Hi, Gary. Saw your post but didn't see a reply.
Hi John
Sorry about that. My computer skills are not what they should be.
I walked part of your proposed route about seven years ago and liked it very much. I attempted to send a note but when I checked later the text had all mysteriously disappeared.
I’ll try to remember the parts you might find most useful.
I walked in April found the eastern part of the path almost deserted. In the woods it was occasionally confusing and when it crossed pasture land it would tend to completely disappear. The route was very accurately mapped on the large scale French iGN maps I was able to download with 20 euro for a years subscription. A GPS attachment on a iPod would get me back to the path. I’m not a fast tech adopter.
I found that I couldn’t depend on being able to find supplies in the smaller villages. Some towns were deserted. Lovely towns with Mowed lawns, fresh paint, well tended gardens, but absolutely no people in sight. Stores were closed and all outside water taps locked.
The cemetery always seemed to have one small unlocked gate and an unlocked water tap. I was told later that this might not be intended for drinking but had no problems.
I have no useful information about lodging. I mostly camped in the eastern part and when hit the rain in the west I was adopted by a wonderful French trio that called ahead and booked our lodging.
In the east path was deserted. I met no pilgrims and few people. Traffic increased gradually west of Lourdes.
snow made the Somport pass inadvisable so I continued west to connect with the Camino Francés and cross the border at the lower pass.
I like your choice of trails. The Chemin Piemonte is great. I would like to try it again but with at least a bit more of the language and a working phone.
Best of luck.
(if you want, send me a personal message with your phone number and a best time to call Would love to talk)
. I hope you have a wonderful walk.
