Early January (8th 2019) are auberges open?

[futurefjp]

Hi,

Feel another few weeks coming on
... Intend flying to Lyon on the 7th. Depending on the weather forecast for the Aubrac in January ... But I wish to return to go all the way ... Not just as far as Cahors(2013).

Will there be any other pilgrims and will I struggle to find accommodation?

If it's impossible in the Aubrac in January then somewhere from Madrid maybe?

Not absolutely decided yet!

 

[Kitsambler]

Depending on the weather forecast for the Aubrac in January ... But I wish to return to go all the way ... Not just as far as Cahors(2013).

In most years, the Aubrac has snow deep enough to obscure both the footpath and the route markings. However, after the unseasonable heat wave of summer 2018 and the record snowstorm in the eastern US November 2018, all bets are off. You might luck out with dry ground. Or be buried in a snowdrift. It's a dice-roll, so keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is vital. But that's the Aubrac. Proceeding from Cahors, with its lower elevation, seems like a much more likely place to find better weather.

Will there be any other pilgrims and will I struggle to find accommodation?

Do not expect other pilgrims. You will struggle to find accommodation, and local Tourist Offices may be seasonal as well. Miam Miam Dodo lists lodgings with open seasons, and their contact information. Recommend you get busy with reservation emails to see what's available.

If it's impossible in the Aubrac in January then somewhere from Madrid maybe?

Spain might indeed be a better plan, in January.

 

[gittiharre]

Madrid to the North is fiercely cold in the winter.
I would consider Porto Santiago Finesterre or perhaps the Norte, as they have maritime climates...

 

[futurefjp]

In most years, the Aubrac has snow deep enough to obscure both the footpath and the route markings. However, after the unseasonable heat wave of summer 2018 and the record snowstorm in the eastern US November 2018, all bets are off. You might luck out with dry ground. Or be buried in a snowdrift. It's a dice-roll, so keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is vital. But that's the Aubrac. Proceeding from Cahors, with its lower elevation, seems like a much more likely place to find better weather.

Do not expect other pilgrims. You will struggle to find accommodation, and local Tourist Offices may be seasonal as well. Miam Miam Dodo lists lodgings with open seasons, and their contact information. Recommend you get busy with reservation emails to see what's available.

Spain might indeed be a better plan, in January.

Sounds excellent

 

[futurefjp]

In most years, the Aubrac has snow deep enough to obscure both the footpath and the route markings. However, after the unseasonable heat wave of summer 2018 and the record snowstorm in the eastern US November 2018, all bets are off. You might luck out with dry ground. Or be buried in a snowdrift. It's a dice-roll, so keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is vital. But that's the Aubrac. Proceeding from Cahors, with its lower elevation, seems like a much more likely place to find better weather.

Do not expect other pilgrims. You will struggle to find accommodation, and local Tourist Offices may be seasonal as well. Miam Miam Dodo lists lodgings with open seasons, and their contact information. Recommend you get busy with reservation emails to see what's available.

Spain might indeed be a better plan, in January.

It makes me feel daring or stupid. I probably should invest in a four season boot?

 

[Deleted member 73526]

I probably should invest in a four season boot?

Yes. Perhaps even two.

 

[Kitsambler]

I probably should invest in a four season boot?

And investigate a pair of micro-spikes (not sure what they're called in the UK - essentially a less-aggressive crampon designed for trail use) https://www.rei.com/product/890608/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system

 

[futurefjp]

Maybe Portugal or Arles???

 

[futurefjp]

I've decided on February - Le Puy en Velay!

 

[Kitsambler]

I've decided on February - Le Puy en Velay!

Brave soul! Please send us reports on your weather experiences - we get these off-season requests more often these days.

 

[Kitsambler]

Aubrac in winter