5-6 days in July, where to go?

[Tiran]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning my first camino right now, and unfortunately it is a short one of 5-6 walking days, and in the middle of July. I know, not the best time, but it is what I've got. I would love to do a really long one in the future.

But I still haven't decided on where to go, so I need a little advice and ideas from all of you!

Some thoughts about what I want with my trip:
1. Since it will be in the middle of July, I want to walk a part where I wont melt away in the sun.
2. I DON'T want to walk Camino Francés, because it seems too touristic (can you say that? English is not my native language...) and crowded. I want to be able to walk alone and reflect, but also have the possibility of company and interesting meetings during the way.
3. I want to experience beautiful scenery, and hopefully also have those genuine meetings with people living in the villages that I pass.

Maybe this is too much to ask, but one can always wish!

I have thought about 3 caminos so far, that I'm interested in:
1. Via de la Plata/ Camino Sanabres, from Xunqueira de Ambia, through Orense, to Santiago.
2. Via Podiensis/The Puy Route. Don't know which part?
3. The Arles Route. Don't know which part there either?

So, since this is the La Puy forum, do you think this Camino will suit me?
I'm a little bit worried that this one is too crowded, I've read that it might be. How crowded is it compared to Camino Francés? Will it be very hard to find accommodation? I don't want to have to think too much about that, it would ruin the spontaneity that I wish to have, I think.
I also wonder which part of the camino that you recommend for me (Also bare in mind that I will be walking in the middle of July)?

Of course, if you can compare these three routes that I'm thinking of, and recommend me one over the other, this is very welcome! Or if you have thoughts about another camino to take, that would suit me better?

Hope you can help me, all you experienced out there!

All the best!
Maria

 

[Kitsambler]

I have thought about 3 caminos so far, that I'm interested in: ...
2. Via Podiensis/The Puy Route. Don't know which part?
...
So, since this is the La Puy forum, do you think this Camino will suit me?
I'm a little bit worried that this one is too crowded, I've read that it might be. How crowded is it compared to Camino Francés? Will it be very hard to find accommodation? I don't want to have to think too much about that, it would ruin the spontaneity that I wish to have, I think.
I also wonder which part of the camino that you recommend for me (Also bare in mind that I will be walking in the middle of July)?

If you are looking for a 5-6 day stage, then Le Puy - Aumont-Aubrac would work; there are train connections at both. Also you might consider Konstanz to Einsiedeln in Switzerland.

The Le Puy route is usually much less crowded than the CF in Spain. Accordingly, there is less accommodation available. In France, 85% of the walkers are French, and the standard French practice is to call ahead 1-2 days for lodging reservation. You are free to not do this of course, recognizing that it may impact whether you have a place to sleep.

 

[Tiran]

Hello Kitsambler!

Sorry I have been a little quiet in the discussion, but I have had a lot on my mind lately, a lot of planning, writing and organizing. But now everything is set! I will actually not walk any of the three routes I first mentioned. I was really into Le Puy, but I was in the end a little put off by the risk of it being to crowded in the middle of July. Instead, I will walk the last part of Via Gebennensis in France, from Clonas-sur-Varèze TO Le-Puy-en-Velay. I got this suggestion from a woman on another forum, and fell for the idea. So now I'm just looking forward to leaving!

But thank you for your help and ideas!

All the best!
Maria

 

[zammy]

Not so many people walk this parts and you might find yourself alone on the trail. The Podensis and the Frances trails are unique because of their "social life.