 days, but I did shorten a few stages in the first two weeks which seemed to work well. Is there enough to see in Le Puy to merit a full extra day?

 

[GuyA]

I enjoyed it…thought it was a nice city after 13 long days. Here is a link to my blogpost for that day…might give you some ideas.

I also normally don’t plan many rest days

Via Podiensis (October 9, 2013) - Rest Day Le Puy en Velay

Ah....today was a rest day in the historic city of Le Puy en Velay. The day has been a real treat however I have done everything I want to d...

caminolongwalk.blogspot.com

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@CTLawGal : From what I have seen and read, most definitely! It does of course depend on what interests you. For me the architecture sounds incredible. ( I love old buildings). Not only is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame worth a look, but the Chapel of Saint-Michel, the Corneille rock with attendant statues, and the historical town centre. I'm not religious but the pictures I've seen of those first three items alone make them worth visiting.
A quick Google search will give you an indication as to what I mean.
Because Le Puy is not exactly flat I think it would take more than just a few hours there to visit everything. And France is a wonderful country, why not just relax and enjoy a cafe for an hour or two....

 

[PeteAJ]

One consideration might be whether or not company and other pilgrims is an interest. Apologies as I haven't done the GR65 Via Gebennensis myself but it'd have to have less people than the Norte or Primitivo. No? Is the Le Puy Via Podiensis itself as traveled as the Norte? Not sure. And not to discourage walking further, greed is not in question! On the Le Puy I met a couple of people coming from Geneva who seemed happy with it and a couple of other people hoping to go all the way to Santiago. It's lively at first but there was a fairly modest group on any one stage after Conques.

 

[CTLawGal]

One consideration might be whether or not company and other pilgrims is an interest. Apologies as I haven't done the GR65 Via Gebennensis myself but it'd have to have less people than the Norte or Primitivo. No? Is the Le Puy Via Podiensis itself as traveled as the Norte? Not sure. And not to discourage walking further, greed is not in question! On the Le Puy I met a couple of people coming from Geneva who seemed happy with it and a couple of other people hoping to go all the way to Santiago. It's lively at first but there was a fairly modest group on any one stage after Conques.

Thank you. From what I can tell, there are not many on the Gebennensis at any time. I’m thinking I may like the solitude for the first few weeks and hope there will be more (but not too many, ha!) once I go thru Le Puy. But it is a consideration for sure and something to think about