Le Puy en Velay in March 2020

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

Hi, I am English and I am planning to walk from Le Puy en Velay, starting mid March. Does anyone have any experience of walking this early in the Spring? All advice gratefully received!

 

[scruffy1]

The Via Podiensi from Le Puy is marvelous in the Springtime! Do remember that many many gites are only open only after Easter + a week to get organized. Plan well. The first ten days or so are very strenuous, a good 150-200 meter climb in the morning then when you are good and tired a good 150-200 meter descent in the evening. I also started in March and hit a blizzard crossing the Aubrac plateau - snow was knee-high and falling so fast we couldn't see the elevated poles marking the Camino. Plan well. The route is marvelous my favorite of all the Caminos I have done. Conques is amazing-but do beware the descent into town if raining the path can be treacherous consider taking the road. Dinner in the church albergue is marvelous and the climb in the rain is also a slippery slide down a step for every two going up. Take a rest in Figeac and do a day trip to Rocamadour - not to be missed! 60k off Camino so take the train early morning and back by 1400. Cele Valley? Yes! Include the Pech-Merle cave of prehistoric wall drawings! Cahors-Le Relais des Jacobins, 12 Rue des Jacobins just across the bridge from the cathedral-Serge will offer dinner and the correct answer is YES!, Moissac another amazing church don't miss Jeremiah on the door jamb!!! Lastly stay with Rom & Aideen The Ultreia Moissac 45 avenue Pierre Chabrié by the canal across from the train station, forewarned! They are Irish so expect potatoes! That will do for now feel free to ask anything else here or from me.

 

[intrepidtraveler]

I am walking the LePuy route right now and am curious as to why you want to walk this route in March. From LePuy to Figeac I can't begin to remember how many times I thanked the Camino gods for dry weather. There were numerous steep, rocky ascents and descents that would be treacherous or very slow going in wet weather, which is likely in March. But perhaps you are part mountain goat and seek out those opportunities.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I can verify what Intrepid is saying...

 

[lt56ny]

I can verify what Intrepid is saying...
View attachment 64658View attachment 64659

That brings back memories. I am
still not sure if those were fond memories!

 

[lt56ny]

Hi, I am English and I am planning to walk from Le Puy en Velay, starting mid March. Does anyone have any experience of walking this early in the Spring? All advice gratefully received!

You may want to move this post to the Caminos in France/Le Puy route thread to get more responses.

 

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

I can verify what Intrepid is saying...
View attachment 64658View attachment 64659

Looks rather daunting! Hmm - glad I asked. I will need to think a bit carefully!

 

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

You may want to move this post to the Caminos in France/Le Puy route thread to get more responses.

Thanks - good idea... do you know how?

 

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

I am walking the LePuy route right now and am curious as to why you want to walk this route in March. From LePuy to Figeac I can't begin to remember how many times I thanked the Camino gods for dry weather. There were numerous steep, rocky ascents and descents that would be treacherous or very slow going in wet weather, which is likely in March. But perhaps you are part mountain goat and seek out those opportunities.

No. No mountain goat in me... the reason for March is partly because I have heard that it is most beautiful in Spring and partly because it’s going to be a big chunk of time to fit in - and I have various commitments in May and June. Also walking the Via de la Plata in September/October...

The Via Podiensi from Le Puy is marvelous in the Springtime! Do remember that many many gites are only open only after Easter + a week to get organized. Plan well. The first ten days or so are very strenuous, a good 150-200 meter climb in the morning then when you are good and tired a good 150-200 meter descent in the evening. I also started in March and hit a blizzard crossing the Aubrac plateau - snow was knee-high and falling so fast we couldn't see the elevated poles marking the Camino. Plan well. The route is marvelous my favorite of all the Caminos I have done. Conques is amazing-but do beware the descent into town if raining the path can be treacherous consider taking the road. Dinner in the church albergue is marvelous and the climb in the rain is also a slippery slide down a step for every two going up. Take a rest in Figeac and do a day trip to Rocamadour - not to be missed! 60k off Camino so take the train early morning and back by 1400. Cele Valley? Yes! Include the Pech-Merle cave of prehistoric wall drawings! Cahors-Le Relais des Jacobins, 12 Rue des Jacobins just across the bridge from the cathedral-Serge will offer dinner and the correct answer is YES!, Moissac another amazing church don't miss Jeremiah on the door jamb!!! Lastly stay with Rom & Aideen The Ultreia Moissac 45 avenue Pierre Chabrié by the canal across from the train station, forewarned! They are Irish so expect potatoes! That will do for now feel free to ask anything else here or from me.

This is so helpful- thank you! I will look again very carefully at the timing. Sounds like I really must do it - but with care!

 

[lt56ny]

Thanks - good idea... do you know how?

I am technologically challenged. Either you can repost it there or I would send a quick note to Ivar and ask or maybe you can search how to move a post. Sorry I can't be of more help.

 

[ranthr]

I have walked from Le Puy in middle of August and in early May and the difference was big. August 2009, dry paths and nice walking conditions, early May 2013, wet, cold, muddy, chose the road several places where I knew the path might be difficult. I guess if I walked again I would never choose spring.

 

[scruffy1]

Looks rather daunting! Hmm - glad I asked. I will need to think a bit carefully!

Daunting? I was 68 years old and a certified couch potato - well - library potato. Not easy but certainly not daunting and the wildflowers and village gardens help you to forget the effort!

 

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

I am technologically challenged. Either you can repost it there or I would send a quick note to Ivar and ask or maybe you can search how to move a post. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Thanks - done! As if by magic!

 

[Onefootinfrontoftheother]

I have walked from Le Puy in middle of August and in early May and the different was big. August 2009, dry paths and nice walking conditions, early May 2013, wet, cold, muddy, wet, chose the road several places where I knew the path might be difficult. I guess if I walked again I would never choose spring.

Thank you for the advice...