Single rooms on the Le Puy route?

[JimmyH]

Bonjour all,
After walking Roncesvalles-Leon over 22 days in June 2015 with a mate, this year I intend to walk 8 days from Le Puy by myself starting June 17, 2016 and would be keen for a private room each night.
I presume this is possible in the gites/dormitories on the way?
I am a VERY light sleeper, so I don't want to share a dorm/gite room, but I am keen for the communal meals/demi-pension offerings!
Merci beaucoup!
Jim in Sydney

 

[marbuck]

Some of the Gites have private rooms, at other times some of the Chambre d'Hotes have dorms. If you go demi pension you will always be sharing your evening meal and breakfast with other pilgrims/walkers. Most of the time the food is very good. Often you will be the only English speaking person at the table. It's a great walk but it can be lonely if you do not speak French. We had private rooms all the way but unfortunately we had to pull out at Condom. But we are going back in April to finish the walk, then on to walk the Portuguese Camino.

 

[Kanga]

@JimmyH get yourself a copy of Miam Miam Dodo (or download the App) for the Le Puy route and you will get a compkete list of all accommodation within 5km of the trail. You can select the type of accommodation and book ahead as far ahead as you like. Available here

 

[billmclaughlin]

This is doable, but should you find solo accommodations unavailable at any point, know that in France you are generally likely to be sharing with fewer fellow hikers than you did in Spain. I don't know what the numbers are exactly, but I think the overall pattern is clear and the odds against having to share with a snorer or a discourteous hiker are better in France.

 

[robertt]

I went from Le Puy to Pamplona in the cooler time of year (very cool at the start, on the Aubrac!). I used mostly single accommodation because the dormitory scene just doesn't suit me, though the common meals etc are wonderful. My guess is that if you are going at a busier time of year a phone and Miam Miam Dodo will be a good idea, since the French can often pop up in large groups on the GR at all sorts of times. If it's only for eight days, you could even book the whole walk in advance. (I remember booking three days in advance when I was at Miramont-Sensaq and had good phone reception: it made the next few days a bit easier, as it was getting into mid-Spring and demand for rooms was growing.)

But if you just walk and take pot-luck you'll still find shelter somewhere. The main thing is you're on the Chemin!

I miss it all so much I'm hoping to head back to Le Puy very soon to walk the Regordane Way.

Bon chemin a tous

Rob

 

[JimmyH]

@JimmyH get yourself a copy of Miam Miam Dodo (or download the App) for the Le Puy route and you will get a compkete list of all accommodation within 5km of the trail. You can select the type of accommodation and book ahead as far ahead as you like. Available here

Thanks for that … I presume it is ONLY in French? Merci!

 

[JimmyH]

Thanks for all the above replies … another slightly related query. Can I get away with NOT carrying a sleeping bag on the Le Puy route?
My preference is to stay in gives or chamber d'hotes that offer communal meals, but I don't want to carry a sleeping bag/heavy pack.
Thanks again, Jim in Sydney

 

[Kanga]

If you are staying in chambre d'hotes you do not need avsleeping bag; you do in most gites although many offer sheets and towels and blankets for a few euros.

Yes, Miam Miam s only in French, but it is very easy to understand - you may find this helpful

PS @JimmyH have a look at the Australian and New Zealand section of the forum for meetings of Pilgrims in Sydney - there is one next Saturday.

 

[JimmyH]

If you are staying in chambre d'hotes you do not need avsleeping bag; you do in most gites although many offer sheets and towels and blankets for a few euros.

Yes, Miam Miam s only in French, but it is very easy to understand - you may find this helpful

PS @JimmyH have a look at the Australian and New Zealand section of the forum for meetings of Pilgrims in Sydney - there is one next Saturday.

That sounds interesting … cheers

And one last question about Miam Miam … can it be downloaded onto a mobile so I don't have to carry it? Merci!

 

[Kanga]

Yes, there is an app for Miam Miam - although when I last looked in the Apple Store it seemed to have diappeared.

 

[Thornley]

That sounds interesting … cheers

And one last question about Miam Miam … can it be downloaded onto a mobile so I don't have to carry it? Merci!

When you arrive in Lyon spend a day and enjoy the best food in France.
Whilst there get a copy of MMDD and plan your days ahead like every other person on the GR
If you cannot understand the words under each home , hotel or gite and what they offer then Jim you are in big trouble for the next 800km.

 

[JimmyH]

When you arrive in Lyon spend a day and enjoy the best food in France.
Whilst there get a copy of MMDD and plan your days ahead like every other person on the GR
If you cannot understand the words under each home , hotel or gite and what they offer then Jim you are in big trouble for the next 800km.

Merci Monsieur Thornley … pas de problem, je parle un petit peu Francais, avec accent Australien!!

 

[Thornley]

Merci Monsieur Thornley … pas de problem, je parle un petit peu Francais, avec accent Australien!!

Jimmy , do as Kanga says , buy a copy of MMDD , it makes life easier.
I always get a few extra lessons , and i am pathetic in french , from a restaurant "Paris Go " which is 30 metres from our home just before i leave.......just a few words ......and normally i have forgot them by the time the plane lands.
MMDD shows who speaks english in each village in relation to accommodation.

"Bonne continuation et la sante' de vos promenades Jimmy H"

 

[BlackRocker57]

Hallo Jimmy, i concur with all of the above ... MMDD, particularly the mobile version, is an indispensible reference in more ways than one ... the app is a bit clunky however so be prepared to spend some time figuring out how to use it i walked the GR65/Via Podiensis/Le Puy route from Le Puy in 2014 [to Moissac] ... we stayed almost exclusively in private homes aka chambre d’hôtes ... often we were the only three guests [September] ... my recollection is that almost all of them had single rooms available ... the bed might be a double or a queen but still treated as a single room ... we in fact had a number of these as there were three of us ... shouldn’t be a problem. Worth booking in advance given the time of year ... in the Miam Miam you might also look out for CHs that have a pool ... great way to finish your long day of walking. I am walking for three weeks in May, from Moissac [le continuation] and 90 per cent of the accommodation places i am booking have a pool Happy to give you recommendations for places out of Le Puy depending on which places you decide to stop in. In the meantime, Jimmy, bon chemin et a bientôt!

 

[Thornley]

Hallo Jimmy, i concur with all of the above ... MMDD, particularly the mobile version, is an indispensible reference in more ways than one ... the app is a bit clunky however so be prepared to spend some time figuring out how to use it i walked the GR65/Via Podiensis/Le Puy route from Le Puy in 2014 [to Moissac] ... we stayed almost exclusively in private homes aka chambre d’hôtes ... often we were the only three guests [September] ... my recollection is that almost all of them had single rooms available ... the bed might be a double or a queen but still treated as a single room ... we in fact had a number of these as there were three of us ... shouldn’t be a problem. Worth booking in advance given the time of year ... in the Miam Miam you might also look out for CHs that have a pool ... great way to finish your long day of walking. I am walking for three weeks in May, from Moissac [le continuation] and 90 per cent of the accommodation places i am booking have a pool Happy to give you recommendations for places out of Le Puy depending on which places you decide to stop in. In the meantime, Jimmy, bon chemin et a bientôt!

That word PISCINE was the only word Bron we were interested in when booking ahead last june/july
35c min up to 40c , and normally high 20c by 10am.
So Jimmy H from Sydney put a few extra $$ away each week and stay in these places.
They are no more expensive than normal gites/chambres just sometimes in between the normal stop overs. They won't normally open until 2pm so enjoy the walk with a lunch in the village.

 

[BlackRocker57]

Hallo Jimmy, here is the list of recommended chambre d’hôtes [CH] out of Le Puy for approx. 10 days. I know you are only intending to walk for 8 but you might get further than i/we did.
Day 1: Le Chier = CH La Remise Marie-Christine et J-M Vigouroux<c.laremise@orange.fr> 06 60.38.25.34 et 04 71.57.29.37 ... first class, DP/demi-pension
<c.laremise@orange.fr>
<c.laremise@orange.fr> 06 60.38.25.34 et 04 71.57.29.37 ... first class
Day 2: stop Saugues if you can walk that far ... attractive market town with lots of facilities ... we stopped at Monistrol d’Allier but i could not recommend the CH options there = very ordinary
Day 3: La Clauze/Grézes = CH Au Repos d’Antan Sonia et Michel Vidal 06 66.47.67.18 et 04 71.77.66.56 ... convivial atmosphere, excellent food and quiet, relaxing location ... highly recommended, DP
Day 4: Les Faux = CH/GdeE l’Oustal de Parent Stéphanie et Philippe Parent <oustal-de-parent@wanadoo.fr> 06 75.71.82.64 et 04 66.31.50.09 ... another quiet location, relaxing courtyard garden to enjoy a beer [there is a bar], DP
Day 5: Aumont-Aubrac = CH Le 24 Francoise et Christian Mathieu <francoisechristianmathieu@gmail.com> 06 75.91.71.30 ... truly delightful people, lovely private rear garden with lounges/seating to relax in at the end of the day, have lived in Norway for a number of years and speak excellent English ... highly recommended, not DP but excellent meals available nearby
Day 6: Nasbinals = CH/GdeE Lô d’Ici <contact@lodici-aubrac.com> Mme. Laurence Ratèry-Rieutort 06 80.28.51.12 et 04 66.32.92.69 ... classy place with calm ambience, quiet location, nicely decorated rooms ... recommended, no DP
Day 7: Saint-Chély d’Aubrac = CH Le Lepadou-Bas <guybarbara@gmail.com> 06 48.15.66.91 et 05 65.44.74.39 ... 2+ km out of town but worth the effort for the tranquil setting and rustic buildings, wonderful cooking, Barbara is a New Zealander, very friendly and super-nice people, DP
Day 8: Saint-Côme d’Olt = we stayed at the couvent but one particular CH came highly recommended to us ... CH Les Jardins d’Eliane ... has pool and garden, maybe quieter than the convent, DP
Day 9: stay Estaing ... we stopped at Fonteilles 8.0km further on [CH de Fonteilles] but it was a long day with the toughest part at the end of the day ... try CH La Morelle OR CH Dijols Urbain in Estaing
Day 10: Sénergues = CH Domaine de Senos <info@gites-aveyron.com> OR <www.gites-aveyron.com> ... rural location, small village, outdoor eating area, fabulous view across the countryside from most rooms [ask for one with a view!], DP
Day 11: Conques = CH Au Castellou <lecastellou@orange.fr> Annie et Dom Legueux 06 09.92.82.48 et 05 65.78.27.09 ... worth walking to Conques just to stay here! wonderful, convivial location, quiet rooms, most with views; DP.

I have had recent contact with a number of our hosts above, very genuine and lovely people. Most of these you will have the opportunity to use your petit peu français, but also to communicate in English as needs be Good luck Jimmy ... i will be interested to know what you decide on. If you can manage it, try writing your reservation request in french ... your effort/s will be VERY much appreciated.

 

[Pville]

Hallo Jimmy, here is the list of recommended chambre d’hôtes [CH] out of Le Puy for approx. 10 days. ...

Merci beaucoup, @BlackRocker57 and @JimmyH This is most helpful.

I walked the CF last fall, and will be walking via Podiensis this Aug/Sept. The dorms scene is not my thing, so am seeking private accommodations. This was easy on the CF (mostly done via listings in the “Village to Village” ebook or through booking.com), but I’ve grown alarmed at the absence of published chambres d’hôte on the Le Puy. Evidently, there is minimal need or interest in private lodging on the LP. I’ve researched lodging on the LP route via Booking.com and Airbnb with mixed results - often the establishment is well off the trail.

If it’s helpful to others, you can also check the site pasted below. Be cautioned that many establishments do not provide cancellation policies as when reserved through booking.com. So any deposit or rate paid may be wholly forfeited.

Here’s the site to locate & book CHs directly:
https://www.chambres-hotes.fr

I could not find the MMDD app (I’m in the USA), but will now order the books.

If others know of other free resources for current lists of lodging on the LP, I’d love your assistance and insight.
Bon Chemin!

 

[Pville]

Update: the Day 1 lodging, CH La Remise has closed, per an announcement on their website.
http://la-remise.monsite-orange.fr

It’s possible it’s now being operated by new owners/hosts, but no mention of that on the website.

 

[BlackRocker57]

Merci beaucoup, @BlackRocker57 and @JimmyH This is most helpful.

I walked the CF last fall, and will be walking via Podiensis this Aug/Sept. The dorms scene is not my thing, so am seeking private accommodations. This was easy on the CF (mostly done via listings in the “Village to Village” ebook or through booking.com), but I’ve grown alarmed at the absence of published chambres d’hôte on the Le Puy. Evidently, there is minimal need or interest in private lodging on the LP. I’ve researched lodging on the LP route via Booking.com and Airbnb with mixed results - often the establishment is well off the trail.

If it’s helpful to others, you can also check the site pasted below. Be cautioned that many establishments do not provide cancellation policies as when reserved through booking.com. So any deposit or rate paid may be wholly forfeited.

Here’s the site to locate & book CHs directly:
https://www.chambres-hotes.fr

I could not find the MMDD app (I’m in the USA), but will now order the books.

If others know of other free resources for current lists of lodging on the LP, I’d love your assistance and insight.
Bon Chemin!

**
to the contrary imho, there are plenty of chambres d’hôtes on the Via Podiensis / Le Puy route [at least as many as gîte d’étapes] but you won’t find them on Booking.com or airbnb [majority of hosts in my experience are not supportive of those sites] ... here is the companion website to the MMD [Miam Miam Dodo] ... please note that not all available chambre d’hôtes are listed here as they pay for their listing ... you might find this helpful ... <http://www.chemindecompostelle.com/Selection/CartePuy01.html> ...

Majority of hosts prefer that you contact them directly by email [or by phone or text message if on the path] to secure your booking ... I do this by email in french ... but if you wish to reserve online you can certainly do so by putting in the name of the CH and searching for it on the <chambres-hôtes> website or booking.com. All that said, MMD [hard cooy guidebooks] or the companion website I have noted above is / are some of the best resources out there ...

A couple of others you might like to investigate : 1. Melinda Lusmore’s excellent e-guidebooks which you can find here : <https://ilovewalkinginfrance.com/> ... they are updated every year and give a comprehensive listing of available accommodation incl. the CHs or bed-and-breakfast places. 2. the Lightfoot Guide to the Via Podiensis by Angelynn Meyer

 

[Pville]

Thanks so much! I was beginning to get quite worried about availability of more private accommodations. I accidentally came upon “ilovewalking” but found the guides a bit pricey. I’ll take another look.

When I walked the CF, I generally booked the night before using an email template in Spanish. On several occasions, my host was able to phone ahead for me.

I’m feeling much more confident now about availability. Thanks again for the help, and reassurance.

 

[Vivienne]

Help....
Does anyone know the email address for a private gite in Saint-Antoine-de-pont-d'Arratz, it is called Gite d'etape prive-chambre d'hotes L'Oustal.
I have been trying to USE THE ADDRESS IN Miam Miam of loustal.dupont@orange.fr (and another spelling DuPont as dupond which is on the Compostelle website but both are being returned undelivered.

The family is Dupont.

 

[Pville]

I found this email on the Internet: loustal.dupond@orange.fr
I’ve done a quick look online and last reviews of this place are 2016. Perhaps they’re no longer operating.
Good luck.

 

[Vivienne]

Nope as per my message both emails do not work, I was hoping someone else may have solved the problem already

 

[Vivienne]

I found this email on the Internet: loustal.dupond@orange.fr
I’ve done a quick look online and last reviews of this place are 2016. Perhaps they’re no longer operating.
Good luck.

Nope as per my message both emails do not work, I was hoping someone else may have solved the problem already

It was operating last year as a friend of mine stayed there

 

[BlackRocker57]

how ’bout sending them a text message [or email] via the mobile number listed ...
+33 6.42.10.46.23

I had trouble making contact with a place last year, sent a text message with the same info and ... voilà I had a reply very quickly ... worth a try

OR send an email to John Scott at <jonandpearl@hotmail.co.uk> who have a B&B in the village and ask them ... I see it is no longer listed in the MMD ... but I twould be very surprised if it has closed altogether ... maybe a change of owndership ...

 

[Vivienne]

how ’bout sending them a text message [or email] via the mobile number listed ...
+33 6.42.10.46.23

I had trouble making contact with a place last year, sent a text message with the same info and ... voilà I had a reply very quickly ... worth a try

OR send an email to John Scott at <jonandpearl@hotmail.co.uk> who have a B&B in the village and ask them ... I see it is no longer listed in the MMD ... but I twould be very surprised if it has closed altogether ... maybe a change of owndership ...

Thanks, I had thought it was a landline, yes I shall try a text message. I have the latest MMD and it is listed.

 

[Vivienne]

Thanks, I had thought it was a landline, yes I shall try a text message. I have the latest MMD and it is listed.

Where has that number come from, it is a completely different one in the MMD?

 

[BlackRocker57]

Thanks, I had thought it was a landline, yes I shall try a text message. I have the latest MMD and it is listed.

all numbers starting with 06 or 07 in France [occasionally 09] indicate a mobile service ... I have the 2018 MMD and l’Oustal is definitely not listed : just CH «Mais on du Bois», CH/GdE «La Ferme de Villeneuve» and the restaurant / bar «La Coquille»

 

[BlackRocker57]

Where has that number come from, it is a completely different one in the MMD?

it is from the website «Gites and Refuges in France» ... but I have found it elsewhere too

 

[Vivienne]

Where has that number come from, it is a completely different one in the MMD?

Thanks, I had thought it was a landline, yes I shall try a text message. I have the latest MMD and it is listed.

Found your number in the MMD thanks

 

[Vivienne]

all numbers starting with 06 or 07 in France [occasionally 09] indicate a mobile service ... I have the 2018 MMD and l’Oustal is definitely not listed : just CH «Mais on du Bois», CH/GdE «La Ferme de Villeneuve» and the restaurant / bar «La Coquille»

Thank you, I think I will give up on them. I did already try to book L'Oustal but it is already full.

 

[BlackRocker57]

Thank you, I think I will give up on them. I did already try to book L'Oustal but it is already full.

Best to give up on them for now ... I sent a message to the Saint-Antoine FB page and just received a reply to say that they have closed and the gite is up for sale «a vendre» ... the community are hopeful that a buyer will turn up ... my recommendation at Saint-Antoine is «La Ferme de Villeneuve» ...

 

[Vivienne]

Best to give up on them for now ... I sent a message to the Saint-Antoine FB page and just received a reply to say that they have closed and the gite is up for sale «a vendre» ... the community are hopeful that a buyer will turn up ... my recommendation at Saint-Antoine is «La Ferme de Villeneuve» ...

Thank you, Yes I have given up and already emailed Ferme-de Villeneuve, fingers crossed