Figeac to Moissac June

[Graeme]

Hi all,

I am leaving from Figeac, June 11 this year/2014. Any advice, tips appreciated. Specifically, I wanted to know if it will be necessary to book ahead for pilgrim accommodation or as a non French speaker can I rely on assistance from the Tourist Office in Figeac and or other centres. Also, how do I arrange to have a bag transported to Moissac.
Advice mush appreciated
wandering Oz

 

[Kanga]

It is usual to book a night or two ahead on this route, especially during weekends as many French people walk short sections. Our hosts were always happy to make the call for is.
Get a copy Miam Miam Dodo for all accommodation options within 5 km of the path. It also has up to date information on taxis and baggage transport companies; it's in French but very easy to understand. It can be purchased via the web
http://www.levieuxcrayon.com/MMDDGR65/MMDDGR65.html
The local tourist office will help but only in their local area (about a 20 km radius) and we found cheaper options usually filled up early. So better to use Miam Miam and book ahead.

A wonderful beautiful walk. We did both options - via the limestone plateaux and also the Cele Valley.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Le transport des bagages
Le chemin la fleur aux dents, les mains dans les poches, le dos léger, les pieds alertes, représente pour vous une manière facile et idyllique de pérégriner vers Compostelle. Le transport des bagages n'est pas traditionnel dans la marche vers Compostelle, mais il s'avère être une solution utile à certaines personnes dont la capacité physique est réduite. Toutefois, en optant pour cette solution d'assistance, il convient d'utiliser des structures d'hébergement autres que les gîtes spécifiques pour pèlerins. En effet, ceux qui ont marché et porté leur sac toute la journée souhaiteraient que les places dans les gîtes ne soient pas occupées par des personnes ayant choisi le portage. Il s'agit d'une question de bon sens et de respect qui permet d'éviter des conflits dont chacun se passerait sur les chemins.

En France :

LA MALLE POSTALE (transport de bagages et de personnes + transfert de véhicule du Puy-en-Velay à Conques, possibilité jusqu'à Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port).
Emmanuel OLLIER - rue du 11 novembre - 43370 CUSSAC SUR LOIRE
mail : contact@lamallepostale.com .
http://www.lamallepostale.com

PATY SERVICES (portage de bagages et de personnes + rapatriement de véhicule au point d'arrivée) :
Du Puy à Figeac : Mme Deschamps au 04 71 57 59 32 ou 06 18 63 62 52 - contact@paty43.com
PATY SERVICES - Le Bourg - 43510 SAINT-JEAN-LACHALM http://www.paty43.com


FACTAGE E2R (portage de bagages et de personnes) :
Du Puy à Figeac : M. Chabalier au 04 71 06 17 26 - factage@free.fr
http://factage.free.fr

ALLO ! TAXI'CAB : permet le transport des bagages entre Montpellier et Lunas
(Montpellier, Montarnaud, La Boissière, Aniane, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Montpeyroux, Arboras, Saint-Saturnin de Lucian, Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière, Lodève, Lunas) :
06 09 38 78 78
yvan@allotaxicab.com
http://www.allotaxicab.com

QUERCYTOUR (transport de personnes) : en taxi. Jusqu'à 6 passagers, pour rapatriement, récuperer sa voiture, saut d'étape... Du et vers le Lot (retour sur Moissac, Conques, Espalion, Le puy, Aubrac, Nasbinals, etc). tarifs préférentiels pour les pèlerins.
Renseignements : M. Guillotte au 06 83 10 21 36
http://quercytour.jimdo.com

 

[scruffy1]

Figeac is nice, Moissac is amazing; the in between bits are nothing to write home about. Take the Cele Valley variant route and try to work in a visit to Rocamadour, easy day trip by train from Figeac -cliff-side village, Black Madonna, ancient buildings a definite must see. The train times are available at all the albergues and the tourist info in time-something like 0730 going 1330 return but don't build on my memory-these times are close but only approximate. You can walk the 60 km and join the Cele Valley route from the north-east but will add several days to your itinerary whereas from Figeac its a small detour through paradise.. Details to be found as mentioned above in Miam Miam.

 

[mspath]

Rocamadour has both geographic and spiritual importance. As Scruffy mentioned it is an amazing site. Pilgrims may shelter at
" la maison « Lou Cantou », tenue par les Sœurs de Notre-Dame du Calvaire est un Accueil spirituel est dédié aux pèlerins.

14 places (8 chambres individuelles, un dortoir) et une cuisine.

Ouvert toute l’année.

Renseignements et réservation :
Sœur Marie-Renée
Adresse: Lou Cantou - Rue de la Mercerie - 46500 Rocamadour
Tél: 05 65 33 73 69 ou 06 72 46 47 53
Email: cantou.46@free.fr"

 

[scruffy1]

Lovely welcoming nuns there, didn't stay but we had a lovely chat in Frenglish.

 

[Graeme]

It is usual to book a night or two ahead on this route, especially during weekends as many French people walk short sections. Our hosts were always happy to make the call for is.
Get a copy Miam Miam Dodo for all accommodation options within 5 km of the path. It also has up to date information on taxis and baggage transport companies; it's in French but very easy to understand. It can be purchased via the web
http://www.levieuxcrayon.com/MMDDGR65/MMDDGR65.html
The local tourist office will help but only in their local area (about a 20 km radius) and we found cheaper options usually filled up early. So better to use Miam Miam and book ahead.

A wonderful beautiful walk. We did both options - via the limestone plateaux and also the Cele Valley.

Thank you Kanga. Very helpful. I will follow up the book.
regards

 

[Graeme]

Le transport des bagages
Le chemin la fleur aux dents, les mains dans les poches, le dos léger, les pieds alertes, représente pour vous une manière facile et idyllique de pérégriner vers Compostelle. Le transport des bagages n'est pas traditionnel dans la marche vers Compostelle, mais il s'avère être une solution utile à certaines personnes dont la capacité physique est réduite. Toutefois, en optant pour cette solution d'assistance, il convient d'utiliser des structures d'hébergement autres que les gîtes spécifiques pour pèlerins. En effet, ceux qui ont marché et porté leur sac toute la journée souhaiteraient que les places dans les gîtes ne soient pas occupées par des personnes ayant choisi le portage. Il s'agit d'une question de bon sens et de respect qui permet d'éviter des conflits dont chacun se passerait sur les chemins.

En France :

LA MALLE POSTALE (transport de bagages et de personnes + transfert de véhicule du Puy-en-Velay à Conques, possibilité jusqu'à Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port).
Emmanuel OLLIER - rue du 11 novembre - 43370 CUSSAC SUR LOIRE
mail : contact@lamallepostale.com .
http://www.lamallepostale.com

PATY SERVICES (portage de bagages et de personnes + rapatriement de véhicule au point d'arrivée) :
Du Puy à Figeac : Mme Deschamps au 04 71 57 59 32 ou 06 18 63 62 52 - contact@paty43.com
PATY SERVICES - Le Bourg - 43510 SAINT-JEAN-LACHALM http://www.paty43.com

FACTAGE E2R (portage de bagages et de personnes) :
Du Puy à Figeac : M. Chabalier au 04 71 06 17 26 - factage@free.fr
http://factage.free.fr

ALLO ! TAXI'CAB : permet le transport des bagages entre Montpellier et Lunas
(Montpellier, Montarnaud, La Boissière, Aniane, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Saint-Jean-de-Fos, Montpeyroux, Arboras, Saint-Saturnin de Lucian, Saint-Jean-de-la-Blaquière, Lodève, Lunas) :
06 09 38 78 78
yvan@allotaxicab.com
http://www.allotaxicab.com

QUERCYTOUR (transport de personnes) : en taxi. Jusqu'à 6 passagers, pour rapatriement, récuperer sa voiture, saut d'étape... Du et vers le Lot (retour sur Moissac, Conques, Espalion, Le puy, Aubrac, Nasbinals, etc). tarifs préférentiels pour les pèlerins.
Renseignements : M. Guillotte au 06 83 10 21 36
http://quercytour.jimdo.com

Merci Falcon269. I appreciated your advice
regards
Wandering Oz

 

[Graeme]

Figeac is nice, Moissac is amazing; the in between bits are nothing to write home about. Take the Cele Valley variant route and try to work in a visit to Rocamadour, easy day trip by train from Figeac -cliff-side village, Black Madonna, ancient buildings a definite must see. The train times are available at all the albergues and the tourist info in time-something like 0730 going 1330 return but don't build on my memory-these times are close but only approximate. You can walk the 60 km and join the Cele Valley route from the north-east but will add several days to your itinerary whereas from Figeac its a small detour through paradise.. Details to be found as mentioned above in Miam Miam.

Thanks mate. I will definitely take the time to visit Rocamadour
cheers

 

[Graeme]

Rocamadour has both geographic and spiritual importance. As Scruffy mentioned it is an amazing site. Pilgrims may shelter at
" la maison « Lou Cantou », tenue par les Sœurs de Notre-Dame du Calvaire est un Accueil spirituel est dédié aux pèlerins.

14 places (8 chambres individuelles, un dortoir) et une cuisine.

Ouvert toute l’année.

Renseignements et réservation :
Sœur Marie-Renée
Adresse: Lou Cantou - Rue de la Mercerie - 46500 Rocamadour
Tél: 05 65 33 73 69 ou 06 72 46 47 53
Email: cantou.46@free.fr"

Dear mspath
Merci for the contact details. Rocamadour is on my must see list
regards

 

[Kanga]

Ah, but don't miss Saint Cirq Lapopie either

 

[Graeme]

Thank you Kanga. I`ve just looked up Saint Cirq Lapopie on Wiki`.................Looks well worth a visit. Is it more easily accessed from Cajarc or from Limogne en Quercy? It does not appear to be directly on the St James trail.

 

[Kanga]

No it's not. We walked the Cele Valley route from Figeac and then turned left along the Lot where it intersects with the Cele (just after the amazing prehistoric cave paintings at Pech Merle). Fairly short walk to Saint Cirq. From Saint Cirq we made our way back via the GR 46 to the GR 65 at Bach. And had a simply wonderful meal at Auberge Lou Boudie - where Jamie Oliver learnt how to made creme caramel!

 

[Thornley]

If you have time Graeme do both the valley and 65
Get train back from Cahors to Figeac after doing valley.
Beautiful stops in Limogne , Bach where Kanga has correctly stated is a very good restr., and if full on the red you have NEW gites built in that town as i write.
Vaylats if only a little carafe consumed.
A wonderful way mate, take as LONG as you possibly can.
Famous saying on this walk .............................Tais -toi, Ecoute..............
Bonn Chemin,
David

 

[colinPeter]

...and if full on the red you have NEW gites built in that town .... Vaylats if only a little carafe consumed...take as LONG as you possibly can.

Hey David,
There might be money to be made from a guide to the GR65, with stages based on the quality of the red wine in the preceding town. Just have to keep it under 90 days, to fit the Schengen visa requirements, but I imagine one could happily stagger from Le Puy to SJPP, happily in that time.
Bon Chemin
Colin

 

[Graeme]

No it's not. We walked the Cele Valley route from Figeac and then turned left along the Lot where it intersects with the Cele (just after the amazing prehistoric cave paintings at Pech Merle). Fairly short walk to Saint Cirq. From Saint Cirq we made our way back via the GR 46 to the GR 65 at Bach. And had a simply wonderful meal at Auberge Lou Boudie - where Jamie Oliver learnt how to made creme caramel!

Thanks Kanga. Is it possible to walk as you describe, back via the GR 46 to the GR65 at Bach, and still reach Cajarc in one day?

 

[Graeme]

If you have time Graeme do both the valley and 65
Get train back from Cahors to Figeac after doing valley.
Beautiful stops in Limogne , Bach where Kanga has correctly stated is a very good restr., and if full on the red you have NEW gites built in that town as i write.
Vaylats if only a little carafe consumed.
A wonderful way mate, take as LONG as you possibly can.
Famous saying on this walk .............................Tais -toi, Ecoute..............
Bonn Chemin,
David

Thanks for the encouragement..............and the information about the vital supply...Vaylats.

 

[Kanga]

I don't know because we went to Cahors from Bach, not back to Cajac. I can't remember how long it took to walk the Cele Valley but I think it was about a week. We stayed at Pech Merle, then Cremps (Ithink), then Cahors. Looking at the map, you could shorten the route by walking more directly from Saint Cirq to Cahors, but that's not what we did. I had walked from Figeac through Cajac and Limogues en Quency (the traditional route)the previous year.
There would be no point in not having enough time to see Pech Merle or spending time at Saint Cirq.
It's all glorious. We got lost at one stage and came down into Cahors through snow/sleet/wind over a treacherous steep slope.

 

[Kanga]

And enjoyed great food and wine at Cahors too!

 

[Graeme]

And enjoyed great food and wine at Cahors too!

Thanks again Kanga for your interest. I think I need to get a copy of the book you mentioned. I need a better understanding of places and how long it takes to walk from one place to another as well as determining a list of 'must see's
regards

 

[Kanga]

Graeme, if you Google "Geoportal, France" you can look at the French topographical maps for the area. They are very detailed with all the GR paths marked. From that you can get an idea of distances and terrain.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Topographic map here:
http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/routes/details/figroc.html

Bring up the map in IGN.

 

[Kanga]

I think they are all streamed from the Geoportail website. No matter. Once you have the IGN map up, center it where you want and bring the scale right down to 1/100m (or 1/50m) using the "+" sign on the left hand sign. The GR's will now be visible, with kilometres marked. That will give you an idea of distances. You can also take a screen shot and print it off (very useful trick).

 

[Thornley]

Graeme you are starting to sound like my sisters [3] who are all teachers ............here come the comments.
BUY, STEAL OR BORROW a MMDD asap.
It won't control your way or distances but it will all fit into place when in discussions.
We also got a good map of France from the travel shop......most will have the small distanced GR's listed which run from the 65.
Get lost after Figeac and get the train back mate when you reach Cahors........you will owe me when you do.......great part of france the Lot.,
David

 

[Graeme]

I think they are all streamed from the Geoportail website. No matter. Once you have the IGN map up, center it where you want and bring the scale right down to 1/100m (or 1/50m) using the "+" sign on the left hand sign. The GR's will now be visible, with kilometres marked. That will give you an idea of distances. You can also take a screen shot and print it off (very useful trick).

Thanks Kanga. The ING map is great. I'll spend sometime 'mapping a possible route from Figeac, after consideration of your comments and those of other thread replys. Initially I`ll take the 65 from Figeac and then the 651 from Beduer and then....... I'll work it out. Can't thank you enough. If we ever meet on the track I owe you a drink or two!!!

 

[Graeme]

Graeme you are starting to sound like my sisters [3] who are all teachers ............here come the comments.
BUY, STEAL OR BORROW a MMDD asap.
It won't control your way or distances but it will all fit into place when in discussions.
We also got a good map of France from the travel shop......most will have the small distanced GR's listed which run from the 65.
Get lost after Figeac and get the train back mate when you reach Cahors........you will owe me when you do.......great part of france the Lot.,
David

Thornley, mate. I`m busted. Once a teacher always a teacher I guess. I'll follow your advise re the MMDD. I assume it is a map! But what do the initials stand for?? Also, given the strength of your comments about the Lot, I`ll reconsider my itinerary.
cheers

 

[Graeme]

Topographic map here:
http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/routes/details/figroc.html

Bring up the map in IGN.

Thanks falcon269. I`ve just opened the IGN and it is `illuminating" cheers

 

[Kanga]

I'll follow your advise re the MMDD. I assume it is a map! But what do the initials stand for??

Miam Miam Dodo - an absolutely invaluable guide to all accommodation and food resources within 5 km of the track. Eating - "miam miam" = yummy yummy "dodo" = night night !!!!!
It also has diagrammatic maps with distances.
I think everyone who walks the Le Puy carries it. In French but easy to understand.
There is now an App - it's available but still a bit clunky.

 

[colinPeter]

There is now an App - it's available but still a bit clunky.

Yes, and seems to miss some information included in the book.

 

[Thornley]

Get a french map Graeme and find the very small , beautiful village called Concots , just before Bach.
It is on a Gr
That was where we encountered our first pilgrims , the year 2000.
We had english in Oz sightseeing Australia including the Olympics and we went overseas for 3- 4 months exchanging homes.
Concots is there holiday home for 5 months and 26 days......do not go over 6 months ...tax's
These pilgrims had walked from Belgium and when they arrived in Concots the restr. was burnt and the camping ground was under water.
They were at the Tabac and looking for another 10 km not planned.
We took them home, fed and supplied the vino and had a wonderful night with two lovely , appreciative people.
We still keep in touch.
In the village you have a few very well spoken english , one owning the Tabac with her french husband who was born in nearby Bach.
Our friends have a room cottage attached for freeloaders , and yes they are EX chalkies.
They are lovely people and would love company for the night.....you can talk about MMDD....eat and sleep in baby talk ??

Keep in touch when you get that map Graeme,
David
PS 1 They just left here after a week sightseeing Melbourne on the way to NZ
2 All Melbournians left Oz in 2000, we had the Olympics 44 years earlier...........stop smiling Kanga and Colin
Seriously mate we will walk again very soon the Gr and we will take 60 days , including St Palais which we did not visit once at Ostabat.
But first we must return this year from Mont St Michel.

 

[Kanga]

Yes, Concots is lovely. France is just full of hidden and unknown gems.

 

[Graeme]

Miam Miam Dodo - an absolutely invaluable guide to all accommodation and food resources within 5 km of the track. Eating - "miam miam" = yummy yummy "dodo" = night night !!!!!
It also has diagrammatic maps with distances.
I think everyone who walks the Le Puy carries it. In French but easy to understand.
There is now an App - it's available but still a bit clunky.

Sorry Kanga............you had already mentioned the MMDD ............didn't put it together!!

 

[Graeme]

Get a french map Graeme and find the very small , beautiful village called Concots , just before Bach.
It is on a Gr
That was where we encountered our first pilgrims , the year 2000.
We had english in Oz sightseeing Australia including the Olympics and we went overseas for 3- 4 months exchanging homes.
Concots is there holiday home for 5 months and 26 days......do not go over 6 months ...tax's
These pilgrims had walked from Belgium and when they arrived in Concots the restr. was burnt and the camping ground was under water.
They were at the Tabac and looking for another 10 km not planned.
We took them home, fed and supplied the vino and had a wonderful night with two lovely , appreciative people.
We still keep in touch.
In the village you have a few very well spoken english , one owning the Tabac with her french husband who was born in nearby Bach.
Our friends have a room cottage attached for freeloaders , and yes they are EX chalkies.
They are lovely people and would love company for the night.....you can talk about MMDD....eat and sleep in baby talk ??

Keep in touch when you get that map Graeme,
David
PS 1 They just left here after a week sightseeing Melbourne on the way to NZ
2 All Melbournians left Oz in 2000, we had the Olympics 44 years earlier...........stop smiling Kanga and Colin
Seriously mate we will walk again very soon the Gr and we will take 60 days , including St Palais which we did not visit once at Ostabat.
But first we must return this year from Mont St Michel.

Thanks Thornley
I've added Concots to my route. I'm now armed with MMDD plus copies of maps. A few more months and these feet will be walking!!!
cheers mate

 

[TMcA]

Topographic map here:
http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/routes/details/figroc.html

Bring up the map in IGN.

I believe I have looked closely at the IGN map, but I don't seem to be seeing the GRs marked. Am I mistaken?

I will start walking May 19 from Aumont Aubrac and will meet up with a group of French hikers in Saint Chely. I want to walk with them as far as Bach or Vaylats after which I'd like to make my way to St. Cirq and Rocamadour. I have one more week of walking before flying home from Toulouse. To get to Toulouse I'll need to take a train.

Based on MMDD I believe I can pick up the GR 46 and walk north to St. Cirq. Then I'd like to continue north to Rocamadour. Also like to do so without a lot of road walking. Any suggestions? (Yes, if I could spot the GR traces on the IGN maps I could probably answer my own questions.)

One of the French hikers advised me that I'd be walking the wrong way (against the grain, so to speak) and therefore less likely to have side-by-side conversations with other hikers. So a suggestion was to ride back to Figeac with La Malle Postale and then walk west. Any thoughts would be most welcome.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I don't seem to be seeing the GRs marked

Zoom in. They appear at level 13 and greater on Robins' maps.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm not sure about the other parts of the route, but we began in Moissac 2 years ago and booked at the Priory. It was fantastic! There was also a lovely albergue on the way into town, but we loved the Priory.

 

[irishgurrrl]

Ah, but don't miss Saint Cirq Lapopie either

Wow - AMAZING photo Kanga All excited now

 

[Kanga]

I believe I have looked closely at the IGN map, but I don't seem to be seeing the GRs marked. Am I mistaken?

Keep zooming in. The GRs show up once you get under 1/100km