Le Puy to SJPP

[Michelle G Daoust]

Hello and Happy new year to all pilgrims!
I have enjoyed two walks: The Camino Frances and the Caminho Portuguese. Next year my husband and I will walk from Le Puy to SJPP. I am capable of “holding my own” in French but would enjoy having a guidebook - for information on accommodation; history; culture; food...and my husband who has ‘very limited knowledge of French’ would enjoy even more. I understand there may be ‘updated’ English guidebook? (I am aware of Alison Raju’s book, Miam Miam Dodo and the Map books from the GR series - the latter two written in French). Any ideas would be welcome.
May all your journeys end well.
Michelle
P.S. I must do a shout-out to pilgrim MichaelC who wrote an incredible post (Nov.14/17) of his pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago. Eloquent and, well....graceful....the word that comes to mind. It has solidified that our plan to walk the Via Podiensis in June 2021 (yes, far in future, but that is the time that will work for us) is the right one. Merck

 

[Kanga]

@Michelle G Daoust it is the most beautiful route, enjoy! I would love books for the other main routes similar to the Gitlitz and Davidson book which covers the Francés. On the Arles route I did find a guidebook book in French (written mainly for bicyclists, and in French) that covered the history of that route quite well. The Le Puy Cathedral does have a well stocked bookshop, perhaps you could find something there.

There are also some things in the Confraternity of St James bookshop that might interest you; look at the academic texts as well as the books.

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

Thank you! Wonderful suggestions. Merci.

 

[andycohn]

Hello and Happy new year to all pilgrims!
I have enjoyed two walks: The Camino Frances and the Caminho Portuguese. Next year my husband and I will walk from Le Puy to SJPP. I am capable of “holding my own” in French but would enjoy having a guidebook - for information on accommodation; history; culture; food...and my husband who has ‘very limited knowledge of French’ would enjoy even more. I understand there may be ‘updated’ English guidebook? (I am aware of Alison Raju’s book, Miam Miam Dodo and the Map books from the GR series - the latter two written in French). Any ideas would be welcome.
May all your journeys end well.
Michelle
P.S. I must do a shout-out to pilgrim MichaelC who wrote an incredible post (Nov.14/17) of his pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago. Eloquent and, well....graceful....the word that comes to mind. It has solidified that our plan to walk the Via Podiensis in June 2021 (yes, far in future, but that is the time that will work for us) is the right one. Merck

Hi Michelle:

The Miam Miam Dodo is far and away the best guidebook.

You might also find this how-to guide that I created after our trip this fall useful. It's gotten a lot of positive responses on this forum and on the Via Podiensis Facebook page:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/authors/andycohn.19805/

 

[Andresin]

Lightfoot has an English guidebook from Le Puy to Roncesvalles

 

[Glenshiro]

Lightfoot has an English guidebook from Le Puy to Roncesvalles

Link here. I didn't know about this guide, thanks, Andresin.

 

[Kitsambler]

You don't need anything other than Miam Miam Dodo. Yes, it is written in French; however, 98% of the information is presented graphically (ie, in picture form). The range of French vocabulary is extremely limited (like, less than 20 words or thereabouts). You can handle this! And you will need to handle this very basic level of French.

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

Hi Michelle:

The Miam Miam Dodo is far and away the best guidebook.

You might also find this how-to guide that I created after our trip this fall useful. It's gotten a lot of positive responses on this forum and on the Via Podiensis Facebook page:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/authors/andycohn.19805/

Hello Andy,
I have just enjoyed my morning coffee reading your link - wow, what a delight to read....I was transported to the fields, the quiet, the people, the food. Many thanks for taking the time to post such a lovely summary of your walk. I speak/read enough French that the Miam Maim Dodo book will be the perfect companion. I just realized that next year, 2021 is the Holy Year. For those who ‘fear’ huge crowds on the Camino Frances, the Via Podiensis may see an increase of travellers - what a joy it is meeting fellow walkers, no matter which camino/Chemin one takes. Happy travels, Michelle

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

You don't need anything other than Miam Miam Dodo. Yes, it is written in French; however, 98% of the information is presented graphically (ie, in picture form). The range of French vocabulary is extremely limited (like, less than 20 words or thereabouts). You can handle this! And you will need to handle this very basic level of French.

thank you! Miam Miam dodo it is ☺

 

[Carolethecatlover]

Hello and Happy new year to all pilgrims!
I have enjoyed two walks: The Camino Frances and the Caminho Portuguese. Next year my husband and I will walk from Le Puy to SJPP. I am capable of “holding my own” in French but would enjoy having a guidebook - for information on accommodation; history; culture; food...and my husband who has ‘very limited knowledge of French’ would enjoy even more. I understand there may be ‘updated’ English guidebook? (I am aware of Alison Raju’s book, Miam Miam Dodo and the Map books from the GR series - the latter two written in French). Any ideas would be welcome.
May all your journeys end well.
Michelle
P.S. I must do a shout-out to pilgrim MichaelC who wrote an incredible post (Nov.14/17) of his pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago. Eloquent and, well....graceful....the word that comes to mind. It has solidified that our plan to walk the Via Podiensis in June 2021 (yes, far in future, but that is the time that will work for us) is the right one. Merck

YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST make time to see the prehistoric caves at PECH MERLE. There are more and Conques is unique.
I get be in French and since most of the pilgrims are French, mine improved no end.
Miam DoDo is the best. and take DP where offered. NEVER ate a bad meal on the route!!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Lightfoot has an English guidebook from Le Puy to Roncesvalles

That's the one I used. I also had MMDD online and referred to both on a daily basis.
I too, absolutely loved this route, and ended in Auvillar.

 

[TerryL]

That's the one I used. I also had MMDD online and referred to both on a daily basis.
I too, absolutely loved this route, and ended in Auvillar.

I also endorse the MMD. If you can write out or attempt a booking over a phone the day/evening before in French it is very much appreciated - although we mostly chose accommodation with the British flag next to the site! We were ALWAYS received very graciously and no matter how basic our French - any attempt was appreciated. We enjoyed this route more than the Camino Frances - beautiful villages and scenery, few people, few dogs, and wonderfully welcoming local people (and sensational food!). Enjoy!

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

Thank you TerryL - excited for that to be our adventure next year. I speak French well enough, husband, not so much, thus a welcome, like you describe, sounds lovely. All previous time in France has been nothing short of marvellous....and the food everyone on line has noted....well, what more can one ask for! Merci!

 

[Albertagirl]

I am finding myself looking for new routes and a French route looks sensible for 2021. But I am hesitant for the very reason that others on this thread are enthusiastic: the food. I consider myself a vegetarian, although I occasionally eat fish. As I understand it, the provision of set meals by the gites would make following a vegetarian diet impossible. I am hoping to be proven wrong. Any comments?

 

[Kitsambler]

I am finding myself looking for new routes and a French route looks sensible for 2021. But I am hesitant for the very reason that others on this thread are enthusiastic: the food. I consider myself a vegetarian, although I occasionally eat fish. As I understand it, the provision of set meals by the gites would make following a vegetarian diet impossible. I am hoping to be proven wrong. Any comments?

When you call ahead for your reservations, let the host know you are a vegetarian. They are most accommodating.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, I agree with @Kitsambler - as long as you give enough notice. Many of the gites are in small villages or towns that no longer have services, and the host has to travel to a larger centre to stock up food supplies. They do need to know ahead of time for how many he/she is catering, and any special requirements.

 

[Hlp]

Hello and Happy new year to all pilgrims!
I have enjoyed two walks: The Camino Frances and the Caminho Portuguese. Next year my husband and I will walk from Le Puy to SJPP. I am capable of “holding my own” in French but would enjoy having a guidebook - for information on accommodation; history; culture; food...and my husband who has ‘very limited knowledge of French’ would enjoy even more. I understand there may be ‘updated’ English guidebook? (I am aware of Alison Raju’s book, Miam Miam Dodo and the Map books from the GR series - the latter two written in French). Any ideas would be welcome.
May all your journeys end well.
Michelle
P.S. I must do a shout-out to pilgrim MichaelC who wrote an incredible post (Nov.14/17) of his pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago. Eloquent and, well....graceful....the word that comes to mind. It has solidified that our plan to walk the Via Podiensis in June 2021 (yes, far in future, but that is the time that will work for us) is the right one. Merck

Hello and Happy new year to all pilgrims!
I have enjoyed two walks: The Camino Frances and the Caminho Portuguese. Next year my husband and I will walk from Le Puy to SJPP. I am capable of “holding my own” in French but would enjoy having a guidebook - for information on accommodation; history; culture; food...and my husband who has ‘very limited knowledge of French’ would enjoy even more. I understand there may be ‘updated’ English guidebook? (I am aware of Alison Raju’s book, Miam Miam Dodo and the Map books from the GR series - the latter two written in French). Any ideas would be welcome.
May all your journeys end well.
Michelle
P.S. I must do a shout-out to pilgrim MichaelC who wrote an incredible post (Nov.14/17) of his pilgrimage from Le Puy to Santiago. Eloquent and, well....graceful....the word that comes to mind. It has solidified that our plan to walk the Via Podiensis in June 2021 (yes, far in future, but that is the time that will work for us) is the right one. Merck

Hi. We are a Danish couple, who have walked all the way from Le Puy to Santiago our knowledge of French was at the time very bacis, but still we found the Miam Miam Do Do an most excelent guide book, so easy to work out. The mostly french pilgrims we met on the way from Le Puy to Saint Jean Pied were very friendly and helpful. Have a buen camino and enjoy , it is so peaceful in France compared with Spain.

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

Hi. We are a Danish couple, who have walked all the way from Le Puy to Santiago our knowledge of French was at the time very bacis, but still we found the Miam Miam Do Do an most excelent guide book, so easy to work out. The mostly french pilgrims we met on the way from Le Puy to Saint Jean Pied were very friendly and helpful. Have a buen camino and enjoy , it is so peaceful in France compared with Spain.

Merci!

 

[Scott Fraser]

I walked the Le Puy Route last spring. I found the “I Love Walking in France” guide by Melinda Lusmore helpful for planning. It comes in 5 parts which can be downloaded to your phone for reference enroute. I also got the Miam Dodo app and bought the maps all of which went on the phone. The app has almost all the info that’s in the books and electrons are much lighter. The Dodo maps and the phone’s GPS work well together to keep you from getting lost , which is a little easier than on the CF. I found myself checking the GPS navigation at most of the turns and never got lost (for more than a few minutes). The Dodo maps with GPS are also very helpful in finding and navigating shortcuts. Those who laid out the GR65 never missed an opportunity to walk up a hill for a great view, or to let you enjoy two sides of a triangle for no good reason than avoiding a few kms of road walking. Many days I save 5km or more finding shortcuts. (Who the hell knows which paths Bishop Gothescale followed in the 10th C anyway?).

The Puy Route is different from the CF and others in Spain. The accommodation and food are better and more expensive. The social scene is different because almost all Gîte dinner conversation is in French and there are more “walkers” than “pilgrims” in the sense that many of the people you meet are out for a week or so and may be walking to the East on GR65. In short, not everyone is headed for the same place. That said, taken as a whole, the countryside in France is generally much greener and more attractive than many parts of the CF. All up, I prefer the CF, but the Puy Route was a very nice change. Don’t miss the Cele valley and cave paintings near Cabrerets (sp?).

 

[Michelle G Daoust]

I walked the Le Puy Route last spring. I found the “I Love Walking in France” guide by Melinda Lusmore helpful for planning. It comes in 5 parts which can be downloaded to your phone for reference enroute. I also got the Miam Dodo app and bought the maps all of which went on the phone. The app has almost all the info that’s in the books and electrons are much lighter. The Dodo maps and the phone’s GPS work well together to keep you from getting lost , which is a little easier than on the CF. I found myself checking the GPS navigation at most of the turns and never got lost (for more than a few minutes). The Dodo maps with GPS are also very helpful in finding and navigating shortcuts. Those who laid out the GR65 never missed an opportunity to walk up a hill for a great view, or to let you enjoy two sides of a triangle for no good reason than avoiding a few kms of road walking. Many days I save 5km or more finding shortcuts. (Who the hell knows which paths Bishop Gothescale followed in the 10th C anyway?).

The Puy Route is different from the CF and others in Spain. The accommodation and food are better and more expensive. The social scene is different because almost all Gîte dinner conversation is in French and there are more “walkers” than “pilgrims” in the sense that many of the people you meet are out for a week or so and may be walking to the East on GR65. In short, not everyone is headed for the same place. That said, taken as a whole, the countryside in France is generally much greener and more attractive than many parts of the CF. All up, I prefer the CF, but the Puy Route was a very nice change. Don’t miss the Cele valley and cave paintings near Cabrerets (sp?).

Thank you Scott for your response and suggestions. I think the download route is a good one. Ha ha....yep, the old 10C paths happy trails. A great blog by Jenny and Keith, www.Walkinginfrance.info May be of interest to some of you.

 

[Moominmamma]

Lightfoot has an English guidebook from Le Puy to Roncesvalles

We’ve done the Le Puy route from there to Saint Cirq Lapopie via the Célé variant and I took the Lightfoot Guide and my friend Miam Miam Dodo (MMDD). The Lightfoot was nice for the descriptions but not essential and I’ll save weight next year and not take it. Its elevation graphs are also a bit scary the way they’re spaced. We found MMDD by far the best, and you don’t need French to use it, it’s all pretty understandable. You can get an English version on the MMDD app.