• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Advanced search…

Search results for query: *

  1. Kitsambler

    GR 65 route/trail changes in direction?

    My remarks are based on personal observations from the 2010-2011 period, which is when I walked the Le Puy. At that time, the re-routing phenomenon was a topic of considerable discussion among fellow (French) walkers, and I distinctly recall two specific sections where this occurred: coming out...
  2. Kitsambler

    GR 65 route/trail changes in direction?

    Yes, sections do get rerouted from year to year. Sometimes, the on-the-ground signage doesn't quite catch up (or the old ones dont disappear when the new ones get posted). Usually this reroute is because of some new gite that's just opened up, and has lobbied to have the pilgrims brought to...
  3. Kitsambler

    One week and I start in Le Puy en Valey

    You will be arriving Lyon on Tuesday May 7. May 8 is a national holiday in France (V-E Day). Try to book a room -- any room -- in Le Puy for 7th or 8th. If you can't, stay over in Lyon (a wonderful place with lots of accommodations, great food, and things to see), which will help your jet lag...
  4. Kitsambler

    How-to guide to the Le Puy route

    This is because gravity is non-linear: it will reach around corners and over edges, grab you by the ankles, and haul you down. I'm convinced, and have the scars to prove it.
  5. Kitsambler

    Weather on Via Podiensis Sep-Oct

    September will be pleasantly warm and mostly dry -- cooling off and showers more frequent as the month progresses. October cooler still, rain more frequent, as the month progresses. But things have been quite variable lately, so it pays to have a European weather app on your phone (if not already).
  6. Kitsambler

    Reserve early to avoid disappointment!

    To summarize: > Reasons for booking months in advance: 1. French walkers tend to travel in groups and can fill up lodgings 2. You speak little or no French and prefer to stay in places that speak English (MMD indicates) 3. You prefer a smaller or single room > Reasons for booking 1-2 days in...
  7. Kitsambler

    Deciding among a few Caminos

    Spain is not France. https://kitsambler.wordpress.com/2023/01/07/le-puy-route-is-not-camino-frances/
  8. Kitsambler

    Advice on walking Le Puy to Cahors in April

    The main reason for reserving at least a day in advance is so Madame has a headcount when buying groceries for dinner. Because the communal meal in the gite is very often one's only choice for dinner. What's not to like about French cooking? The gite rooms usually only sleep 2-6, not the dozens...
  9. Kitsambler

    Accommodation on Le Puy route

    If you have only tried communication by email, you could try WhatsApp. And if you have only written in English, you might try writing in French. (Google Translate, if necessary, using very short, simple sentences.)
  10. Kitsambler

    Timing a Le Puy GR65 Trek

    Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
  11. Kitsambler

    Too soon to second Camino?

    Sounds like the Le Puy route is calling you. It will be an entirely different experience from walking the CF. Go, let it do its work on you. And then next year you can walk the section from Geneva.
  12. Kitsambler

    Historical monthly weather on Chemin Le Puy

    Your best bet might be to leave Le Puy 15-16 May and make sure you have all lodging booked for at least several days past Conques (ie, first two weeks).
  13. Kitsambler

    Historical monthly weather on Chemin Le Puy

    There are some calendar landmarks that will help you avoid the "crowds"* on the Le Puy. First, most gites will not open until Easter, which is a moveable feast falling on 31 March in 2024. Some will be open earlier, particularly for Holy Week (the week before Easter). Consult your guidebook for...
  14. Kitsambler

    Breakfast Timing

    My experience from several years ago was that 7:30 was the norm; occasionally 7:00 might be available on special request (when you make the reservation). Of course, you're free to depart earlier if you like, but it would be without breakfast. The coffee is the crux of the matter, as the bread...
  15. Kitsambler

    Timing a Le Puy GR65 Trek

    More info on the many difference between CF and Le Puy: https://kitsambler.wordpress.com/2023/01/07/le-puy-route-is-not-camino-frances/ If you truly want to miss the crowds, either start mid-week after Easter (get past Cahors before 1 May), or else mid-week after Whitsuntide.
  16. Kitsambler

    Rest Days on the Podiensis

    The thing about taking a 'rest day' on the Podiensis is that you won't be resting much; you'll still be on your feet walking around, just without your pack. I've enjoyed extra time in Conques, Cahors, and Moissac.
  17. Kitsambler

    Accommodation on Le Puy route (September/October)

    You're fairly safe for the first ~3 weeks (as far as Cahors). After that, be aware of the French autumn school holiday, which occurs in mid-October but with specific dates varying by district. Many gites will nominally close on All Saints (1 Nov), but if there are no reservations, they may close...
  18. Kitsambler

    Camping along Le Puy en Velay October/ November?

    On the Le Puy, many gites start closing down mid-Oct for the school holiday, dates of which vary with locality. The vast majority will close for the season on All Saints, 1 Nov. A good guide such as Miam Miam Dodo will give dates and contact info. If it's cold and rainy all day, you'll want to...
  19. Kitsambler

    Looking for advice about Camino Le Puy

    September is a very busy month on the Le Puy, especially the first week. Try to start mid-week if you can, to miss the weekend surge. Lodgings will start to close for the season in mid-October, and most will close 1 Nov (but not all). About 85% of the walkers are French; everyone else will speak...
  20. Kitsambler

    Accommodation Terminology. Does Gite = Albergue?

    That would be ideal. There is a huge crush in early May, with the long weekends over the May 1 and May 8 holidays. Whitsuntide is also a holiday, and falls on May 19 in 2024.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Latest posts

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top