Starting with a Rest Day?

[kmccrom]

Hi everyone! I’m so grateful for this forum. I’ve already learned so much.

I’m doing the GR65- Via Podeinsis followed by the Camino francés from August -November of 2025. I have my ticket (yaaay) to Paris and am trying to decide if I should perhaps stay 2 nights in Le Puy prior to my first walking day, so that I can rest up from the long travel day of flying from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to Paris. But I worry that I will be chomping at the bit and too excited to get going, so maybe just one night would be better. Also, I might stay the night in Paris with friends after flying in, or I might take a train directly to Lyon from the airport. What are your thoughts? Is it important to be refreshed on the first day walking? Merci d’avance.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Welcome to the forum, @kmccrom.
Le Puy is an interesting and beautiful city. I would give it the extra day, especially since you have approx. four months total to walk.

 

[ratherbefollowingflechas]

Greetings and welcome to your new addiction! I have learned the hard way that I cannot fly into Spain and start walking the next day. My stomach just cannot adjust to the jet lag, and I just cannot walk without fuel in the furnace. In 2023, we flew into Madrid, then flew to Oviedo and started walking the next morning. My stomach could not keep food down, and after 2 attempts to eat, I finally realized that the only way that I would get to Grado that day was to take a taxi to Escamplero and walk the last half of the day. NOT a great start.

This last May, we flew into Madrid and over-nighted there, with a very long gastronomical tour of the Mercado San Miguel. The next day, we trained to Oviedo, leaving around 10:30 and arriving around 2p, which meant a chance to sleep in, have a lovely breakfast, relax on the train and roll into town in time to get checked into our hotel, complete with stop at the Decathlon to pick up some poles.

Another great evening to adjust to the time difference, and get another meal under my belt. We started the next morning, and I was so good to go. My body was happy, my stomach was happy and my mindset was better than it had ever been during our previous 4 Caminos.

You want to start your first day resfreshed and ready. And even if you don't have stomach issues when you travel, give yourself the extra day. You won't regret it.

Buen Camino

 

[Anamya]

I fly from Australia, so the journey and jet lag can be brutal, even though I'll feel all excited to start walking.
An extra night on the starting place will give you the rest you need to tackle the walk in good shape, and you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with your surroundings, enjoy visiting some interesting places, and give that last check on the backpack, with time for a last minute run to shop or pharmacy if needed.
You have plenty of time, so enjoy it! Buen Camino!

 

[sunflowers]

exciting! yes, plan for two nights...
Le Puy en Velay is a charming and historic place for a pilgrim. A full day is needed; not only to rest and adjust to the new time zone, but to absorb the sights and vibe of your imminent adventure. You can walk your feet off all day, if you like! And you will meet other pilgrims (inevitably).

I have also found that the expected arrival time in France is not a guarantee (last time there was a train strike) and so giving yourself that extra time mitigates any stress..
bon voyage.

 

[David Tallan]

It really depends on the person. For my 2023 Camino, I flew overnight to Madrid and then started walking right away, walking 20km that first day, before my first night's sleep in Spain. But a lot of people appreciate a little rest before they start to walk.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

exciting! yes, plan for two nights...
Le Puy en Velay is a charming and historic place for a pilgrim. A full day is needed; not only to rest and adjust to the new time zone, but to absorb the sights and vibe of your imminent adventure. You can walk your feet off all day, if you like! And you will meet other pilgrims (inevitably).

Well said!

I have also found that the expected arrival time in France is not a guarantee (last time there was a train strike) and so giving yourself that extra time mitigates any stress..
bon voyage.

I dealt with a train strike on my way back to Paris after I finished the Le Puy as far as Auvillar. A bit of a scramble, but it all worked out.

 

[OzAnnie]

I might stay the night in Paris with friends after flying in, or I might take a train directly to Lyon from the airport. What are your thoughts?

Hi @kmccrom
You have set aside up to 4mths travelling away from home - I would set myself up well at the start.
If you don’t regularly get to Paris ., or not likely to return - then definitely unwind there with friends first . Great opportunity -
Next stop Lyon. It’s beautiful and renowned for superb food. My flight into Lyon was delayed and my night there was just that. Enough time to get to our accommodation— I regret missing out on Lyon. I’m not likely to pass by there again.

Next stop Le Puy. We stayed there and really enjoyed it. Lots to see etc.

It’s a gorgeous way. Beautiful.

Is it important to be refreshed on the first day walking? Merci d’avance.

Most definitely. !!

Btw not everyone attends the mass at 7am -
But IMO, it is an experience not to be missed. Most people are not in a hurry either ; as it’s usual to have your night’s accommodation reserved for the night. Many people spill out of the ‘secret’ stairway after the Mass !! But don’t rush. There were markets in the square below as we departed Le Puy where we could purchase some interesting foods ‘for the road ‘.

Enjoy.

 

[Come Walk With Us]

Hi everyone! I’m so grateful for this forum. I’ve already learned so much.

I’m doing the GR65- Via Podeinsis followed by the Camino francés from August -November of 2025. I have my ticket (yaaay) to Paris and am trying to decide if I should perhaps stay 2 nights in Le Puy prior to my first walking day, so that I can rest up from the long travel day of flying from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to Paris. But I worry that I will be chomping at the bit and too excited to get going, so maybe just one night would be better. Also, I might stay the night in Paris with friends after flying in, or I might take a train directly to Lyon from the airport. What are your thoughts? Is it important to be refreshed on the first day walking? Merci d’avance.

Le Puy is a beautiful place to stay and explore - several amazing chapels that are definately worth it. That and giving your body a chance to overcome jet lag is a smart idea. From my experience the best place to take a break is 4-5 days into any trek or pilgrimage - after your body has begun to get exhausted from the undertaking. It all comes to knowing how you feel flying across time zones, knowing when you need to stop in order to stay happy. GR65 is amazing you'll love it!

 

[Come Walk With Us]

Hi @kmccrom
You have set aside up to 4mths travelling away from home - I would set myself up well at the start.
If you don’t regularly get to Paris ., or not likely to return - then definitely unwind there with friends first . Great opportunity -
Next stop Lyon. It’s beautiful and renowned for superb food. My flight into Lyon was delayed and my night there was just that. Enough time to get to our accommodation— I regret missing out on Lyon. I’m not likely to pass by there again.

Next stop Le Puy. We stayed there and really enjoyed it. Lots to see etc.

It’s a gorgeous way. Beautiful.

Most definitely. !!

Btw not everyone attends the mass at 7am -
But IMO, it is an experience not to be missed. Most people are not in a hurry either ; as it’s usual to have your night’s accommodation reserved for the night. Many people spill out of the ‘secret’ stairway after the Mass !! But don’t rush. There were markets in the square below as we departed Le Puy where we could purchase some interesting foods ‘for the road ‘.

Enjoy.

Very true morning mass there is a wonderful experience and great way to begin the trek

 

[CTLawGal]

I like a few rest days before I start, I don’t want to fight the fatigue of jet lag and the fatigue of that first week at the same time. For me personally, I feel I’m more vulnerable to getting sick after a long flight if I don’t give my body some time to rest and recover - but everyone’s different. I am walking the GR65 too, starting in Geneva this Spring, walking Via Gebennensis and Via Podiensis and will spend an extra night in Le Puy - as others have noted,it seems like a nice place to spend an extra day. For me, although I’m starting in Geneva, it seemed like a boring place to spend a few days before walking (especially since I had traveled through there 3-4 years ago) so I found good prices to Amsterdam and decided to recover from jet lag leisurely visiting tulip fields and museums, then swing over to Geneva the night before I start walking.

August to November sounds like 4 months, but maybe it’s just 3 full months to stay under the Schengen 90 day limit? 3 months is still a lot and plenty of time to walk from Le Puy to SDC, and on to Fisterre and Muxia if you’ve still get anything left in the tank.

Buen Camino!!

 

[kmccrom]

Thank you so much to all of you for your input. It’s been so helpful.

Just to clarify, I’m going from mid-August to mid-November. I’m hoping to get to Santiago and then Finisterre with enough time to spend a few days in Madrid and then a few days in Paris with my friends there after my Camino. I think I’m going to get to Le Puy asap and spend two nights there. So excited! Buen Camino and bon chemin to everyone!

 

[MassNative]

When I did Francés several years ago, we took a full day & night in Paris for jet lag recovery (Came from US east coast). Walked arround Paris that day to stay awake. It was nice to not be stressed about making a connecting flight/train that morning. Booked a hotel several blocks from Gare Montparnasse for the next morning TGV to Bayonne & local to SJPdP, so the train rides also helped with jet lag. One night there and started walking on day 3 in France.

I never regretted the relaxed start to our camino.

Jim

 

[Lleslie]

We flew from Australia to Paris, then to Lyon - stayed two nights to over come jet lag - did a 'free' walking tour of the old town including the secret passage ways. In the afternoon went up to the Roman ruins on the hillside above the city then walked over to the cathedral on the hill - amazing. Next day we were also caught up in a train strike but were able to train part of the way to Le Puy then bus the rest of the way. Spent the rest of the day exploring Le Puy - climbed up to the chapel on the hill - then started walking the next day after Mass.

 

[HBS60]

After flying in from FL, I spent one night in Pamplona, and 3 nights at SJPDP before starting the Camino. For me, it was totally worth it, as it helped me cushion the abrupt change in time zones and countries, gave me time to settle in, explore a little bit, get over jet lag, so by the time I started my Camino, I was refreshed, energized, and raring to go. Not that a total of 4 days is necessary, but I’m glad that’s how I did it.

 

[Viajefacil]

Hi everyone! I’m so grateful for this forum. I’ve already learned so much.

I’m doing the GR65- Via Podeinsis followed by the Camino francés from August -November of 2025. I have my ticket (yaaay) to Paris and am trying to decide if I should perhaps stay 2 nights in Le Puy prior to my first walking day, so that I can rest up from the long travel day of flying from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to Paris. But I worry that I will be chomping at the bit and too excited to get going, so maybe just one night would be better. Also, I might stay the night in Paris with friends after flying in, or I might take a train directly to Lyon from the airport. What are your thoughts? Is it important to be refreshed on the first day walking? Merci d’avance.

Some suggestions from a senior member of the community (and a fellow New Mexican). I have made the trip across the pond over 100 times - mainly flying out of ABQ on TWA which dates me. Most of my comments are consistent with others on this thread. And apologies for verbosity.
There is extensive research on the effects of multi-time zone change on one’s circadian rhythm and on the human body - one of the experts was at UNM. My personal experiences are not inconsistent with the research. My personal conclusion is that one can fight evolution but you won’t win; you won’t even break even.
The flight can be quite interesting, often for the wrong reasons. Traveling in an aluminum capsule at reduced air pressure for upwards of 15 hours is exhausting, particularly in steerage. Add to this airport security, immigration, etc. When you get to the East Coast you’re only half-way to Paris; if you fly AA and change at DFW you still have a nine-hour flight. I sleep the whole route - I skip the meal; no insult to the culinary efforts of AA or Delta, but one’s taste buds react differently at 35k ft than at 5k elevation or sea level - but I still arrive tired. When one arrives, not only is your circadian rhythm disturbed, but also the body is physically tired. Even if one is excited.
When one is tired, foolish things can happen. One falls asleep on the train and awakens hours past one’s destination. One forgets pieces of luggage or one’s documents or electronics. It is said pickpockets are notorious on the RER between CDG and central Paris - travelers are tired and their guard is down. I’ve never had a problem, but friends have.

In mid-August when you arrive Europe is on holiday - many restaurants are closed. Hotels tend to be fully booked so ensure you have reservations in Le Puy. You have friends in Paris. If they are in residence, enjoy their hospitality. Spend a couple of days walking the city, particularly if it is your first time. Not only is it interesting, but your muscles can readapt to exercise and your internal clock can start to change. They will know where to find pharmacies or where to replace anything you forgot. And as others have recommended, spend two or three nights in Le Puy. It’s a beautiful city with lots of history and good restaurants…
Walking the Camino should be a wonderful experience. If you start the walk tired and with jet lag, your body will not be happy. Premature fatigue will set in, morale will plummet, small issues become problems, you will question your wisdom in coming - it’s human. I’ve done thru hikes in several countries. Apart from the odd blizzard or monsoon, the most memorable recollections are normally those of the first, glorious day and the final, exhausting day.
Finally, others have mentioned the 90 day limit unless you have a Schengen visa. And by August the EU will presumably have introduced their long-delayed ETIAS requirement just as the UK did last week - not a big issue, but you won’t be able to travel without it.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I have hiked Camino Frances four times - from St Jean to Santiago. Three times we flew Indianapolis to Madrid, one time Indianapolis to Barcelona. In each case, we spent and entire day and evening in Madrid / Barcelona. Gives us time to adjust to jet lag, plus we absolutely love Madrid. We stay by Plaza del Sol and head to El Corte Ingles for food, snacks and a bottle of wine, which we consume in a park or plaza. That night we have dinner at our favorite Madrid restaurant (Alhambra - try the delicious grilled squid!). Next day we take a train to Pamplona and do the same there. We really enjoy Pamplona as well. We stay by Plaza del Castillo and always stop at Caminoteca to purchase a a few items and get psyched up for the camino. Next day we take a bus or taxi to St Jean Pied de Port. One night there, then we're ready for hiking. So overall, we have three relaxing days before beginning our camino. We don't need this much time to get ready - it's just a tradition that works well for us. We particularly like hiking into Pamplona on our third day having just spent an overnight there a few days before. At the end of our camino frances, we fly from Santiago to Madrid, spend a night at the same private hotel, eat at the same restaurant 0 a great bookend to the beginning of our camino. Bob

 

[Camino Chrissy]

At the end of our camino frances, we fly from Santiago to Madrid, spend a night at the same private hotel, eat at the same restaurant 0 a great bookend to the beginning of our camino. Bob

Hi Bob, is where you stay in Madrid a walkable location to your favorite hotel and restaurant or do you rely on taxis or a bus to get around? Do you take the train or a taxi to Madrid's airport? Your bookends sound lovely.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Chrissy, for our first two caminos, we took the subway from the Madrid airport to Puerta del Sol. For Barcelona, we took a bus to Las Ramblas - quick and inexpensive. For our 4th camino, we got mixed up and took a local train. I'm pretty sure the taxi rates are fixed from Madrid airport to downtown, so this fall (camino planned Leon to Santiago), we'll just take a taxi from the airport to Puerta del Sol. Yes, for our days in Madrid, it is very easy to walk to stores, parks, Plaza Mayor and our favorite restaurant. This fall we're taking a train to Leon. We'll need to check which is the departing train station and best way to get there from downtown Madrid. Bob

 

[mattythedog]

Hi everyone! I’m so grateful for this forum. I’ve already learned so much.

I’m doing the GR65- Via Podeinsis followed by the Camino francés from August -November of 2025. I have my ticket (yaaay) to Paris and am trying to decide if I should perhaps stay 2 nights in Le Puy prior to my first walking day, so that I can rest up from the long travel day of flying from Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA to Paris. But I worry that I will be chomping at the bit and too excited to get going, so maybe just one night would be better. Also, I might stay the night in Paris with friends after flying in, or I might take a train directly to Lyon from the airport. What are your thoughts? Is it important to be refreshed on the first day walking? Merci d’avance.

We are all a bit different. I consider the 2 hour sitting in a car to the airport, 2 hr wait and 7 hour flight to Spain, 4 hour wait for connection to Pamplona and another hour in a car to SJPP more than enough rest, so I start the Camino right away. I have already spent a few nights in SJPP, so no compulsion to see that town. However, if I started in a place I have never been, like Le Puy, I would probably want a day for sightseeing. The first time I stayed overnight in SJPP, I was so excited to be on the Camino I got absolutely no sleep at all. Buen Camino!!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Chrissy, for our first two caminos, we took the subway from the Madrid airport to Puerta del Sol. For Barcelona, we took a bus to Las Ramblas - quick and inexpensive. For our 4th camino, we got mixed up and took a local train. I'm pretty sure the taxi rates are fixed from Madrid airport to downtown, so this fall (camino planned Leon to Santiago), we'll just take a taxi from the airport to Puerta del Sol. Yes, for our days in Madrid, it is very easy to walk to stores, parks, Plaza Mayor and our favorite restaurant. This fall we're taking a train to Leon. We'll need to check which is the departing train station and best way to get there from downtown Madrid. Bob

I have flown into Madrid many times and visited the well known areas of interest to me. I do my best to walk everywhere and have tried different hotels or pensions within walking distance of sights of interest. On my way back to the airport on my way home, I often stop for a night or two in Segovia or Avila. Both are beautiful smallish cities and from there it is a short bus or train ride back to the airport. In Barcelona we took a bus from the airport to our pension near Las Ramblas and did a hop on, hop off tour bus of the city.
I always enjoy planning to be a tourist before starting a Camino and/or afterward, as I never know when it will finally be my last time.