Any solo walkers on le Puy in August?

[Seymoursmum]

Hi I'm starting on 19 August from le Puy. I've just heard about robberies on VdP and am now getting worried ( solo female) anyone leaving about then???

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I've not heard about anything like that on the Le Puy route. I gather that August is quieter for walkers on the Le Puy route. It gets busier again in September once school goes back and it starts to cool down a little. Many of the French walkers on the route are grandparents who are involved with child care with grandchildren over the summertime.
Margaret

 

[Seymoursmum]

Thanks very glad to hear. I did SJPDP to Santiago in 2010 with another female friend. There was not a nano second we felt threatened or out of our comfort zone. Perhaps I'm just a bit nervy as family and friends are starting to ramp up their comments about me being sure ill be ok doing this by myself.

 

[Kitsambler]

I walked the Le Puy route solo (in September, both years) and never had any reasons for concern about physical safety. However, do be aware that August can be AWFULLY hot (high 90's Fahrenheit, I think that's high 30's Celsius). Planning for water and walking in the cooler parts of the day will be helpful. Also, since there are fewer walkers, some gites close. So booking ahead (or at least calling ahead to verify that places are open) will be important.

Bon chemin!

 

[grayland]

I don't think you have to worry. Things happening on the VdlP will not have any effect on the Le Puy route.

 

[ranthr]

I am starting from Le Puy to morrow and if I hear about such things I will tell you. I am a woman, 65, Walkong alone. Went here august/September 2009 and it was quite safe. I have been robbed once but that was at the train from Barcelona airport on my way home from a camino. So I fear the airport more than the caminos.
I guess the economic crises in Europe may cause things like reported from VdlP. A lot of people are without work and Spain is overflowed with poor people from many countries in Europe. After all we are fairly rich compared to all the people in need.
By the way here are really a lot of peregrinos these days. At least 20 -30 on my train from St.Etienne yesterday. Hope some of them will start tomorrow too!
Randi

 

[mayne]

I walked the Le Puy route last August to Sept solo....It was hot, above 30 degrees everyday but i started early and usually finished walking by 2. Overall August was a great time to walk, only one day of rain, a good number of pilgrims but not too many. I was 62 and took a tent as I felt i could not afford 30+ days in a gite. It was an adventure I wouldnt want to miss. I loved every minute of it....beautiful scenery, great gites with excellent food, wonderful campgrounds. I never felt like i was in danger at all. Everyone that I met wanted to help and in that sense it was true to the camino spirit. Good luck on your adventure.

 

[Seymoursmum]

All good to hear. The temperatures dont bother me so much,I'm from Western Australia. Hot is what we do.