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Thank you all for your input! It seems clear that most people found a longer time helpful and both the Frances and the Portugues (as well as its variants!) sound like beautiful options. I'll look into Lisbon some more and I feel reassured that there are many ways to do the Frances as well :)
Such a good point! And your description of the Frances sounds truly wonderful :) Thank you for the tips on ways to break away from crowds if desired - I like the idea of being flexible and having some days with companions and some time for solitude.
Very interesting re: French in Portugal! I had no idea it was taught in schools at one point. Portugal does sound lovely as well. I'm hopeful that having knowledge of French will make it a bit easier to learn a bit of Portuguese and/or Spanish prior to going as well.
Thank you for mentioning this - I think I've been mentally thinking of the Frances as one of the routes appropriate for beginners while the Lisbon to Porto segment is perhaps more "advanced"... but your reference to your first Camino on the Frances before the "modern Camino" is a good reminder...
Thank you - I will reflect on the "why walk to Santiago" question!
Re: why not start in Lisbon - I'm a bit apprehensive about starting from Lisbon because my understanding is it's a bit more challenging for a first camino as there's less infrastructure and although I would prefer a path that's...
Hello!
I am planning a first-time Camino starting in mid-September 2023 and wondering from those who have done the Portugues from Porto vs the Frances from SJPDP if you felt there was a significant difference in the experience in terms of time for self-reflection, spirituality and growth...
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