Itinerary

[TravellingSonn]

Hi all,

I'm currently working on my itinerary for my next camino.

At the moment this is what it looks like;

Day 1. Le Puy - Saint Privat d'Allier 22kms
Day 2. Saint Privat d'Allier - Sausages 18kms
Day 3. Sausages - Domaine du Sauvage 19kms
Day 4. Domaine du Sauvage - Les Estrets 21kms
Day 5. Les Estrets - Les Quatre Chemins 20kms
Day 6. Les Quatre Chemins - Aubrac 25kms
Day 7. Aubrac - Saint Come D'Olt 28kms
Day 8. Saint Come D'Olt - Estaing 17kms
Day 9. Estaing - Golinhac 16kms
Day 10. Golinhac - Conques 21.5kms
Day 11. Day off - Conques
Day 12. Conques - Livinhac le Haut 23.5kms
Day 13. Livinhac le Haut - Figeac 24kms
Day 14. Figeac - Grealou 21kms
Day 15. Grealou - Limogne en Quercy 30kms
Day 16. Limogne en Quercy - Mas de Vers 21kms
Day 17. Mas de Vers - Cahors 18kms
Day 18. Day off - Cahors
Day 19. Cahors - Lascabanes 23kms
Day 20. Lascabanes - Laurzerte 23kms
Day 21. Laurzerte - Moissac 24.5kms
Day 22. Day off - Moissac
Day 23. Moissac - Auvillar 19.5kms
Day 24. Auvillar - Castet Arrouy 21kms
Day 25. Castet Arrouy - Marsolan 24kms
Day 26. Marsolan - Condom 21kms
Day 27. Condom - Montreal de Gers 17kms
Day 28. Montreal de Gers - Ferme de Peyret 23kms
Day 29. Ferme de Peyret - Lanne Soubiran 23kms
Day 30. Lanne Soubiran - Aire sur l'Dour 19kms
Day 31. Aire sur l'Dour - Arzacq Arraziguet 32kms
Day 32. Arzacq Arraziguet - Arthez de Bearn 28kms
Day 33. Arthez de Bearn - Navarrenx 29kms
Day 34. Navarrenx - Aroue 19kms
Day 35. Aroue - Ostabat 22kms
Day 36. Ostabat - SJPDP 21kms

I would love to hear your suggestions/ideas regarding gites to stay at. Should I avoid any of the above locations?

Appreciate your time and input.

All the best,
Sonia

 

[robertt]

Sonn, I love that you call Saugues "Sausages". Even if it was by chance, don't stop.

Looks like a great itinerary. If you feel a little weary, you could neatly chop a stage in two without destroying the plan (eg stop at Miramont after Aire). Six km out of Livinhac is a rural gite at Montredon which has a wonderful atmosphere...but maybe Livinhac has something great too.

Just looking at that list is an inspiration. I want to get back to Le Puy to do the Stevenson or Regordane. Can't stop thinking about it.

Excited for you

Rob

 

[Kitsambler]

I'm not recalling your previous camino history, so I'm not sure what daily distance you're accustomed to walking, or in what context. The first day strikes me as very hard - although many do it. My party didn't reach St Privat d'Allier until lunch on day #2.

Remember that the entire section from Le Puy to Conques has considerable elevation gain/loss, on the order of 500 m or more, daily. That needs to be factored into your distance estimations.

Overall, it looks like a good plan. The duration is about right, and the rest days are at the best points. Remember that no plan survives first contact with reality. Now you can start practicing your French!

 

[TravellingSonn]

Rob, my bad! I thought it was spelt like sausage, oopsy! Are they famous for sausages by any chance? lol

After reading both inputs, I decided to alter my itinerary especially at the beginning. I promised myself I'd take my next camino a little slower. (I completed the camino Frances in 31 days with no rest days). I don't want to make the same mistake twice! Plus, I need to take into account my foot tendonitis which is still lingering around ever so slightly.

Day 1. Le Puy - Montbonnet 16.7kms
Day 2. Monbonnet - Monistrol d'Allier 13.6kms
Day 3. Monistrol d'Allier - Sausages (just for you Rob :wink: ) 11.7kms
Day 4. Sausages - Le Sauvage 19kms
Day 5. Le Sauvage - Les Estrets 20kms
Day 6. Les Estrets - Finieyrols 23.3kms
Day 7. Finieyrols - Aubrac 18.6kms
Day 8. Aubrac - Saint Come D'Olt 22.9kms
Day 9. Saint Come D'Olt -Fonteilles 25.8kms
Day 10. Fonteilles - Conques 26.4kms
Day 11. Day off - Conques
Day 12. Conques - Livinhac le Haut 24.2kms
Day 13. Livinhac le Haut - Figeac 24.7kms
Day 14. Figeac - Cajarc 30.4kms
Day 15. Cajarc- Varaire 25.6kms
Day 16. Varaire - Cahors 31.9kms
Day 17. Day off - Cahors
Day 18. Cahors - Lascabanes 22.4kms
Day 19. Lascabanes - Laurzerte 22.6kms
Day 20. Laurzerte - Moissac 25.7kms
Day 21. Day off - Moissac
Day 22. Moissac - Auvillar 20.7kms
Day 23. Auvillar - Castet Arrouy 21.4kms
Day 24. Castet Arrouy - Marsolan 19.6kms
Day 25. Marsolan - Condom 22.3kms
Day 26. Condom - Lamothe 25.1kms
Day 27. Lamothe - Nogaro 26.9kms
Day 28. Nogaro - Aire sur l'Adour 28.9kms
Day 29. Aire sur l'Adour - Miramont Sensacq 18kms
Day 30. Miramont Sensacq - Arzacq Arraziguet 15.4kms
Day 31. Arzacq Arraziguet - Pomps 20kms
Day 32. Pomps- Maslacq 19.1kms
Day 33. Maslacq - Navarrenx 22.1kms
Day 34. Navarrenx - Aroue 17.7kms
Day 35. Aroue - Ostabat 23.7kms
Day 36. Ostabat - SJPP 21.8kms

If I decide to take another rest day between Moissac and SJPP, which of the above towns would you recommend?

Merci beaucoup for your input guys! As always, I appreciate it greatly.

Au revoir
Sonn

 

[Kitsambler]

For a rest stop between Moissac and SJPP, I suggest Aire sur l'Adour. It's the largest town, has a very interesting cathedral to nose around, etc etc.

If you've already/still got plantar fasciitis, I have some suggestions - since I had the same painful condition. See a podiatrist (foot specialist) and investigate custom orthotics. Also check the commercially available arch supports such as Birkenstock. And get good quality inserts, like Superfeet. The route in France in very many places is quite stony - more like a dry streambed than a forest path. This is quite stressful on the feet. So you want a boot with a stiff sole also, not some overly flexible thing.

 

[scruffy1]

Sonia,
You got your kilometers right but do check your topography especially those first days, "only" 22k but straight uphill? Weather and time of year all play their part and the climb into the Pyrénées may be more difficult then you expect, rest days?.The best laid plans of mice and men are only outlines for change often dramatic change.

Scruffy

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Sonia,

Looks like a great itinerary. I've done pretty much the same thing, except that we decided to take a slight detour off the GR65 for a few days along the Cele River Valley. It is BEAUTIFUL and well marked. You turn off somewhere soon after Figeac and return to the GR 65 at Cahors. If you have the time (I think it's maybe a day or two longer), you should consider it, because it goes through some of the most un-touristy parts of France (at least it was untouristy when I was there in 2003 or 4!)

I can provide more details if you happen to be interested. The French FRPP guidebook for the GR65 includes information on this variant, as does Miam Miam dodo.

Laurie

 

[grayland]

Those first days can be pretty tough until you get in walking shape.
I took 30 days to SJPdP starting 30 March of this year and did not take any rest days. Rain and mud every day but two. :shock:
It was difficult at times but pretty easily done...I still think it is harder than the CF. Others say differently. The steep elevation changes on narrow rocky hillside paths complicate it.

You have plenty of time built in so I would think that you will be in pretty good shape.

 

[Larazet]

Condom! Lovely town, cafes etc. I live near there anyway so I have to be biaised....

 

[newfydog]

1 Don't be wedded to that schedule---you can be spontaneous on that route and not get stranded
2 Don't miss Condom, Museum of Armagnac, Museum of love and Latex
3 Cele valley is very nice.
4 Nogoro is not:

KiwiNomad06 wrote:Nogaro was the most missable town on the entire chemin in my opinion!! However L'Arbladoise gite, not that far past Nogaro, comes highly recommended. I couldn't get a booking there though as it was 'complet'.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
We too found Nogoro to be a "must miss" town. It was late, we were tired, but we pushed on a few KM
Between Nogoro and Aire sur I’Adour, we stayed in the best Chambre d’Hote of the trip, a beautifully restored farm once home to thousands of ducks.

Pierre et Monique PERINETTI
Maison Labarbe de St. Nicolas
32110 Lanne Soubiran
France

They were very pleased to have Americans, and even asked us to act like we were staying and extra night, to scare off some French speaking Belgians they, for some reason, didn't want.

the-le-puy-route/topic8127.html#p49083

 

[TravellingSonn]

This is why I love this forum! Thank you my Camino friends for your time and input. As always, I truly appreciate it.

Laurie, I would like to take you up on your offer and hear more about the Cele River valley. All up, I have 2 months off so time isn't much of an issue.

I do plan on being flexible on this camino as I learnt that from my last one. I like having a rough idea of where I'm going. Given I'm a Personal Assistant, I love to organise and create lists! lol

Merci beaucoup
Sonia

 

[julie]

Looks like a great itinerary. I've done pretty much the same thing, except that we decided to take a slight detour off the GR65 for a few days along the Cele River Valley. It is BEAUTIFUL and well marked. You turn off somewhere soon after Figeac and return to the GR 65 at Cahors.

I second that! I walked through the Valley (GR651) earlier this year. It is quieter than the other route and the villages surrounded by the cliffs are very pretty. This route also gives you the opportunity to visit the Peche Merle caves with their prehistoric art. It leaves the GR65 just after Figeac and joins it again just after Limogne en Quercy. I opted to stay at the convent at Vaylats then walked on to Cahors the day after.

A word of warning if you do decide to go through the Valley of the Cele - you must book the gite at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie at least a day ahead. The rooms are locked and a list with allocated room numbers and keys is left in the gite but there is no-one there to cater to others.

Incidentally, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie was this year voted the favourite village in France.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I opted to stay at the convent at Vaylats

A short distance away is:

Gîte "Le Moulin de Jacky" - Bach (Vaylats)
Tél : 06.32.40.48.39
4 places
1/2 Pension
Ouvert d'Avril à Octobre

44.336688,1.648651 on Google maps.

It is a converted windmill, and a real camino experience!

Other accommodation information: http://www.chemin-saint-jacques-de-comp ... php#etape4 information starts at Le Puy en Velay, and goes all the way to Fisterra.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Sonia,

I won't be able to get to my guide book and journal for a few days because I'm traveling, but will definitely give you the details as soon as I can. I am assuming your departure is not imminent?

I stayed in a lot of pensiones and hotels on this camino because I was walking with someone who doesn't like to sleep in albergues. So my help on accommodations may be limited if you're focusing on gites d'etape.

I remember that we stayed in Nasbinals and had a morning visit to the caves at Peche Merle. From there we continued to the turn-off for St. Cirque, which is I believe at a town called Bouzies. It was a very short day to St. Cirque, and we stayed in a pretty pricey hotel in the middle of the village. As Julie says it is beautiful. It is like some of the other impossibly beautiful French towns like Carcassone in that virtually no one lives in the historic part, it's all given way to tourist services. We had a great duck dinner there, as I remember, one of many in that part of France.

From St. Cirque, you must return to Bouzies to continue on the GR, so there is some back-tracking. But well worth it, IMO.

Julie, is the gite in St. Cirque in the old high part of the village? We were walking with Dutch friends who stayed in the campgrounds down by the river, and I do mean DOWN. It was quite a schlepp for them to come up and down to the hill-top village. I don't think there was a gite when we were there.

To be continued... Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Kiwi-family]

Is this route comparable in terms of financial cost to the CF? (bearing in mind we managed to stay in 5euro albergues for almost our entire three weeks...and more often than not cooked for ourselves....are there frequent supermarkets or just little "corner stores" with the odd baguette?)

Something is stirring inside me!

 

[lovingkindness]

Is this route comparable in terms of financial cost to the CF?...

Hiking in France is somewhat more expensive than walking the Caminos in Spain. In 2004 along Le voie de Le Puy I paid between 6 and 11 euros per night to stay in the municipal Gite d'etappes. I expect prices have increased since then to something more akin to what I experienced in 2011 along le Voie de Vezelay :15 to 20 euros per night and only the occassional donativo or place at 10 euros or less.

...are there frequent supermarkets or just little "corner stores" with the odd baguette?)...

Sure. There are supermarches, corner stores, street markets and cafes along the way. BUT what one must always bare in mind is that in rural France the weekend begins mid-Friday and may extend beyond Sunday through part Monday. By Thursday every week I seemed to forget which day it was and wind up hungry at some point. Then there are all the Holy Days....

Fait de beaux rêves de Camino, Kiwi.
-Lovingkindness

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Sonia,
I wanted to give you information on my Cele River detour. If the weather is nice, you should definitely consider it.

Figeac to Espagnac (26 km) -- Chambre d'hote M. Dubruisson, TEL: 05-65-40-08-34

Espagnac to Marcilhac (15 km) -- Chambres d'Hotes Michelle Menassol, Les Tilleuls; email michelle.menassol@wanadoo.fr 42 euros double room with breakfast (but this was 2004, mind you0

Marcilhac to Cabrerets (20 km) -- In my earlier post, I said we viewed the caves at Nasbinals, obviously my memory was wrong, the town is Cabrerets. We stayed at Hotel des Grottes, but I remember there was an albergue there. We visited the caves the next morning (I had made reservations in advance, which is a good idea, you can do it online, http://www.pechmerle.com

Cabrerets to St. Cirque (11 km) -- we finished the cave tour by noon or so, if memory serves, and then had a quick walk to this beautiful preserved old town. You actually get off the Camino at Bouzies, and then go out and back to St. Cirque, it's just a few kms off and well marked. Stayed in a place in town, Hotel Bar L'Auberge du Sombral

St. Cirques to Pasturac (18 km) -- Gite of Mr. and Mme. Chharazac, Pasturat, 46090 Aracambal, tel. 05-65-31-44-94. This was a lovely rural gite, we had a great outdoor meal here and very much enjoyed ourselves.

Pasturac to Cahors (22 km). We stayed at the hotel Terminus, I didn't really like Cahors at all. Here is where you rejoin the GR-65.

In another post, I'll give you some more subjective comments about the stages. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[peregrina2000]

These notes are summarized from my journal
Figeac to Espagnac. After 8 km, cafe in Le Bourg. 13th century chateau in Bedeur, and the Cele River appears soon after. From there to Espagnac, parts were rocky and sunny. Espagnac is a tiny hamlet with a gite and about 4 houses and a mish-mash church from 13-17th centuries. I spent a late afternoon on the bridge overlooking the hamlet, and noted that it was something out of a fairy tale -- old stone houses all decked with tons of roses and other flowers. Dinner in organic place run by Mr. D'Aubrisson. We bought a picnic lunch and had breakfast there as well. He was trying very hard to make it, so I'd be interested to know if he is still there. I noted he gave us a ton of chantal cheese to bring with us and we enjoyed it for days.

Espagnac to Marcilhac. Walk was a bit challenging, with three ups and downs, each one taking us into a different village. Views along cliffs with river below. Picnic supper on picnic table along the river. Church bells rang all night. Beautiful riverside village, church, and homes.

Marcilhac to Cabrerets. a day of ups and downs and lovely views, Sauciac is one of those villages you can't believe still exists. Lots of shady picnic spots, river views.

Cabrerets to St. Cirque. My notes on the cave visit were pretty enthusiastic, and I've seen a lot of prehistoric cave drawings. Horses were amazing, plus there were buffalos, mammoths, even goats Hand paintings, footprints, all 20-25,000 years old. River path was a popular weekend walking spot. At Bouzies, path for St. Cirque leaves the GR and it's 4 kms to St. Cirque. Before St Cirque, the Cele merges wtih the Lot River. No grocery store in the high town, a sure sign that this is not a place inhabited by anyone other than tourists. Dinner in L'Atelier, recommended by a Belgian guy we met walking, every course but dessert had duck in it.

St. Cirque to Pasturac. Really nice walk - up on the cliff through pine trees, down to the River Lot's edge, not at all taxing.

Pasturac to Cahors -- Along the Lot, with some ups and downs, lovely views (seems to be the common denominator here). After about 12 km there is a split for those who want to avoid one last ascent. I took the ascent, and got rewarded by some great views down over the city, followed by a rocky descent.

This section was really one of the highlights of the entire LePuy-St. Jean route for me. It was hot, but truly beautiful. I'm hoping to walk this route again someday! Laurie

 

[Kitsambler]

What she said! The GR65 section between Figeac and Cahors is entirely missable.

 

[julie]

Julie, is the gite in St. Cirque in the old high part of the village? We were walking with Dutch friends who stayed in the campgrounds down by the river, and I do mean DOWN. It was quite a schlepp for them to come up and down to the hill-top village. I don't think there was a gite when we were there.

Sorry Laurie, I just saw the question you asked a couple of days ago. The gite is right in the middle of the high part of the village so restaurants and the tourist office are nearby. The current one doesn't appear to be very old but there has been a gite in the village for some years.

I had previously visited Peche Merle so decided not to stop at Cabrerets and walked on to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie hence my arriving there without a reservation. The people in the tourist office were very helpful (mind you, after walking 30kms in the July heat, I looked like I was about to collapse on their floor) and found me accommodation in the village centre.

 

[sharon w]

Hi Sonia,
We walked this route this year and loved it. We also called Sauges, Sausages. We stayed in approximately the same towns along the way. If there is a next time, then we would definitely do the Cele Valley and Rocamadour. We had rest days in Conques and Moissac. In Marsolan we stayed at a gite called "Le Bourdon". It was a very new gite in a very old building with a wonderful host, Phillippe. After Condom, if you can, take the detour to Seviac. The Roman villa there is wonderful to walk around and investigate. Between Eauze and Aire sur L'Adour is a fantastic gite called L'Arbladoise. It's exactly halfway between both towns.
This route is beautiful so I know you will enjoy it.
Sharon

 

[TravellingSonn]

Sharon, I'm glad to hear someone else called it Sausages... haha! :lol:

Thank you all for your suggestions/recommendations. If not for you guys more than likely I would have skipped the Cele Valley.

Ohhh I'm so excited! I've re-entered the Camino zone. My preparations are coming along nicely. I start my weekly 1:1 French lessons next week, tomorrow I introduce my pack to my training regime and I'm currently working on my fundraising page/merchandise.

Sometimes 'thank you' doesn't seem enough to express how I feel about this forum and people like yourselves.

Bon chemin my friends
Sonia

 

[julie]

From St. Cirque, you must return to Bouzies to continue on the GR, so there is some back-tracking. But well worth it, IMO.

Laurie, you don't need to backtrack to Bouzies as the trail from St-Cirq-Lapopie continues towards Concots and joins up with the GR65 just before Bach.

Sonn, if you have some time up your sleeve, consider taking a sightseeing day in Figeac. It's just over half an hour on the local train to Rocamadour which is well worth a visit. The station is called Roc Amadour Padirac and it's about 5km from the village.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Julie,
Thanks for that tip -- I am hoping to walk from LePuy in the next couple of years and will make sure to add that helpful bit of info to my files.

And the day trip to Rocamadour is great idea. I know there is another GR variant but I just didn't have enough time to add that trip to the Cele Valley detour, so this is a great solution! Many thanks and buen camino!

 

[KiwiNomad06]

1 Don't be wedded to that schedule---you can be spontaneous on that route and not get stranded

I agree with this. Mostly you can ring up and reserve a place in a gîte just a day or two ahead. Occasionally at a busy time you won't get exactly the place you thought you might like to stay at, but you will still find a bed.
Margaret

 

[georgia jugs]

Having finished the SJPdP to Santiago trip this past spring we are planning our next walk from Le Puy and are finding this topic very helpful. We like to stay in small hotels or pensions, rather than the albergues, for privacy and restful sleep. Are there only gites along this path, or a combination of both?
Also we will be taking a side trip to Lourdes, so we will have to leave the main path and pick it up later.
Another question - I like to eat and enjoyed the food of Spain, however I have never been a fan of French food, except the desserts. A meat and potatoes guy. No cream based foods, or duck, or things that look back at me. Will I starve or do I have to live on crepes?

John & Patti

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I have never been a fan of French food, except the desserts. A meat and potatoes guy. No cream based foods, or duck, or things that look back at me. Will I starve or do I have to live on crepes?

I never had a crepe, but you will expand your food horizon! Breakfast is still bread, coffee, butter, and jam. Go for the duck gizzards...

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Is this route comparable in terms of financial cost to the CF? (bearing in mind we managed to stay in 5euro albergues for almost our entire three weeks...and more often than not cooked for ourselves....are there frequent supermarkets or just little "corner stores" with the odd baguette?)

Something is stirring inside me!

I found that cost-wise it was sometimes double in France along the Le Puy route compared to what it often was in Spain. For doing things cheaply there is not really the same infrastructure as along the CF. There are municipal gites in bigger places- but they were more likely to cost around 10 Euro. They do tend to have well equipped kitchens in municipal gites. But in rural areas you quite often end up staying in private gites, and there won't always be a food store handy. Some of the private gites have kitchens for you to do your own cooking, but not always. In many of them, they offer dinner and breakfast at a demi-pension rate, but that would be more expensive than what you experienced along the CF.
Margaret

 

[TravellingSonn]

I can't wait to savour the French cuisine! Miam Miam :lol:

 

[rickster]

I am planning on walking Le Puy around mid May,2013 and have followed all of the helpful comments with interest. I only have two weeks. Can anyone suggest an itinerary starting in Le Puy? Even if it means breaking it up at some point for a bus or train ride to a forward location. Or am I better off just starting in LePuy and walking for two weeks and picking up the remainder at some point in the future.

 

[Kitsambler]

We like to stay in small hotels or pensions, rather than the albergues, for privacy and restful sleep. Are there only gites along this path, or a combination of both?

The lodging infrastructure along the Le Puy route is quite different from what is encountered between SJPP and Santiago. For every ten walkers in Spain, there is only one walker in France. So there is a correspondingly lower level of intensity in the lodgings: there are fewer of them, there is more distance between them, and each is smaller. If you skip this one, you might have another 12 km to walk to the next opportunity. The most common is the private, family-operated gite that sleeps perhaps 8 to 12. Almost all of these will offer a combination of dormitory (room with bunkbeds for 4-8) and private sleeping rooms (sleeps 1-2). A family-style evening meal and breakfast is included in the demi-pension rate and is definitely the way to go. In the larger, older towns you may find small hotels, that generally include a restaurant. You may also find municipal gites that are less expensive and offer shared kitchen privileges. One does not need to stay in a hotel to get a private sleeping room. But if this is your requirement, you must reserve in advance! Miam Miam Dodo includes email contact info.

Another question - I like to eat and enjoyed the food of Spain, however I have never been a fan of French food, except the desserts. A meat and potatoes guy. No cream based foods, or duck, or things that look back at me. Will I starve or do I have to live on crepes?

It's a good thing the French are no more bound by our stereotype of them than we are by their stereotype of us. If the French food you object to is expensive, Michelin-starred Parisian restaurant cuisine, you will not find it along the Le Puy route. The evening meals served in gites are home-cooking, with generous portions. The French are famous in Europe as meat-lovers; we often wondered why we were walking by so many vegetable gardens yet saw vegetables making an appearance at table only in the form of soup (or salad). If you are a vegetarian, the gites were very accommodating - mention your diet needs when you book your advance reservation. I never saw a crepe, actually. Now, there is one stretch after Moissac where duck is the red meat; I thought I had had duck every possible way on successive nights, and then I found the place that served duck hearts. Tasted like a delicious beef burgundy.

 

[Kitsambler]

I am planning on walking Le Puy around mid May,2013 and have followed all of the helpful comments with interest. I only have two weeks. Can anyone suggest an itinerary starting in Le Puy? Even if it means breaking it up at some point for a bus or train ride to a forward location. Or am I better off just starting in LePuy and walking for two weeks and picking up the remainder at some point in the future.

I would start in Le Puy. You will have time for exploration days in Le Puy and in Conques, and you should be able to comfortably make Figeac, where you will find major train connections for your onward travel.

 

[rickster]

Great feedback, Kitsambler, many thanks. Believe that is all that I needed to confirm that I will start in Le Puy.

 

[Mlle Mercredi]

I don't have a lot of gite recommendations, because I can't remember the names of most of them, but here are some random recommendations for this route:

-I liked the municipal gites in both Auvillar and Castet-Arrouy.
-I was not a fan of the gite at Marsolan, and would not go back.
-Town I didn't stay overnight, but would try to if I did this route again - Lectoure (especially if it's a rainy day - they have thermal baths!)
- If you want to treat yourself to a really great meal, eat at the restaurant in Nasbinals (across from the church) or Le Continental in Condom.
- Avoid: Decazeville, look at the topoguide for an alternate route, but take lots of water.
- If it's a nice day, go to La Romieu - don't take the shortcut.

 

[TravellingSonn]

Revised itinerary;

Total of 38 days (including 2 rest days)

Le Puy-en-Velay - Montbonnet (16.7kms)
Montbonnet - Monistrol-d'Allier (13.6kms)
Monistrol-d'Allier - Saugues (11.7kms)
Saugues - Le Sauvage (19kms)
Le Sauvage - Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole (12.8kms)
Saint-Alban-sur-Limagnole - Aumont-Aubrac (14.6kms)
Aumont-Aubrac - Nasbinals (25.7kms)
Nasbinals - Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac (15.8kms)
Saint-Chély-d'Aubrac - Espalion (22.9kms)
Espalion - Golinhac (25.1kms)
Golinhac - Conques (20.1kms)
Conques (DAY OFF)
Conques - Livinhac-le-Haut (24.2kms)
Livinhac-le-Haut - Figeac (24.7kms)
Figeac - Espagnac 26kms (Cele Valley detour- commences from Beduer)
Espagnac - Marcilhac (15kms)
Marcilhac - Cabrerets (20kms)
Cabrerets - St Cirque La Popie (11kms)
St Cirque La Popie - Pasturac (18kms)
Pasturac - Cahors 22kms (end of Cele Valley detour)
Cahors - Lascabanes (22.4kms)
Lascabanes - Lauzerte (22.6kms)
Lauzerte - Moissac (25.7kms)
Moissac (DAY OFF)
Moissac - Auvillar (20.7kms)
Auvillar - Castet-Arrouy (21.4kms)
Castet-Arrouy - La Romieu (29kms)
La Romieu - Condom (12.9kms)
Condom - Lamothe (25.1kms)
Lamothe - Nogaro (26.9kms)
Nogaro - Aire-sur-l'Adour (28.9kms)
Aire-sur-l'Adour - Miramont-Sensacq (18kms)
Miramont-Sensacq - Arzacq-Arraziguet (15.4kms)
Arzacq-Arraziguet - Arthez-de-Bearn (29.6kms)
Arthez-de-Bearn - Sauvelade (22.8kms)
Sauvelade - Aroue (31.6kms)
Aroue - Ostabat (23.7kms)
Ostabat - Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (21.8kms)

Then I head off to Italy for 10 days to lie on a beach and sip on cocktails!

Only 3 weeks to go!

 

[peregrina2000]

Sounds wonderful! So glad you were able to schedule the Cele Valley route, I am so sure you will love it. Looking forward to hearing all about this wonderful Camino. Laurie

 

[TravellingSonn]

Laurie, thank you for sharing your recommendations.

As you can see I married my (Cele Valley) itinerary to yours.

Thank you,
Sonia

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I was in Aubrac last night. Should you end up there, stop at the Royal Aubrac Hotel, the former sanitarium in the gite chalets. Sign up for dinner. The only restaurant in town closes at six, but it does have fantastic tartes. The two hotels are still closed, and look pretty seedy. We stayed in Le Colonie, paid 71E demipension, and the restoration has not even reached latches on the water closet stage! The place is an embarrassment to itself.

 

[TravellingSonn]

Guys,

Thanks again for sharing.

12 days to go!

 

[Kanga]

Oh I love this thread! It brings back such wonderful memories. I walked the route across the limestone plateau (which I loved) but the following year with my husband we walked the valley of the Cele and visited Pechs Merle and detoured to see St-Cirq - a most beautiful place. We eventually rejoined the route at Cahors with quite a bit of wandering in between (we weren't actually lost....)
My pennothworth - there is a fabulous restaurant at Bach run by Monique - it is called LouBourdie. We stopped there because we were looking for a coffee and it was open (Bach is a tiny village). While drinking our coffee Monique came out of the kitchen and asked us to try some little dishes she was experimenting with (it was mid morning). Delicious! Then a local stopped at our table and told us we really should stay for lunch because Monique was quite famous and had been visited by Jamie Oliver. We were hooked. We stayed for lunch and both Ian and I thought we'd died and gone to heaven, the food was so good. Naturally by the time we'd finished it was very late in the day, far too late to walk to our planned destination. Monique and staff bustled round and found us a lovely chambre d'hote close by. A simply wonderful memory. And quite by chance last year I was given a Jamie Oliver cookbook and there it was, photographs of Jamie in the kitchen with Monique!

 

[TravellingSonn]

Kanga,

Thank you very much for sharing. I'll endeavour to stop over and try Monique's food. Whereabouts is Bach located?

Thanks again,
Sonn

 

[Kanga]

Kanga,

Thank you very much for sharing. I'll endeavour to stop over and try Monique's food. Whereabouts is Bach located?

Thanks again,
Sonn

Bach, France
http://goo.gl/maps/XIwPV

Enjoy!

 

[zammy]

It's very hard to keep a walking\sleeping plan as planned. You can estimate your stops but things change while you walk: you meet and walk with people and you will chose to stay the night at the same place as they are to share and enjoy company.
The Le Puy is diferrent fron the Camino, quieter, warmer, less commercial, gites are gites and not albergues, not the same.
From Figeac the trail is much easier till you reach SJPDP, you will walk faster and more mileage.
It depends strongly on your departure date: starting in mid June you must book ahead.
2 Months won't suffice to reach SDC.
As for rest days-again you'll have to decide when walking, my advice is a zero day every 5-6 days no less then that.
Some people chose to have a half zero day sometimes.

 

[TravellingSonn]

I understand plans change due to meeting people, accommodation shortages etc. Alas, given I'm not carrying my backpack (due to injuries) I'll be a little more restricted as I'll need to book my luggage ahead of time. But hey, I'm excited to be getting back on the road again!

 

[futurefjp]

I have 13 days to go. Can't wait.

 

[TravellingSonn]

Futurefjp,

It appears we'll be in Le Puy at the same time. I plan on attending one of the evening pilgrim gatherings, either 21st or 22nd May.

Bonne chemin
Sonn

 

[futurefjp]

I will on the 22nd if you wanna hook up?

 

[futurefjp]

If you want to find out a little more about me I write a blogspot: http://futurefjp.blogspot.co.uk/

 

[futurefjp]

Condom! Lovely town, cafes etc. I live near there anyway so I have to be biaised....

And I love the name too!

 

[futurefjp]

Apart from the first 2 nights I really won't plan anything.

 

[diego113]

Sonia, I hope you have a nice trip. I have a similar itinerary at the end of August till October.Hope you keep in touch and share your experience concerning up and downs.

Charles, from Canada

 

[futurefjp]

Sorry to hear your decision Sonia :cry:

 

[ranthr]

TravellingSonn!
Be aware of Falcons notice about difficulties in booking luggagetransport from day to day! You have to book before you go to be sure to get it.
Buen camino on the GR 65. I left it to day in Figeac to go to Irun and el Norte.
Randi

 

[efdoucette]

Buen camino on the GR 65. I left it to day in Figeac to go to Irun and el Norte.
Randi

Hello Randi, I'm very curious about this as I am considering this move in Oct. Could you please tell me why you left the Gr65 at Figeac (was it the trail, or weather or personal) and how did you get from there to Irun?

Many thanks
Eric

 

[Cazb]

Hi everyone,

I wondered if I could ask you all for some URGENT advice! I'm supposed to be going on the camino THIS saturday with a group of people and my boyfriend. Unfortunately my boyfriend has planned as much walking as a holiday and I'm thinking of going half hog and spending lots of cash to re-book my flight as the distances seem huge! I've done NO training and suffer from back problems despite only being 31 and wondered if you could advise whether this itinerary is realistic?! Will I have a good time or kill myself walking?! Thank you very much! Caz

Here's the itinerary;

Sat 21 Day 1) Fly + Nothing
Sun 22 Day 2) Nogoro TO Aire Sur L'Adour(28 KM)
Mon 23 Day 3) Aire Sur L'Adour TO Arzaq - Arraziguet(33 KM)
Tue 24 Day 4)Arzaq - Arraziguet TO Arthez - de Bearn (29 KM)
Wed 25 Day 5) Arthez - de Bearn TO Navarrenx (30 KM)
Thur 26 Day 6) Navarreux TO Aroue(17.7 KM)
Fri 27 Day 7) Aroue TO Ostabat (23.7 KM)
Sat 28 Day 8) Ostabat TO Saint Jean - Pied de Pont (21.8KM)
Sun 29 Day 9) Nothing + Fly

 

[Kitsambler]

Sat 21 Day 1) Fly + Nothing
Sun 22 Day 2) Nogoro TO Aire Sur L'Adour(28 KM)
Mon 23 Day 3) Aire Sur L'Adour TO Arzaq - Arraziguet(33 KM)
Tue 24 Day 4)Arzaq - Arraziguet TO Arthez - de Bearn (29 KM)
Wed 25 Day 5) Arthez - de Bearn TO Navarrenx (30 KM)
Thur 26 Day 6) Navarreux TO Aroue(17.7 KM)
Fri 27 Day 7) Aroue TO Ostabat (23.7 KM)
Sat 28 Day 8) Ostabat TO Saint Jean - Pied de Pont (21.8KM)
Sun 29 Day 9) Nothing + Fly

To me, this seems quite strenuous, especially given your (lack of) training. My personal "sweet spot" is in the 16-18 km/day range. If your travel companion is dead-set on this pace, however, it doesn't mean that you need to be, also. You have several options. You could walk separately, and meet up again with him at your departure city. Another option would be taking a taxi halfway to the next town, in the morning, and meeting companion there each night. A third option would be to send your bag ahead with a transport service, and walk with companion (perhaps the weight differential will slow him down a bit). The transport service will also transport you, if asked - but this generally would be for a day-long leg and not a half-leg, as a taxi would. Fourth, of course, is to convince companion to slow down to a pace you can manage.

I suggest this: For Day 2, have your lodging host arrange for that taxi half-way to Aire Sur L'Adour for you. Let your companion complete that day's itenerary walking with his pack -- and see if he changes his mind!

 

[ranthr]

Hello Randi, I'm very curious about this as I am considering this move in Oct. Could you please tell me why you left the Gr65 at Figeac (was it the trail, or weather or personal) and how did you get from there to Irun?

Many thanks
Eric

Erik, I did not see this until now. my moving to the norte was planned ahead. I have walked from Le Puy to Santiago in 2009 and this year wanted to rewalk a part of Gr 65 as i did last year too before doing the Aragon to Punte la Reina. I took the train from Figeac to Toulouse and from there to Irun. Then walked to Santander. The weather was a mess in May by the way. In 2009 I walked in autumn in beautiful weather most of the time. But you never know about weather. Buen camino in October if your plan is still alive!
Randi