Advice for a 'mature' pilgrim re the Vezelay route

[mgnswaus]

After a few thousand kilometres spent on various Caminos since 2012, I'd like to tackle this route as far as SJPdP. However, I no longer feel the need to be challenged by the very steep and tricky ups and downs such as the descent from Rochegude, the climb out of Cahors, the slippery scramble into Conques, the slate slide from the Iron Cross down to Molinaseca, etc. Been there and done that several times.
I love the energy of these pathways, but sadly my flexibility has deteriorated and I can physically no longer tackle such slopes. They are simply too dangerous for me. Is there anyone familiar with this route who could provide me with a list of sections to avoid on this basis, please? And, perhaps, the don't miss sections that they found most inspiring....
Thank you

 

[lovingkindness]

Hello @mgnswaus
Here's a picture of profils for le Voie de Vézelay. I found this trail to be moderate to easy most of the way. I walked via Bourge (flatter route) in 2010-2011. I recall only one place where I had to scramble (I think it was near Bazas) but it is possible that I was off trail.

La voie de Vézelay | Agence française des chemins de Compostelle

www.chemins-compostelle.com

 

[lovingkindness]

…. And, perhaps, the don't miss sections that they found most inspiring....
Thank you

...There were many lovely moments along le Voie de Vézelay. I took many photos and wrote occassionally about it here:

(Voie de Vézelay: scroll down to Days 225 - 290, Sorry -all the labels have vanished)

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/trondheim-nidaros-to-santiago-de-compostela.9259/page-4

Cheers
Lovingkindness

 

[jdpiguet]

Hello @mgnswaus ,

There is now a web site which covers the full Voie de Vézelay: https://www.voiedevezelay.eu

I have walked both North and South ways. I remember a few places quite steep.
On the North way:

Arrival in Gargilesse, along the river dam, up​

On the South way:

Arrival in Gargilesse, down into the village​

Common way:

The downhill after Cuzion, to the river​

The uphill to Eguzon, from the river​

The arrival in Crozant, up​

The way over St-Goussaud, up and down​

Just outside St-Léonard-de-Noblat, up​

From Périgueux to St-Astier, a lot of up and down​

The arrival in Port-Ste-Foy, down​

The last hundred meters into St-Sever, up​

From St-Sever to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, it starts to be hilly...​

If you download the KML file from the site I mentionned above and open it in Google Earth, you can right click on a track segment to see the elevation profile.

Buen Camino, Jacques-D.

 

[mgnswaus]

Thank you so much, Lovingkindness and jdpiguet. You advice is very much appreciated. Merle

 

[Harington]

After a few thousand kilometres spent on various Caminos since 2012, I'd like to tackle this route as far as SJPdP. However, I no longer feel the need to be challenged by the very steep and tricky ups and downs such as the descent from Rochegude, the climb out of Cahors, the slippery scramble into Conques, the slate slide from the Iron Cross down to Molinaseca, etc. Been there and done that several times.
I love the energy of these pathways, but sadly my flexibility has deteriorated and I can physically no longer tackle such slopes. They are simply too dangerous for me. Is there anyone familiar with this route who could provide me with a list of sections to avoid on this basis, please? And, perhaps, the don't miss sections that they found most inspiring....
Thank you

It's really very gentle. I was pretty "mature" when I walked it - no difficulties.

 

[Bend]

After a few thousand kilometres spent on various Caminos since 2012, I'd like to tackle this route as far as SJPdP. However, I no longer feel the need to be challenged by the very steep and tricky ups and downs such as the descent from Rochegude, the climb out of Cahors, the slippery scramble into Conques, the slate slide from the Iron Cross down to Molinaseca, etc. Been there and done that several times.
I love the energy of these pathways, but sadly my flexibility has deteriorated and I can physically no longer tackle such slopes. They are simply too dangerous for me. Is there anyone familiar with this route who could provide me with a list of sections to avoid on this basis, please? And, perhaps, the don't miss sections that they found most inspiring....
Thank you

This is a route I’m also interested in walking, and I’m not as young as I was! So far I’ve heard that a fair proportion is (or was) on the road (is this right?), and it’s quite isolated. I will check the links on this post and keep watching others’ views. For example, are there many regular albergues? Thank you!

 

[Pscarmen]

This is a route I’m also interested in walking, and I’m not as young as I was! So far I’ve heard that a fair proportion is (or was) on the road (is this right?), and it’s quite isolated. I will check the links on this post and keep watching others’ views. For example, are there many regular albergues? Thank you!

Right there with you. I leave in 26 days & am interested in parts of this route though my main goal is to do the Frances.