Le Puy route anyone?

[BShea]

The incredibly low airfares to Europe are beckoning me to walk 21 days on the Le Puy route (Via Podiensis) again in September 2017. I’m looking at walking Sept 4rd – Sept 24th from Le Puy to Eauze or possibly Aire Sur l’Ardour.

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in France but have hesitated due to language barriers, you’re welcome to join me. (I’m bilingual)

B

P.S. I've attached a description of the differences between the Frances and the Le Puy route. I found the original list on a blog written by a walker named Kevin Considine. I used his observations as a template, editing it here and there to create a comparison that reflected my experience.

 

[Cayou]

Thanks for the post. My wife & I are planning on 24 May start with 12 nights free for Le Puy. Yes, a bit nervous about the lack of French, and missing the Frances vibe we've enjoyed. Looks like 3rd time here for you. Guessing that's a good thing!

 

[billmclaughlin]

There are folks who speak English on the Le Puy route. Some are not French. Some are French who may be shy about testing their English but will meet you half way.

All vibes are different. The Le Puy vibe is its own thing. Enjoy it!

 

[Rosser]

It's a pity that you're not starting earlier!
I start from Le Puy on the 16th of May '17 and I am a bit apprehensive about it as don't speak French and I've read that the French walk in groups and book ahead.
It could be hard to Break The Ice in the Gites if this is true.

 

[gittiharre]

It's a pity that you're not starting earlier!
I start from Le Puy on the 16th of May '17 and I am a bit apprehensive about it as don't speak French and I've read that the French walk in groups and book ahead.
It could be hard to Break The Ice in the Gites if this is true.

Yes the French tend to walk in groups. I have had great experiences with groups being very friendly and inclusive, even a group of 18 retired male cyclists.
Have walked the Le Puy and Gebenennsis twice now and loved both routes and would walk again.
Well signposted and everything one needs is quite obvious. Don't worry about the language.

 

[Cayou]

I've already put in the 'basic French' CD in my car - planning on 100 words to get by! Hoping brother BillMcGlaughlin insights guide us. It will be interesting. A lot of 2 and 3 timers on Le Puy which says a lot. Also, planning on booking the first 5 nights in small hotels thru Camino Ways, so no worries there. Excited, iust hope from Paris we figure out the Lyon train change >>>

 

[BShea]

I love the Le Puy route! And yes, this will be my third time.

I'm actually walking the Frances in May with my non-English speaking Mexican sister-in-law (I chose Spain for her benefit) but I couldn't resist the airfare in September, so I succumbed. Two caminos/chemins in one year? I've become a junkie, constantly looking for my next fix.

Someone once told me that they absolutely loved the Frances, but their experience on the Le Puy route was better and they rated it a 10!

Don't worry too much about the language barrier. I was eyewitness to several non-French speakers basically being adopted by French walkers. They will really look out for you as long as you try to communicate with them. Often, the French get a bad rap, but I find them to be generous and genuine.

That said, if there is a lively discussion going on at dinner, you shouldn't expect the French speakers to translate. They love to participate in a good debate. I've heard people say that is when they felt most excluded. If it's any consolation, the German speakers and the Dutch will be in the same boat. Try to sit next to them.

I've only seen large groups a couple of times. They were walking clubs out on a day hike. I've never seen them in the gites... Lots of couples walk together or perhaps a group of three friends. Also, single walkers often create their own groups. For several days, I became part of a group of 5, but we were actually all single walkers. Bystanders may have thought we were all together, especially with all the antics the guys were doing (i.e. tying a backpack to a chair or putting rocks in someone's pack.)

Most people reserve the evening before, but it can be walked without reservations (except for Le Sauvage and Conques). Also, be careful on holiday weekends - there are several in May. The French like to "faire le pont" which means a Thursday holiday becomes a four day getaway and accommodations can fill up.

 

[Rosser]

Yes the French tend to walk in groups. I have had great experiences with groups being very friendly and inclusive, even a group of 18 retired male cyclists.
Have walked the Le Puy and Gebenennsis twice now and loved both routes and would walk again.
Well signposted and everything one needs is quite obvious. Don't worry about the language.

Thanks for that reassurance, I was worried about not being able to socialise on this walk

 

[LTfit]

Another pilgrim thinking about Le Puy route after 6 years walking all over Spain.
I luckily speak French as well and always enjoyed using it whenever the opportunity rose while walking or working as a Hospitalera.

Thinking about starting sometime in June but only in the thinking stage at this point.

Question for those whom have already walked. I understand what it is quite a bit more expensive than walking in Spain (I always stay in municipal or parochial albergues), is there any way to go low budget besides bringing a tent. Gites tend to be quite expensive.

Happy planning!

 

[jsalt]

it is quite a bit more expensive than walking in Spain (I always stay in municipal or parochial albergues)

Hi, yes, it is a lot more expensive than walking in Spain. The cheapest bed I got in 2014 was 11 euros. A Gite d'Etape Communal was usually 12 to 15 euros. (Breakfast not included.) Jill

 

[gittiharre]

It costs about 35 to 38 Euros for demipension.
Bed breakfast and multi course regional delicious dinner with wine and usually herb tea afterwards. Small dorms and lovely atmospheric accommodations in gite d'étapes. Quite often I had a room to myself.
Gite communal bed 12 to 15. Self cater. Can be nice if one cooks as a group. Personally I love the gite d'étapes as one has interactions with hosts.

 

[Marion-SantiagoInLove]

is there any way to go low budget besides bringing a tent

Yep... sleeping outside without a tent
Seriously (although no tent is seriously doable!), there are some donativos along Le Puy route, but like said, gites are 10-12€ for the cheapest ones. Difficult to sleep inside for less...

 

[Kitsambler]

You won't find many Americans on the Le Puy route. But there are generally English speakers available: the Quebecois, the Dutch, the Swiss, the Germans, even many Normands will all help you with calling ahead for reservations, as will your overnight lodging host. But do please make the attempt to meet them halfway. Once they discover your French is way worse than their English, they will try to work with you in English.

One note on speaking English to those for whom it is a second language:
- Speak slowly
- Use simple sentence structure
- Avoid slang terms and 'figures of speech'

Not being in control is part of the pilgrim experience.

 

[LTfit]

Thanks everyone for your replies. The communal option sounds reasonable, maybe splurge every once in a while.
Along the VDLP one often has to pay €10-12 for a bed so not a whole lot more expensive.

I usually walk without a guide. How about along this route? Suggestions?

 

[kaixo]

Well signposted and everything one needs is quite obvious. Don't worry about the language.

A guidebook is super helpful for accomodation info.

 

[kaixo]

A guidebook is super helpful for accomodation info.

I carried two guide books:
The Miam Miam Dodo guide is excellent for accommodation listings...

 

[gittiharre]

I am super conscious of carrying heavy packs, so just carried photocopied maps for each stage and threw them away as I went. Every accommodation has the latest Miami Miami dodo you can consult and they will ring ahead for you.
At the Le Puy cathedral shop you can buy a new book which is fold out maps plus accommodation list. It is based on the Miami Miami dodo but lighter.

 

[Sue L]

The incredibly low airfares to Europe are beckoning me to walk 21 days on the Le Puy route (Via Podiensis) again in September 2017. I’m looking at walking Sept 4rd – Sept 24th from Le Puy to Eauze or possibly Aire Sur l’Ardour.

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in France but have hesitated due to language barriers, you’re welcome to join me. (I’m bilingual)

B

P.S. I've attached a description of the differences between the Frances and the Le Puy route. I found the original list on a blog written by a walker named Kevin Considine. I used his observations as a template, editing it here and there to create a comparison that reflected my experience.

V

We two Australians are walking Conques to StJean starting 8 May. Have a little French but found people so friendly and helpful along the way it didn't matter. We didn't meet any large groups but many single French walkers. Many thanks for this comparison of the 2 routes.

 

[Ann E Flynn]

I am hoping to walk from La Puy to SJPP but later in September, maybe starting 3rd week in September. I walked the Camino Frances in 2015 solo and had a wonderful experience, but am a bit nervous about attempting this route on my own. I have a very basic understanding of French, so language isn't my biggest concern. More concerned with the solidary nature of this walk. I walked many KM's by myself on the Frances, but if I wanted I always found company on the Camino Frances. A few times I needed help ( when I took a wrong turn, when I had to deal with blisters and bed bugs). I am hoping for a companion on this adventure to share the joys and hardships of this Camino.

 

[Thornley]

You won't find many Americans on the Le Puy route

Tom would walk it every year Kitsamber if he was allowed.
There should be a post in the next day if he see's this.

 

[Kitsambler]

I usually walk without a guide. How about along this route?

It's true, the Le Puy route is generally well-signposted (Less frequently than the Camino Frances, more frequently than the Jakobsweg). The iffy bits are in the towns, and the larger the town, the iffier. Especially the problem of finding your lodging if not directly on route, and returning to route the next morning. The schematic maps contained in Miam Miam Dodo are quite sufficient to keep you on track, though. Written text guides aren't necessary.

 

[TMcA]

Tom would walk it every year Kitsamber if he was allowed.
There should be a post in the next day if he see's this.

@ Thornley...If I'm the Tom you refer to, you will find my wife and me on the Camino Frances next May-June with our French friends who are going to continue their march towards Santiago. Our group made it to Pamplona last May.

I loved the Le Puy route, met great people like Thornley and many others, and appreciated the subtle differences between the Camino Frances and the Le Puy route (as described in the PDF file furnished by the original poster). I live in Vermont, USA where the hiking is more intimate with many low mountains covered with woods and pasturage and separated by river valleys. This makes the vistas very similar to the first half of the Le Puy. But I have the Sentier Cathare next on my list of French hikes. The (less populated) Chemin d'Arles is also on my list but I worry about the lack of social interaction on this trail.

Bon chemin à tous!

Tom

 

[Thornley]

If I'm the Tom you refer to,

I was correct , 2 days and there will be a reply
We are flying to Geneva , staying in lyon for a few days as well as 2 nights in Le Puy before going as far as Moissac Tom.
HRH has left instructions we are then going to Girona , better accommodation and easy train to Barcelona , before flying to Devon UK
and doing as many walks in 3 weeks there as possible.
Our friends from UK [ our first home exchange in 2000 ] will be in residence in Concots and if that goes as normal we will get no further than Cahors.
Keep using MMDD from Pamplona , its the best.

To you and The Beloved Tom safe trip and have a great 17

 

[Katia Taam]

The incredibly low airfares to Europe are beckoning me to walk 21 days on the Le Puy route (Via Podiensis) again in September 2017. I’m looking at walking Sept 4rd – Sept 24th from Le Puy to Eauze or possibly Aire Sur l’Ardour.

My husband and I have walked from Le Puy to Air-sur-l"adour last May and are going again this year, probably September 6...
Hope we meet
Katia

 

[BShea]

@Katia Taam, but aren't you starting in Aire s/Ardour? If you're starting in Le Puy, I'll be two days ahead, so we may meet up! How far do you 'plan' on walking each day?

 

[Katia Taam]

We will walk from Le Puy - I am addicte .
So yes chances are we will have some wine.
We are slow walkers, specialy till Conques. I find this part of thr way very hard. Also I'm not so young as I used to be
Katia

 

[Lynn R Kelly]

It's a pity that you're not starting earlier!
I start from Le Puy on the 16th of May '17 and I am a bit apprehensive about it as don't speak French and I've read that the French walk in groups and book ahead.
It could be hard to Break The Ice in the Gites if this is true.

Hello Camino friends! I'm starting my journey from Le Puy to Moissac on April 24, 2017 and I'm a little apprehensive about weather, traveling alone, bugs and the difficulty of the journey. I speak some French and have gotten by well in France before and I've been training in Santa Fe, NM (7100 feet) so I think I'll be OK with The French and the rigors of the journey. I've booked ahead most places and also built in some rest/tourist days (Conques, my own little variant of the Cele route to see St. Cirq and the cave at Pech Merle, Cahors), but I wondered if anybody had recent thoughts about the route and the challenges I may face. Thanks in advance for any advice. Lynn

 

[Kitsambler]

Hello Camino friends! I'm starting my journey from Le Puy to Moissac on April 24, 2017

Your biggest challenge is going to be the holiday weekends. May Day falls on Monday May 1, so that's a 3-or-4-day weekend (Sat thru Mon/Tues). V-E Day falls on Monday May 8, so that's another 3-or-4-day weekend. Whitsuntide, which secular France observes because it's another reason for a holiday weekend, occasionally falls in May but in 2017 falls on June 4. I suspect you will be in Moissac before then.

These long holiday weekends on May have two consequences for walkers on the Le Puy route. First, some lodgings and services may close, so you'd want to reserve beds and secure supplies several days in advance. Second, the weather is lovely, it's a holiday, and French go walking with groups of their friends. So it is the most popular month for walking.

May can also be quite rainy and muddy. The French footpaths don't use switchbacks, so those straight-up-the-hill trails often become straight-down-the-mountain streams.

 

[Wakefield Family]

Hello Camino friends! I'm starting my journey from Le Puy to Moissac on April 24, 2017 and I'm a little apprehensive about weather, traveling alone, bugs and the difficulty of the journey. I speak some French and have gotten by well in France before and I've been training in Santa Fe, NM (7100 feet) so I think I'll be OK with The French and the rigors of the journey. I've booked ahead most places and also built in some rest/tourist days (Conques, my own little variant of the Cele route to see St. Cirq and the cave at Pech Merle, Cahors), but I wondered if anybody had recent thoughts about the route and the challenges I may face. Thanks in advance for any advice. Lynn

Hello Lynn, we are a family of 4 from Alaska (parents and 2 children) and we are starting in Le Puy on April 18th. I hope we meet along the way!

 

[newfydog]

We'll be out there on pieces of it for our Tour of the Beast of the Gevaudan. We'll bike Le Puy to Saugues May 25th, backwards from near Nasbinals to Aumont- Aubrac May 29th, and will spend a rest day there. If you see some cyclists going the wrong way, no we are not returning from Santiago!

 

[renaissancerebecca]

I'm starting in Le Puy June 15 or 16. If anyone will be there around then, do let me know

 

[Crazy Kiwiman]

I'm starting in Le Puy June 15 or 16. If anyone will be there around then, do let me know

I'm not starting until 2 September but would be grateful for any info you can send my way from your trip.

 

[petro]

I'm leaving tomorrow! I will start walking on Thursday.

Buen Camino to all!

Petro

 

[Crazy Kiwiman]

I'm leaving tomorrow! I will start walking on Thursday.

Buen Camino to all!

Petro

I have gone green with envy. Bon Chemin!

 

[petro]

Thanks!

 

[Billy Buell]

The incredibly low airfares to Europe are beckoning me to walk 21 days on the Le Puy route (Via Podiensis) again in September 2017. I’m looking at walking Sept 4rd – Sept 24th from Le Puy to Eauze or possibly Aire Sur l’Ardour.

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in France but have hesitated due to language barriers, you’re welcome to join me. (I’m bilingual)

B

P.S. I've attached a description of the differences between the Frances and the Le Puy route. I found the original list on a blog written by a walker named Kevin Considine. I used his observations as a template, editing it here and there to create a comparison that reflected my experience.

HI, I'm pretty sure I'll be heading for Le Puy in early September and would appreciate a bilingual friend. I've done the Francis, VdlP, and Portuguese with great enjoyment. I don't mind walking alone but it's nice to have someone to share with in the non walking times. Let's keep in contact somehow. Billy

 

[Kitsambler]

Le Puy in early September ... I don't mind walking alone ...

Walking the Le Puy route in September, there is absolutely no chance of walking alone, as it is the most popular walking month. With the Swiss, Canadians, and a few Dutch or bilingual French sprinkled in, you will have English conversation available daily (or nearly so). Miam Miam Dodo lodging listings indicate which lodgings are English-speaking.

 

[Rosser]

Hi to all on this thread. I completed my Le Puy and had a most enjoyable experience despite my initial fears concerning the language barrier, signage, accommodation etc.
Would I walk it again?
Sure I would and plan to do so next year.
Thanks to all on the forum for your tips and advice. Tom

 

[A Sime]

I've already put in the 'basic French' CD in my car - planning on 100 words to get by! Hoping brother BillMcGlaughlin insights guide us. It will be interesting. A lot of 2 and 3 timers on Le Puy which says a lot. Also, planning on booking the first 5 nights in small hotels thru Camino Ways, so no worries there. Excited, iust hope from Paris we figure out the Lyon train change >>>

I am doing Le Put in September and have no info on how to get to Le Puy from Paris. Can you guide me since you have now done the trip?

 

[Rosser]

I'm sorry but I can't give any advice regarding the journey from Paris to Le Put as I flew into Lyon and took train and bus from there to get to Le Puy .

 

[Kanga]

Here's the Rome2Rio search showing all the possible ways of getting from Paris to Le Puy- flying, train, bus:

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Paris/Le-Puy-en-Velay

 

[The_Moo]

I took Eurostar to Lyon and either a connecting train or bus from there (cannot now recall) Journey was easy!

Am still walking the Le Puy in stages, starting from Cahors on 25 August. French walking groups are very friendly, I found and we had good company at all our stops. The demi pension is expensive but if you're a foodie with no food "issues" you will be very happy. As a vegetarian it's more difficult and I self-catered a lot (many places will let you use the kitchen for a very nominal fee, maybe a euro or 2).

 

[Ali M]

Will be walking out from Le Puy @ 9.17 and as time only permits intend to stop at Condom. Any thought a on weather from 9.17 to 10. 12 ish? Do I need to take water proof pants or skip the weight?
Any suggestions on best stops for 2nd night rest and recuperation appreciated!

 

[Thornley]

Will be walking out from Le Puy @ 9.17 and as time only permits intend to stop at Condom. Any thought a on weather from 9.17 to 10. 12 ish? Do I need to take water proof pants or skip the weight?
Any suggestions on best stops for 2nd night rest and recuperation appreciated!

According to my sister who commenced yesterday it was very hot and they got a severe storm that brought down tree branches.
Most stop at Monistrol for second day as climb out can be severe in inclement weather ,
Go slowly for the first week because its beautiful.

 

[kelleymac]

The incredibly low airfares to Europe are beckoning me to walk 21 days on the Le Puy route (Via Podiensis) again in September 2017. I’m looking at walking Sept 4rd – Sept 24th from Le Puy to Eauze or possibly Aire Sur l’Ardour.

If you’ve ever dreamt of walking in France but have hesitated due to language barriers, you’re welcome to join me. (I’m bilingual)

B

P.S. I've attached a description of the differences between the Frances and the Le Puy route. I found the original list on a blog written by a walker named Kevin Considine. I used his observations as a template, editing it here and there to create a comparison that reflected my experience.

Thanks! I'm heading that way (I think) on the Sept. 26th. Sorry our times don't match up-- my French is minimal. Bon Chemin!

 

[Kitsambler]

Any thought a on weather from 9.17 to 10. 12 ish? Do I need to take water proof pants or skip the weight?

Transitional fall weather, varying from some quite warm - even (especially this year) hot - to chilly, windy rain (especially later in Oct). So planning ahead for layers and wet will be useful. You will be at lower elevations once you reach Figeac, so you shouldn't have to worry about freezing temperatures or snow yet.