Starting from Le Puy on a Sunday

[mla1]

Hi all,
I am wondering if there is any reason why it might not be advised to start walking from Le Puy on a Sunday? I am considering a schedule that would have me arriving in Le Puy late afternoon on Saturday May 9th (train from Paris). And then my hope would be to set out on Sunday for a shortish day of walking. It looks like it would be possible to get a credencial on Sunday after the pilgrims' mass. Anything else to take into account?
Thanks,
Mary Louise

 

[KiwiNomad06]

The trail out of Le Puy is busier on a weekend, but perhaps on Sunday more people would be doing day trips. The only thing to be aware of though is that two public holidays fall near your dates- Friday May 8th is WW2 victory day, and Thursday May 14th is Ascension Day. Since both these dates are 'near' a weekend, some French people will use these as long weekends that might allow them to get away walking for a ten day period. This just might mean the whole trail is a bit busier, and you might need to book accommodation a day or so ahead once you start. But I wouldn't let that put you off in any way- it is just something you need to be aware of.
Margaret

 

[Deleted member 3000]

why it might not be advised to start walking from Le Puy on a Sunday

Just remember that many stores and restaurants are closed Sunday and Monday. That can affect you in the small places. May has lots of holidays and walkers, so call ahead! Bon chemin.

 

[mla1]

Thanks so much Margaret and Falcon.
This is exactly what I needed to know! I am walking on my own, so I am hoping that might help with accommodation.
In any case, I shall aim to book the first few days before I start.
With some luck, starting on a Sunday will put me a day or two behind the long-weekend walkers!
cheers,
Mary Louise

 

[scruffy1]

Hi Mia, Falcon got it absolutely correct! as usual!! Beware of Mondays, so many businesses not open, some will be open until 1200-1300 on Sunday justifying the Monday closure. Don't expect to find a quaint boulangerie tucked away in some obscure village, they have largely been replaced by the "pan depot" a bread distribution spot which may be a store, a bar, or even a gas station in a larger settlement! One last warning, many stages will lead you through beautiful picturesque countryside, hamlets, villages, farms and fields. Often you will not see a single place to stop for drink or food, a store for provisions or water, the Spanish café/bar is not found so plan ahead accordingly. Otherwise you are going to love this Camino! The nature is wonderful, the people welcoming, the food fantastic, and much to see in the towns and villages. Bon Marche! Bon Camino!!

 

[Dave]

Hi Mary Louise,

I'm in the same boat, so I've been looking into a couple of things. It might be helpful to know that there's a Petit Casino supermarket that opens at 7:30am on Sunday. It's located at 8 Rue St Gilles, just off the Chemin on the way out of the old town. Given that you won't have another chance to buy groceries until St. Privat, this is pretty handy. Also, St-Michel d'Aiguilhe opens at 9am on Sundays. So, it's possible to go to mass, get breakfast in your gite, hit the needle, and then grab groceries on your way out of town, if you're so inclined...

At least, that's my plan!

Dave

 

[Thornley]

Thanks so much Margaret and Falcon.
This is exactly what I needed to know! I am walking on my own, so I am hoping that might help with accommodation.
In any case, I shall aim to book the first few days before I start.
With some luck, starting on a Sunday will put me a day or two behind the long-weekend walkers!
cheers,
Mary Louise

Hi Mary Louise,
Montbonnet first stop.
Great little bar/gite and open 7/7
Take your time early its a beautiful walk.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Hi Mary Louise,
Montbonnet first stop.
Great little bar/gite and open 7/7
Take your time early its a beautiful walk.

Here's the view from that marvellous gîte next to the bar in Montbonnet: there is a huge window that looks back over the landscape. I wished I could have stayed another day here in this gîte just to revel in this view over all these old volcanic peaks!
Margaret

 

[mla1]

Dave, Thornley, and Margaret - thanks for your comments and the fabulous photo. Dave, I think I bought lunch fixings in that Petit Casino when I started the chemin St. Giles, from Le Puy, a couple of years ago. Glad to know it is open on Sunday mornings.
You have all put me much closer to buying the plane ticket! I am still trying to figure out how many days I will need overall - I am pushing my luck a bit with the amount of time I am taking off work in the spring. I want to leave enough days to finish comfortably but not take so many that I compromise the good will of my co-workers.

 

[Luka]

I might be walking a few days behind you! I am starting from Paray-le-Monial, probably on May 5th and expect to arrive on May 14th (but because of Ascension Day I am still looking for alternatives).