Gites

[scruffy1]

I have walked to Santiago through Spain more then once and am now attempting to broaden my horizons. Le Puy seems to be a good place to start despite having no French whatsoever to help get me along to SJPD. I think I have found a way to understand the different manifestations of those gites as found along the Camino and practical things like calling ahead to reserve a bed have all been comprehended however, some nagging questions remain such as are there set opening times and or curfews as in Spain? May one remain several nights in the same gite? Are pilgrims expected to be up and out the front door at 0730 in the morning? Does each gite set its own schedule? Please help. Learning some French must be my next challenge.

Scruffy

 

[Kitsambler]

...are there set opening times and or curfews as in Spain?

While there are not set times, the French lunch hour is almost universally observed from 1200-1400, and many gites and Chambres d'Hotes will not open until 1500.

May one remain several nights in the same gite?

Yes, if there is space available. Be sure to mention this requirement when making your reservation.

Are pilgrims expected to be up and out the front door at 0730 in the morning?

No; in fact you might find it hard to get your breakfast done by that time. But you will be underfoot if not out by 0900 or so, unless you are staying another night.

Does each gite set its own schedule?

Yes, the French are quite independent.

Learning some French must be my next challenge.

My first trip in France, I knew hardly any French at all, having taken German in college. I could barely manage "Bonjour", "Je voudrais ...", and "L'addition, sil vous plait". I persuaded bilingual walkers to make my reservation calls for me. And that worked fine. By the next year, I had learned more French, could say where I was from and describe my day's walk a bit. That really helped in evening conversations. The French are very sociable and would really like to have a conversation. I've had great success with http://www.LiveMocha.com and the iPhone app from http://www.MichelThomas.com.

 

[scruffy1]

Your answer just in time, off for a vacation, thanks for all the information.
Scruffy