Camping, or not, on Le Puy?

[Penbaysail]

I am currently in northeast France backpacking with a solo tent & camping mat. Afterwards, my plan is to head to the LePuy route for several days of hiking prior to embarking on the CF route from SJPP to SDC.

My intention was to jettison the tent and sleeping mat for the CF portion, but I was wondering whether to keep the tent or mail it ahead for the LePuy section as well?

The plus side of keeping the tent is the flexibility of using a campground or gite lawn if all the gite beds are full in any particular town.

The disadvantage is that the tent and sleeping mat add about 2.7 kg to my pack weight, and I would REALLY like to bring my pack weight down.

I have a French SIM card and phone number, so calling ahead to gites for reservations is feasible.

Thanks for any advice or direction.

 

[HilaryF]

I saw quite a few people camping when I did the Le Puy route last year. They were just in fields or forests along the way mostly, I am not sure if they asked permission, but some places are quite isolated. If you are planning to stay in a gite, it is best to book ahead rather than just rock up or you may find there is nothing to eat when you get there. They like to know in advance if you will be eating so they can get in enough food. I came across several people who had not realised this and had some hungry days, particularly on Sunday, when pretty much everything can be closed in the smaller towns. French cooking is to die for, however and it is well worth eating at the gites!
Enjoy the Le Puy route, it is absolutely beautiful. Hope this is helpful.

 

[mspath]

Penbaysail,

Here in France there is a often a Chain of Local ( donativo )
Hospitality offered for passing pilgrims. See more in French here. Those who offer such hospitality do so for the pleasure of meeting/greeting pilgrims as well as helping them find their way.

For example my husband and I live in a small Champagne village, facing the Marne river.
We have a b & b but also provide simple family hosting for passing pilgrims. My first pilgrim shell hangs at our door marking the path. You would be most welcome to tent here if you come this way!

Check to see if such a Chain of Local Hospitality/ l'Accueil pèlerins à domicile exists where you might wish to travel in France.

Happy planning and Bon chemin!

 

[Penbaysail]

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't known about the association for pèlerins before, and I will look through that website as my French improves with practice.