tucker for coeliac on the Le Puy route

[Dan]

Hi - I'm a coeliac. On the Camino Frances last year I survived. It was difficult at times. We found some gluten free things for me at Ponferrada. In a health food shop. But those types of specialised bread, biscuits, cake etc. were pretty thin on the ground in rural Spain.
I survived on sangria which, as you know, contains some fruit.


Any comments from other coeliacs or those who are wheat and gluten intolerant and have done Le Puy?
much appreciated
Dan
P.S. I have read the recent thread here in Le Puy forum re Vegetarian meals and that was very helpful. Veggies will do if necessary. However we coeliacs can eat meat, fish, fowl - anything without gluten. Being unable to eat regular bread is sometimes a real hassle. As is the difficulty with sauces and gravies made on wheat.

 

[scruffy1]

Can't help you much, get your French ready for coeliac, gluten-free, and exactly what that means; the Le Puy route passes through some very rural areas and some people may not be clear as to your needs. Self-catering is a good solution though not all gites have cooking facilities but be forewarned! Shops are open Saturdays no problem, half Sunday closing at around noon, and totally shut down on Monday! Meaning if you walk a usual day Sunday, that evening there will be no place to restock on victuals and Monday you may find yourself very hungry!

 

[robertt]

The French aren't know for cornbread, but in the maize country before the Bearn there is a lot of cornbread, and delicious it is. I imagine there would be a wheaten component but it might be worth talking to the locals and the bakeries. I found the people very obliging in that part of the Landes and, even if you can't get a gluten free product ready made, there's the chance of stocking up on some cornmeal for porridge. (My coeliac friends tell me maize is okay.)

By the way, the cornbread in Arzacq is beyond delish. I'm hoping it's wheat-free (though unlikely) for your sake!

Rob

 

[lynnejohn]

This previous thread isn't specific to coeliac diet but does contain some useful discussion on wheat allergies. Hope it helps a little! Buen camino!

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/wheat-allergies.3750/

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Translation for the non-downunders: Tucker is food.

 

[Dan]

thank you falcon

and thanks to all who have replied

 

[gypsy9]

in terms of snacks, there are rice cakes, nuts, cheese and yoghurt a-plenty in stores, supermarkets.
I survived just fine (I managed to feel ok eating baguette and croissants too!?)
and of course, fruit, can be purchased. bananas are a good staple.
I used to cook my own meals (when possible) so I am unsure about ordering gluten-free meals.
oui., be mindful of no shop Monday! (but sometimes there are local markets/vans). from memory anyway. I could well be wrong and perhaps be corrected by other posters....
Bon chemin!