Le-Puy-en-Velay Tourist Guide

[KiwiNomad06]

I have just found this tourist guide, put out by the Le-Puy-en-Velay Tourist Office. It is in English, in pdf format. http://www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr/_fichiers/GUIDES_ETRANGERS/Guide_ANGLAIS_BR.pdf

I think that often people just see Le Puy as a place to get to, so they can start their walking. But I think Le Puy is such an important pilgrimage site in itself, it is truly a shame to rush through it without stopping to explore for at least half a day.
Margaret

PS I went into the tourist office in Le Puy- right on a large square in the heart of the central shopping area, downhill from the cathedral and more historic part of Le Puy. I had been having trouble getting through to the gite I wanted to book in Montbonnet. They got me sorted with another booking, and I found them very helpful and friendly.

 

[colinPeter]

Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the link.
Helen & I are planning to spend a couple of days there in April, before "setting off".
We're hoping to "sort something" for Montbonnet ourselves, as it's not that easy from this side of the world, so we'll try the tourist office.
Colin

 

[KiwiNomad06]

There are two gites there. First time I stayed in l'Escole and was very happy there. But second time when I tried to reserve I just kept getting an answerphone I couldn't understand. TO got that at first too, but then found out it was 'complet' (full). So they booked for me instead in La Grange, run by the bar owner. It had a magnificent communal lounge area with big windows that gave a superb view over the countryside. I could have stayed another day just to enjoy that view if it was possible!
Margaret

 

[MichaelB10398]

Hello Margaret, thank you for the kind link. That tour or at least visiting the sites would make a momentous and enjoyable beginning from Le Puy. All the best,

 

[robertt]

Spot on, nomad. Love Le Puy. Hope to get back one day for the Stevenson or Regordane. We shall see!

 

[StephenT]

Hi Margaret - that s a great tourist guide for the town - I was in Le Puy in July last year, and loved it as well - spent just a day + overnight there on the way through, but its definitely worth a look round - I did manage to see the cathedral + Cloisters+ND de France + St Michael's Chapel, but the Guide would have been a useful addition - ALSO I stayed at La Grange at Montbonnet for the first night on the Chemin - I warmly support your assessment of the place - comfortable + clean + great facilities+ great host+great food and of course the magnificent view from the window - in fact it reminded me of a ski lodge in atmosphere - Stephen in Waikato

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Hi Stephen,
Thanks for your comments. I went up to Hamilton a couple of years back for a St James day shared dinner organised by Kay- interesting meeting a lot of 'Camino' people in one place. If you haven't met up with Kay, I could put you in touch. She has walked the Camino Frances and also the Le Puy route.
Margaret

 

[Kanga]

There are two gites there. First time I stayed in l'Escole and was very happy there. But second time when I tried to reserve I just kept getting an answerphone I couldn't understand. TO got that at first too, but then found out it was 'complet' (full). So they booked for me instead in La Grange, run by the bar owner. It had a magnificent communal lounge area with big windows that gave a superb view over the countryside. I could have stayed another day just to enjoy that view if it was possible!
Margaret

Margaret, we did stay the extra day! The gite was newly opened, the weather foul, and they had no other patrons. Plus we were totally jet lagged after the trip from Oz. Enjoyed it immensely, watching the rain and mist through those big picture windows, hot soup from the bar. A good memory.

 

[KiwiNomad06]

What a wonderful place to do some jet lag recovery! So glad they let you enjoy a second day there.