Guides and Maps

[Ruth_Ess]

I'm starting in Le Puy at the end of May, and have bought the Miam Miam Dodo already. Is the Yellow Guide recommended as well? Where do you get it?
I noticed that the MMDD doesn't have clear steps / map by step. Suggestions for a clear, simple (ie lightweight) map? See you out there!

 

[Kitsambler]

The schematic maps in MMD, together with the route markings on the trail, are all you need. The MMD maps are really quite detailed, showing all the crossing roads. You'll be covering from three to five pages of MMD maps per walking day. I have heard of a route map from Michelin(?) that is available in local shops, but most don't need it.

 

[Ruth_Ess]

The schematic maps in MMD, together with the route markings on the trail, are all you need. The MMD maps are really quite detailed, showing all the crossing roads. You'll be covering from three to five pages of MMD maps per walking day. I have heard of a route map from Michelin(?) that is available in local shops, but most don't need it.

Thanks Kitsambler! I have the impression, from reading other posts, that this yellow guide lists other, non-commercial, places to stay, ie families. True?

 

[Kitsambler]

There is such a guide for the route from Geneva to Le Puy, which has very little tourism infrastructure. But I don't recall mention of such for the route from Le Puy to SJPP. (Someone else might help out here -- anyone?) Of course, most private gites and all chambres d'hotes are family-owned and operated. If one were staying in family homes, I think one would need to be reasonably fluent in French.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

If one were staying in family homes, I think one would need to be reasonably fluent in French.

I am living proof that is not the case; five caminos in France with less than working high school French! A smile, moderate volume, speaking slowly, and never getting frustrated is the key. I have dozens of nights in French family homes, usually as their first American guest. It does not get any better (though I agree it would be better if I could speak French).

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Michelin map guide:

http://www.librairie-voyage.com/mic...u-puy-en-velay-a-saint-jean-pied-de-port.html

Check tobacco shops and magazine stores for the latest edition.

 

[Kitsambler]

I have dozens of nights in French family homes...

I'm sure the OP would like to hear how you found them.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I'm sure the OP would like to hear how you found them.

Signs on doors. MMD. The Chastain Vezelay guide. Internet searches. A French friend with the "secret guide."

 

[Ruth_Ess]

My french is conversational... No worries.
I met a woman last summer on the CF who said the yellow guide was indispensable for this route... And somewhere in thus Forum soneone referred to it as well.
Now about this 'secret guide'....

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Now about this 'secret guide'....

I think it was the Acceuil Jacquaire when it was print form only. It had a lot of Christian and private accommodations.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

This might be the "yellow guide" (or it may not be):

http://www.fernwege.de/einkauf/wanderfuehrer/via-podiensis/index.html

It is in German, and very popular with Germans.

 

[SYates]

... I noticed that the MMDD doesn't have clear steps / map by step. Suggestions for a clear, simple (ie lightweight) map? See you out there!

You don't need a map, the way is well marked, but I used a German guide book from a publisher called Outdoor just to know where I am. Also the CSJ in the UK publishes a Le Puy guide book. Hint: There is the cathedral shop in Le Puy and a specialised shop near the tourist office in Le Puy that sell maps and guides. Bon Chemin! SY

 

[Ruth_Ess]

Thanks! The woman who told ne about it was German. I speak German, and will check that out... Bon Chemin to you too!

 

[billmclaughlin]

And don't forget the version of MMDD for iPhone!

The GPS feature may be superfluous, but never having to dial a phone number is a blessing!

Bill

 

[Ruth_Ess]

Really? I looked at the app, but didn't yet buy the guide... How does that phone feature work?

 

[Ruth_Ess]

(I have the paper one, didn't buy tge on-line version...)

 

[Reb]

Re: the Cathedral shop in Le Puy that sells guidebooks: could I acquire a MMDD there? I am considering spontaneously doing this trip and I don't think Amazon will deliver the guide fast enough.

 

[Ruth_Ess]

And don't forget the version of MMDD for iPhone!

The GPS feature may be superfluous, but never having to dial a phone number is a blessing!

Bill

Bill, how does the (no) phone feature work?

 

[TMcA]

Re: the Cathedral shop in Le Puy that sells guidebooks: could I acquire a MMDD there? I am considering spontaneously doing this trip and I don't think Amazon will deliver the guide fast enough.

I can't speak for the Cathedral shop but it was sold at the tourist office when I started the hike in 2013 (dated info, I know). It may also be sold at the small shop on the route before leaving Le Puy (I don't know its name). So maybe shoot an email to the tourism office and verify. Here's the link:
http://www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr/

The tourist office can also help you reserve a place for the first night or two, if you wish to do so.

 

[SYates]

Re: the Cathedral shop in Le Puy that sells guidebooks: could I acquire a MMDD there? I am considering spontaneously doing this trip and I don't think Amazon will deliver the guide fast enough.

They had it last year in September and it was also available at a variety of shops/places in Le Puy, it is perhaps the most sold item in town SY

 

[billmclaughlin]

Bill, how does the (no) phone feature work?

Don't think I said no phone. It's no dialing.

If you have MMDD on your iPhone, you pull up the map for your location (there are about 120 maps), then the list of accommodations, and select one. All the info for that gîte or hotel or whatever is there: prices, number of places, etc., including the phone number. To call you tap the phone number.

No dialing all the numbers. (On my US phone each call is otherwise 13 digits.)