Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
Brilliant, many thanks.Hello. I walked the first half of that route in 2022 and the second half in 2023, both during the month of May. Bring good rain gear and pack your extra clothes in ziplock bags. Although we experienced only a few days of rain, when it did rain it poured! I recommend that you book as many gites in advance through email, and use a translation app if necessary. Non-Camino long distance walking in France is very popular and many locals prefer to book in advance. I booked in advance, and several times the gites I stayed at were at capacity. As for gear, no different from the CF, I brought a light indoor sleeping bag and it was fine, although most gites provide a thick blanket. As for gear shops along the Chemin, Caminoloc has stores in both Cahors and Condom (if still operating). French is very common on this route, so learn some basic French, use a translation app, and you will be fine. When in Le Puy, be sure to attend the Pilgrim Mass at 7:00 am in the cathedral and stay to the end for an unforgettable experience of a trap door opening to reveal a descending stairway to begin your pilgrimage!
Hi again - For both trips I booked in February for my trip in May. I booked all the gites in advance because it removes a fair amount of stress. And when you book, ask if a meal can be provided, called "demi- pension". Most, but not all, gites have a demi-pension option. Take advantage of every one, again to remove a lot of stress about eating. You will absolutely enjoy the communal meals, and you will learn a thing or two from your fellow pilgrims.Brilliant, many thanks.
How many did you book in advance at a time / how long in advance did you book? Example, should I start booking in March for End of April or something like December?
I walked from Le Puy to Conques in late Sept- early October in 2017. I usually didn't book ahead, though I sometimes joined up with a group from Quebec who would call the morning we walked so they could get enough food for us. But in general, I like to walk until I get tired and want to stop. Not having a set place doesn't stress me, in fact, I find it limiting. I carry my own stuff.Brilliant, many thanks.
How many did you book in advance at a time / how long in advance did you book? Example, should I start booking in March for End of April or something like December?
Hello! Apologies in advance if this is contained elsewhere. I've searched, and have found lot of info for the Frances and other routes, but have found less packing lists for the Podiensis. I'm planning to go the last week in April 2025 for Le Puy - SJPDP, and was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to share a packing list for that time frame? I understand the subjectivity of this request, but am unsure about weather (seems a toss up, but expect some rain and possible snow), sleeping (liner or bag at this season), as well as the availability of buying a needed item on the trail (or difficulty of finding an outdoorsy store).
I'm a ways off, but a local camping/hiking store is having a sale through Labor Day (US Holiday weekend.)
Thank you kindly from Colorado. Jake
I walked in Sept/Oct from Le Puy, and though I didn't need it every night, I was glad to have a warm sleeping bag many nights. There are more possibilities for camping along the way in very nice campsites. I met up with some friends who happened to be camping and vacationing in France in Sauges, and the campground there was very nice-- washer and dryers, hot showers, clothes lines, little caravans you could sleep in. It's on the far side of Sauges.Hello! Apologies in advance if this is contained elsewhere. I've searched, and have found lot of info for the Frances and other routes, but have found less packing lists for the Podiensis. I'm planning to go the last week in April 2025 for Le Puy - SJPDP, and was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to share a packing list for that time frame? I understand the subjectivity of this request, but am unsure about weather (seems a toss up, but expect some rain and possible snow), sleeping (liner or bag at this season), as well as the availability of buying a needed item on the trail (or difficulty of finding an outdoorsy store).
I'm a ways off, but a local camping/hiking store is having a sale through Labor Day (US Holiday weekend.)
Thank you kindly from Colorado. Jake
**Hello! Apologies in advance if this is contained elsewhere. I've searched, and have found lot of info for the Frances and other routes, but have found less packing lists for the Podiensis. I'm planning to go the last week in April 2025 for Le Puy - SJPDP, and was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to share a packing list for that time frame? I understand the subjectivity of this request, but am unsure about weather (seems a toss up, but expect some rain and possible snow), sleeping (liner or bag at this season), as well as the availability of buying a needed item on the trail (or difficulty of finding an outdoorsy store).
I'm a ways off, but a local camping/hiking store is having a sale through Labor Day (US Holiday weekend.)
Thank you kindly from Colorado. Jake
Super helpful thank youI walked last year starting the last week of April. I booked my whole Camino ( with demi- pension ) ahead probably starting in Jan/ Feb and was glad I did. There were some pilgrims who hadn’t reserved that were stressed to find beds. I had no stress in that regard. The May French holiday walkers are significant. I took a sleeping bag and was glad I did. Rain gear was needed ( not often ) but it did pour as mentioned. I also had a warmer jacket as the mornings were quite cool at the beginning - for me anyway. Learning a few basic French words and phrases would enhance your experience. It was a wonderful and beautiful Camino ( but I found the experience very different from Spain). 90% of the people walking are French. Enjoy! Bon Chemin
Thanks for this. How did you handle rest days (if you needed them)? Did you find having the whole thing booked up limited certain days of the body called for a rest?I walked last year starting the last week of April. I booked my whole Camino ( with demi- pension ) ahead probably starting in Jan/ Feb and was glad I did. There were some pilgrims who hadn’t reserved that were stressed to find beds. I had no stress in that regard. The May French holiday walkers are significant. I took a sleeping bag and was glad I did. Rain gear was needed ( not often ) but it did pour as mentioned. I also had a warmer jacket as the mornings were quite cool at the beginning - for me anyway. Learning a few basic French words and phrases would enhance your experience. It was a wonderful and beautiful Camino ( but I found the experience very different from Spain). 90% of the people walking are French. Enjoy! Bon Chemin
Cool.When I set up our time budget I included a rest day every 5-6 walking days. We stayed in Airbnbs and with a friend one time. Another time we only walked 8 km to the next gite - one of us was suffering from blisters and needed a half day. I set up the time budget using the camino planner tool so I could factor distance and elevation changes as well as identify places of interest that might make good stopping points for the evening or for a rest day.
I booked in rest days. I stayed an extra day in Conques and in Figeac. I did kayak down the CELE River one day form Marcilhac to Cabrarets so that was a “ rest” day. ( I took the CELE Variant. Highly recommend ) I found it enough as I did have shorter as well as longer days, so the shorter days gave some relief.Thanks for this. How did you handle rest days (if you needed them)? Did you find having the whole thing booked up limited certain days of the body called for a rest?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?