Moissac to Condom

[HeatherWriter]

Is the section from M to C pretty? I'm a bit short of days and was planning on taking the train from here-Moissac-to the Pays Basque but seems it might be better to skip the section from Condom. Any thoughts? I have found the route from conques to here less interesting, but that's because Le puy to conques is so astoundingly stunning!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It is quite pretty; first along the canal, then across the hills through Auvillar.

 

[Kanga]

A few photos on the Moissac to Condom section

 

[Kanga]

Actually, I think the last photo was after Condom, sorry.

 

[HeatherWriter]

Thanks-lovely pics kanga. How about condom onwards-I understand it's a bit flat and uninteresting, especially in the height of summer? And any idea about bus transport out of condom-the gare here couldn't tell me-?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

You don't need our advice on what to skip!!! Just skip what you need to!

 

[billmclaughlin]

There are a few dreary bits here and there after Condom and more so later on, but I'm surprised folks make such a big deal about the contrast. I tend to take the scenery as it comes. Less dramatic can mean easier going, allowing you to look up, hold a conversation with a fellow hiker or the sky, breathe differently.

If you just walk until you run out of time, then you'll have to consider how to leave the chemin and get wherever you need to go. In the very late stages, I think bus service can be spotty/non-existent, so you might be looking for a ride, taxi, hitch, etc.

If you end your walk as early as Aire sur l'Ardour, which I believe is the last place you can get an SNCF bus to leave the chemin (for Pau and onward rail connections), you cut 5 or 6 days off the trek to SJPP.

If you feel a need to reach SJPP, there's an SNCF bus from Condom to Aire sur l'Ardour. That would allow you to skip 3 or 4 days of hiking. You'd miss Lectoure and some other spots I like, but avoid the dreary (IMHO) long, flat (but shady) slog into Eauze.

Bill

 

[HeatherWriter]

Thanks bill-great info. I don't want to skip anything but have to. I know what you mean about the 'boring ' stretches-I loved the meseta in Spain for the big skies and solitude too. Will hopefully be able to return and do this 'missing' section in the future.

 

[Thornley]

Good advice from Bill .
We enjoyed the walk from Aire sur l'Adour , its a great town with a lively market with great stops before Spain.
But i would book accommodation before i caught the bus from Condom and if staying in a "great" gite there explain the situation about missing 3 days.
There has been a previous article about being refused a bed because of public transport.
In saying that i think the previous one was a bus from Cahors .

 

[Kanga]

Thanks-lovely pics kanga. How about condom onwards-I understand it's a bit flat and uninteresting, especially in the height of summer? And any idea about bus transport out of condom-the gare here couldn't tell me-?

No, I don't agree, I would say the only day I found a bit boring was between Nogaro and Aire sur L'Adour. We walked with two other couples from Moissac to Aire and they had not done any long distance hikes before, but have since. Both couples loved the whole walk.

Here are some assorted photos between Condom and Aire

 

[cecelia]

From my perspective, the first day out of Moissac was beautiful but it's flat, treed and paved walking along beside a canal for most of the way. Easy for that reason although I rather walk on almost anything but pavement. It's my one small beef with the Le Puy route - way too much pavement. I loved walking up to Auvillar and enjoyed the evening there. Like Bill I tend to take the scenery as it comes so it's hard to piece it up. There are always things to enjoy - but then we perhaps all enjoy slightly different things so who knows? It definitely does get pretty flat in spots and as the mountains come closer towards SJPP it is (IMO) stunningly beautiful again. If you're comfortable with the uncertainty you'd possibly be better to play it by ear when you're there.
Buen camino
Cecelia

 

[alan karr]

I plan to arrive Moissac via train in 2 days. Can anyone offer specifics re luggage transfer (phone or email addresses to SJPP?
Separately, I am acting under the assumption that at this time of year I don't need gite reservations.. am I foolish?

 

[Thornley]

I plan to arrive Moissac via train in 2 days. Can anyone offer specifics re luggage transfer (phone or email addresses to SJPP?
Separately, I am acting under the assumption that at this time of year I don't need gite reservations.. am I foolish?

No problems with accommodation from now on.
When you arrive go to Rom and Aideen and they will give you all the required info for luggage transportation to St JPP

 

[Kitsambler]

Is the section from M to C pretty?

Frankly, it's missable. I would stick with your plan to jump ahead to the foothills (Navarrenx?), if you're short of time.