Alternative route par Rocamadour (GR6/GR64/GR652)

[sillydoll]

There is a new book out on the alternative routes in France - with the alternative path on the Le Puy route via Rocamadour (GR6/GR64/GR652)

The route of Rocamadour, which stretches nearly 300km, crossing the plateau of le Causse de Gramat and le Haut-Quercy et l'Agenais. Far from being a "shortcut" to the pilgrimage of yesteryear, this path was a planned pilgrimage to the famous shrine of Rocamadour. The visit to the relics of Amadour and the Black Madonna has built its reputation over the centuries, encouraging economic development and urban population of the city. This reputation was elevated to a "greatest Marian pilgrimage in the West" (J. Rocacher).
This route, marked and maintained, consists of paths GR6, GR64, GR652. The variant is ideal for walking the route from Le Puy enabling you to soak in the quiet of this unique natural heritage (the Causses).

http://www.salviac-tourisme.com/chemin-st-jacques.html

and

http://www.chemins-compostelle.com/Agen ... uchet.html

 

[elzi]

I would highly recommend Rocamadour.
I haven't walked that way, I hasten to add, but I have visited it and it was quite spectacular!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Miam Miam Dodo for the alternative route:

http://www.chemindecompostelle.com/vari ... madour.pdf

 

[BobM]

There is another alternative route from Figeac to Cahors that has been recommended to me:

Some walkers turn off the recognised route at Cajarc, and walk along the Lot river to Cahors, and visit St Cirq along the way.The river valley is beautiful, and St Cirq worth a visit.

This variation is covered in the MMD guide on plans Cele 1 - 7. It is about 10km longer than the standard route. The MMD turn off to this route is at Bedeur, not Cajarc, but there are presumably local variants of this route.

Has anyone tried this variation?

Bob M

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Bob,
Susan and Sandra walked the Le Puy route back in 2007. I am sorry I can't remember their username on here... I know they walked the Cele variation, but Sandra suggested to me that it was very beautiful but not easy to walk in wet conditions. As it had been very wet for me, I decided it was best not to try it when I came to the turn-off. St Cirq is apparently stunningly beautiful.
Rocamadour is a much harder steeper alternative and I decided it was probably too strenuous/ isolated for me at the time, but who knows, I might return one drier day and walk the Cele variation.
Margaret

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Bob,
Susan and Sandra walked the Le Puy route back in 2007. I am sorry I can't remember their username on here...

Ahhhhh remembered....elzi who has a post in this thread was the daughter so maybe you could PM her. And windeatt was the username of her mother.
Margaret

 

[BobM]

Ahhhhh remembered....elzi who has a post in this thread was the daughter so maybe you could PM her. And windeatt was the username of her mother.
Margaret

Thx, Margaret. Elzi gave me some very good information. You have to plan food ahead on the Cele variation, as shops may not be conveniently located. Also, mobile reception can be poor, if you want to book accomodation ahead. The scenery sounds wonderful, and it is less crowded thsn the standard route, so I will probably give it a go

Regards

Bob M

 

[Retouralasource]

Hello pelgrims,

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in the close neighberhood of the alternative GR 652 we can recommand you a brand new campingplace and B&B "Retour à la Source" (back to the source) http://www.retouralasource.org in Marminiac, 3 km form Cazals.

We offer pelgrims a special discount and we can pick you up in Cazals.

Hope to see you soon!

Kitty and John :lol:
http://www.retouralasource.org
tel: +33565307242