leftoverlove
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
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You would walk from Geneva to Le Puy-en-Velay, then to SJPdP, and then onto the Francés. So don't worry about the Voie Nive-Bidassoa.I'm not sure what the Voie Nive-Bidassoa is, (will research), but I was planning to do the other three en route to SdC.
I have never walked the CF, but pretty much followed arrows and GR65 markers. I did have guide books: one for Geneva to Le Puy-en-Velay, which you'll find here:Ok thank you! Also, I did do the CF previously but never used a guide book. Should I invest in one for this longer journey?
What did you find most useful in your navigation? Or did you just follow the arrows, as well?
I speak French fluently, but don't let the language deter you: a few basic words will get you by.Sorry for questions that leap out at me but, did you have some command of the French language, setting out from Geneva? Did you book ahead? If so, did you buy a SIM card in Geneva?
I can't predict the weather...Do you know if the route from Geneva is quite hot in late July/early August?
A good analogy!And that is kinda like an analogy for life really...you can't just sit and wait for the right conditions--you just gotta go.
Thank you Carol!If your heart is in this you'll do it. You are already finding your way. If you have access to the Internet then Google Translate can be helpful. I am currently using Duolingo to learn some Spanish. If you have time you could try this for some basic French, it's a free app. I feel that showing you would like to have some local language can help the attitude you receive even if it's only please and thank you. I'm sure you'll pick up handy words like coffee, toilet etc once you are there. Very best wishes
Thank you for your reply. Yes, I did the CF. I remember being a bit worried to attempt that. And then I found out that the Camino provides, met so many wonderful souls, etc.What an adventure! Your post says you are scared to do it, but you also clearly really want to and are excited to do it, so I'd work on that scared bit, and the more you know, the less scary it becomes. If you have walked the CF, you already know what to take. I'd get the guidebooks, even if you end up leaving them at home. Or end up using apps with the same info. Things will be different this year, so the more info the better. And yes, get Duolingo and start learning a bit of French, so you can understand signs, greetings, menus etc. And download Google Translate with an offline language pack which will be useful. Also maybe seeking out a few YouTube videos from relevant walks to see what you can expect and get info and impressions from walkers. Then all that's left is putting one foot in front of another!
Covid is a spanner in the works, but even pre-covid guidebooks will show you how far between towns and accommodation, and water sources, shops etc. And if you could contact some of the places where there are few options, you could hopefully put together a rough itinerary that answers many of these questions.things like that comprise the fear...
Also, I learned walking the CF what to take or not to take. For example, I knew not to take an ultralight tent. That was a good call. I knew not to walk in heavy boots or carry a sleeping pad.What an adventure! Your post says you are scared to do it, but you also clearly really want to and are excited to do it, so I'd work on that scared bit, and the more you know, the less scary it becomes. If you have walked the CF, you already know what to take. I'd get the guidebooks, even if you end up leaving them at home. Or end up using apps with the same info. Things will be different this year, so the more info the better. And yes, get Duolingo and start learning a bit of French, so you can understand signs, greetings, menus etc. And download Google Translate with an offline language pack which will be useful. Also maybe seeking out a few YouTube videos from relevant walks to see what you can expect and get info and impressions from walkers. Then all that's left is putting one foot in front of another!
A smile, a few essential words, some Duolingo practice, Google translate will all overcome that fear.Will I be able to communicate effectively?
This may sound weird, but in France, every cemetery has a water tap, and the water is drinkable.Will there be enough water sources en route?
If you're on FB, join the Via Podiensis group:Will I be find a place to sleep or be sleeping on cement?
Will COVID mean that 70% of things are closed?
Unless you want to camp, you shouldn't need a tent.But from Geneva? Do I need an ultralight tent? Boots for ankle protection? A sleeping pad for the tent?
Hello future pilgrimHi, I decided to attempt a walk from Geneva to SdC.
I sometimes bite off more than I can chew, but, I'm an optimistic dreamer.
I'll hope you'll be so, too, and help me get there.
I know some of you will tell me to be realistic, and that you'll kindly offer opt-outs and alternatives, but I don't want to opt out. I want to do this.
Any advice you offer will be appreciated so long as it encourages rather than discourages.
I realize that is pretty arrogant to define what I wish from your responses but I just know that you have a lot to offer and I just want to do this and not look back or second guess myself.
I speak conversational Spanish and only "bonjour" and "merci" in French.
I will try to better that in the month of prep ahead.
Ciao!
My husband and I have done all of this route, but in sections. We had already done the LePuy route into Spain, but we decided to go back and begin a hike in Geneva. We went as far as LePuy and then took another GR route just for fun (not a Camino/Chemin route). I can tell you the countryside from Geneva to LePuy is beautiful and at that time, there weren't many people on it so we were usually the only guests with our hosts -- we ate with them like we were members of the family. Mind you, we speak very little French, but the guidebooks can tell you if hosts speak English or not. I'm sure this bit of the trail has gotten busier, but I remember it as a very special part of the Chemin. And as you continue on and reach LePuy (and remain on this gorgeous trail) there will be increasing numbers of other pilgrims. While in France, you'll find that most Germans, probably all of the Dutch, many of the French (always remember to greet with "Bonjour Madame," etc.), can speak English well and will be helpful too. And in Spain you'll be seeing pilgrims and hosts from all over that can speak English. What a great trip you have planned--just expect a few glitches, stay open to Plan B if new and unexpected opportunities arise, and soak in this incredible opportunity. It's just one step at a time. I don't see anything unrealistic about your plan at all! Buen Camino.Hi, I decided to attempt a walk from Geneva to SdC.
I sometimes bite off more than I can chew, but, I'm an optimistic dreamer.
I'll hope you'll be so, too, and help me get there.
I know some of you will tell me to be realistic, and that you'll kindly offer opt-outs and alternatives, but I don't want to opt out. I want to do this.
Any advice you offer will be appreciated so long as it encourages rather than discourages.
I realize that is pretty arrogant to define what I wish from your responses but I just know that you have a lot to offer and I just want to do this and not look back or second guess myself.
I speak conversational Spanish and only "bonjour" and "merci" in French.
I will try to better that in the month of prep ahead.
Ciao!
What a great outlook on life. That has struck quite a chord with me and refocused a long held goal of mine.And that is kinda like an analogy for life really...you can't just sit and wait for the right conditions--you just gotta go.
I have never walked the CF, but pretty much followed arrows and GR65 markers. I did have guide books: one for Geneva to Le Puy-en-Velay, which you'll find here:
and the Miam Miam Dodo guide from Le Puy to SJPdP:
Guides Miam Miam Dodo
Pour 2024, tous nos guides Miam Miam Dodo sont réactualisés ! 8 guides Miam Miam Dodo sont disponibles dès maintenant. Il s’agit des guides suivants : • Miam Miam Dodo Le Puy-en-Velay / Cahors Voie du Puy - section 1 • Miam Miam Dodo Cahors / Roncevaux Voie du Puy - section 2 • Miam Miam Dodo...www.levieuxcrayon.com
The fear of the unknown is always the hardest one to conquer, but you've already defined your fears and have received such an outpouring of assistance that I'm feeling incredibly excited for you!
I walked from Le Puy three years ago and it holds a very, very special place in my heart. Just some thoughts: I met a woman who carried an ultra-light tent along the route, giving her an incredible amount of flexibility along her way. It's not necessary, but an option if it gives you more comfort.
I speak virtually no French, so I relied heavily on the tourist information offices along the way to assist with gite reservations, and I booked 4-5 days ahead. Pointing and grunting and writing lists to assist the process. Sometimes, my gite owners would call ahead and book the following night for me... and I am certain that hotel and booking apps will assist. Miam Miam Do Do is the bible for walking in France -- even if you don't know the language, because they often point out the alternate routes. Consider, at a minimum, a map or app from MMDD. I also enjoyed the eBooks I downloaded from ilovewalkinginfrance.com. You may want to find an english language book or map or app because they often list gites that have english language capabilities.
Get accustomed to the GR signage instead of yellow arrows. -- they can be more easily overlooked. At the center of most villages is the Marie -- it is the government facility and has public bathrooms that are normally unlocked. Water can usually be accessed there, as well. I cannot speak to the route before Le Puy, but after -- you won't have any issues.
A smile and 'bonjour madam/monsiour' will always get you off on the right foot. AND, if you're worried about the heat, a light umbrella is an option for shade.
I carried fruit for my daily snacks, and sometimes carried a single potato -- I have celiac disease and know that I can rely on a potato for sustenance if I find a microwave. But, I doubt food will ever be an issue because most villages will have a market with wonderful options. Many gites offer a very nice breakfast, as well.
Although knowing zero French, I made many French friends along the way -- even if our friendships were only smiles and waves each time we passed one another. There were many inspiring young people (and young-hearted!) with fantastic stories. I'm sure this year will be similar. Can you tell that I'm jealous of your opportunity?!?
It's a very special walk. Open your heart, walk one step at a time, and (try to ) leave your fear behind.
Ultreia~!!~
Hi, I decided to attempt a walk from Geneva to SdC.
I sometimes bite off more than I can chew, but, I'm an optimistic dreamer.
I'll hope you'll be so, too, and help me get there.
I know some of you will tell me to be realistic, and that you'll kindly offer opt-outs and alternatives, but I don't want to opt out. I want to do this.
Any advice you offer will be appreciated so long as it encourages rather than discourages.
I realize that is pretty arrogant to define what I wish from your responses but I just know that you have a lot to offer and I just want to do this and not look back or second guess myself.
I speak conversational Spanish and only "bonjour" and "merci" in French.
I will try to better that in the month of prep ahead.
Ciao!
Do you know if the route from Geneva is quite hot in late July/early August?
Thanks! Does the umbrella you have in mind attach to any backpack or is it part of a system?A hiking umbrella and SPF 50+ will get you through the French heat in summer......GO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We bought ours from Ivar's shop, and it clips to any backpack:Thanks! Does the umbrella you have in mind attach to any backpack or is it part of a system?
Thanks! Does the umbrella you have in mind attach to any backpack or is it part of a system?
If it's the same as I have, the Euroschirm, there are lots of posts on the forum about it. Mine is the silver, sun reflecting one with the extra long handle that can be fastened to the backpack shoulder and waist strap so you don't have to hold it.
Do you use the hiking umbrella along with a backpack rain cover and a waterproof jacket/rain pants or with a poncho? I brought rain pants on the CF but usually just used a waterproof jacket and backpack rain cover.The umbrella I am referring to (Can't think of the brand name) is heavier than a typical rain umbrella and has reflective material on the exterior to deflect the sun from shining through. It is a bit most costly, but worth every penny. Yes, it does come with rubber adjustable clips that will fasten to your backpack to allow for a hands free walk.
I bought mine at REI, but I am sure Amazon has it as well.
Is it possible to purchase dinner along with a gite stay and opt out on buying the breakfast? I'm interested in the dinners but not so much the breakfast.It is rare to find a place to buy lunch along the Le Puy - SJPDP route, so carry enough food or snacks to get you through the day.
Breakfast can be obtained at many of the gîtes, but the hosts won’t serve it until their preferred time (like 8 am), which is inconvenient if you want to head out at sunrise to beat the heat. If you are at a self catering gîte, that’s a non issue. Typical breakfast served is crusty bread, preserves, maybe a yogurt, and coffee or chocolate to drink.
It’s a beautiful route.
Yes. The dinners are usually fantastic. Dinners are the reason most recommend booking ahead; it allows the host to have food available and prepped. I never pre-booked and was fortunate that food wasn’t an issue, but squeezing one in is not such a problem as squeezing in more than one.Is it possible to purchase dinner along with a gite stay and opt out on buying the breakfast? I'm interested in the dinners but not so much the breakfast.
Thanks for the info. I did not prebook on the CF and would prefer not to on this route, but thought I might do so a night in advance this time so the gite owners would count me in for dinner. Maybe I won't after reading your post. I would prefer to not even bring my phone, tbh.Yes. The dinners are usually fantastic. Dinners are the reason most recommend booking ahead; it allows the host to have food available and prepped. I never pre-booked and was fortunate that food wasn’t an issue, but squeezing one in is not such a problem as squeezing in more than one.
I took Spanish in school but will work on French independently, (before I leave, which means I have only a few weeks). I love Paris and the lyrical French language so that will be good except I'm trepidatious about attempting the language at all.
I love your hat, AJ, and thank you for helping me! If you have any other ideas about downloadable maps and apps and such, please let me know!
Do you know if the route from Geneva is quite hot in late July/early August?
An English friend of mine warned, "you'll wilt in the oppressive heat of southern France" in those times.
Yet I think, go, just go. Weather be damned. You'll sit on AccuWeather for a lifetime trying to find the right window in which to jump through and go...
And that is kinda like an analogy for life really...you can't just sit and wait for the right conditions--you just gotta go.
I did the Le Puy in 2012 and at that time people seemed to be phoning ahead for reservations. If language is an issue, you can ask your hosts to call ahead for the next night’s booking.Thanks for the info. I did not prebook on the CF and would prefer not to on this route, but thought I might do so a night in advance this time so the gite owners would count me in for dinner. Maybe I won't after reading your post. I would prefer to not even bring my phone, tbh.
Do you know if people generally book ahead via email, or by phone (call)?
poncho?
Yes there's lots of debate about this one! For me the rain jacket/backpack cover, no rain pants was the best option. I was more curious as to whether some people with the umbrella just used that and left the poncho or rain pants/jacket/backpack cover at home.Much debate on this forum about Poncho v. Rain pants/jacket. I am definitely a poncho guy. WHen packing my rule of thumb is everything that goes in my pack HAS to have a dual purpose. (A poncho, for me, meets that standard).
Hello, thank you for the offer! Our start times are different but hopefully I will see you along the way at some point. Also, I have to face my somewhat irrational fear and start off alone at least.Hello future pilgrim
I’m walking from Geneva to Santiago departing july 26. You are very welcome to come along..
Feel free to get in contact!
Ultreia
I might do a blog but any typing/writing I do will have to be on my phone. More likely I will do most journaling by hand, but I appreciate that thought! Maybe I could post here briefly from time to time if I don't do an actual blog.Will you be using some form of social media we could follow? Not only would photos be helpful to others planning or dreaming of a similar trip, but we would all be with you every step of the way.
most of the hiking umbrellas available can be attached to any backpack, incl. those from Euroschirm, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks Lotus and Six Moons designs to name but a few ... Gossamer Gear sell an excellent umbrella clamp ... and Zpacks an umbrella holster to attach to the backpack ...Thanks! Does the umbrella you have in mind attach to any backpack or is it part of a system?
let me know if you need further information ... happy to obligemost of the hiking umbrellas available can be attached to any backpack, incl. those from Euroschirm, Gossamer Gear, Zpacks Lotus and Six Moons designs to name but a few ... Gossamer Gear sell an excellent umbrella clamp ... and Zpacks an umbrella holster to attach to the backpack ...
Bonsoir @leftoverloveThank you for your reply. Yes, I did the CF. I remember being a bit worried to attempt that. And then I found out that the Camino provides, met so many wonderful souls, etc.
But this idea of starting from Geneva is a new thing.
The new fears are once again the fears of the unknown.
Will I be able to communicate effectively?
Will there be enough water sources en route?
Will I find a place to sleep or will I be sleeping on cement and needing a sleep pad?
Will COVID mean that 70% of things are closed?
Will I have to pack liters of food and water every day at the onset? (I travel light; I'm a bird.)
So yeah, things like that comprise the fear...
Hello! I walked from Geneva to Santiago as my first Camino in 2015. Best thing I ever did. I wrote a blog with photos which you can find on this forum hereI wonder if I can get a credential at the cathedral in Geneva...
I read and very much enjoyed your entire blog. It was great! Thanks!Hello! I walked from Geneva to Santiago as my first Camino in 2015. Best thing I ever did. I wrote a blog with photos which you can find on this forum here
Why not order your credential from the forum shop?
You are going to love it!
Buen Camino
Davey
Hi there @leftoverloveI read and very much enjoyed your entire blog. It was great! Thanks!
I have decided not to take a tent, though, and therefore will start in Le Puy as it seems like most people on the route from Geneva camp along the way.
It might be different now because of Covid, but in 2018, we didn't camp, and none of the pilgrims we met camped.I have decided not to take a tent, though, and therefore will start in Le Puy as it seems like most people on the route from Geneva camp along the way
My budget will be minuscule, too. What is the name of the cheapest lodgings? Donativo? Gite communal?Hi there @leftoverlove
None of the pilgrims whom I met walking from Geneva carried a tent. They had sufficient means to pay for rooms in a chambre d'hôte or a hotel as well as using cheaper options. My budget was miniscule, hence the need for creativity.
Cheers!
I read and very much enjoyed your entire blog. It was great! Thanks!
I have decided not to take a tent, though, and therefore will start in Le Puy as it seems like most people on the route from Geneva camp along the way.
Hi Davey,Hello! I walked from Geneva to Santiago as my first Camino in 2015. Best thing I ever did. I wrote a blog with photos which you can find on this forum here
Why not order your credential from the forum shop?
You are going to love it!
Buen Camino
Davey
Yeah I loved it so much I am thinking of doing it again next spring! Possibly from Geneva again!Hi Davey,
I really enjoyed reading your blog when I was tossing around the idea of walking the Le Puy route. I finally went with two friends in June 2018 and I loved it!
Good for you, and good luck! It's been nice seeing a few new posts of yours recently, too.Yeah I loved it so much I am thinking of doing it again next spring! Possibly from Geneva again!
Bonjour @leftoverloveMy budget will be minuscule, too. What is the name of the cheapest lodgings? Donativo? Gite communal?
Hello again!bite
Algosot,Hello again!
here I am walking the first part of GR 65, ..it is no different than other caminos except the Gebennensis part is not organized at all. Since very few pilgrims walk from Geneva, there is not really a well established network of accomodation, the very few that exist is hardly found online. There are guides for Gebennensis which contains less than 5% of the posibilities, making the planning process a complete nightmare. On the other side, pandemic has worsened the scenario, many french people dont want the vaccine, and this issue brings lots of consequences. First, many places to stay are shut down, then you have an incredible season of local tourism (no vaccine, no international travel) competing with pilgrims for overnight places to stay in less number of posibilites.
If you add an extremely poor online info, then the recipe for chaos has been served. This is why many pilgrims around here carry a tent and forget about this problem.
In my case, (I don’t carry a tent) I had to unfollow the official camino after Le Pin, just because I found myself dedicating more than four hours a day to find a place for the next day. Crazy…
I finally decided to make a paralel camino where I can book whatever was available (including hard core hotels). I’ve been told that situation improves after Le puy. We’ll see….
Bon courage, @AlgosotHello again!
here I am walking the first part of GR 65, ..it is no different than other caminos except the Gebennensis part is not organized at all. Since very few pilgrims walk from Geneva, there is not really a well established network of accomodation, the very few that exist is hardly found online. There are guides for Gebennensis which contains less than 5% of the posibilities, making the planning process a complete nightmare. On the other side, pandemic has worsened the scenario, many french people dont want the vaccine, and this issue brings lots of consequences. First, many places to stay are shut down, then you have an incredible season of local tourism (no vaccine, no international travel) competing with pilgrims for overnight places to stay in less number of posibilites.
If you add an extremely poor online info, then the recipe for chaos has been served. This is why many pilgrims around here carry a tent and forget about this problem.
In my case, (I don’t carry a tent) I had to unfollow the official camino after Le Pin, just because I found myself dedicating more than four hours a day to find a place for the next day. Crazy…
I finally decided to make a paralel camino where I can book whatever was available (including hard core hotels). I’ve been told that situation improves after Le puy. We’ll see….
Sounds tough going, I wish you well.Hello again!
here I am walking the first part of GR 65, ..it is no different than other caminos except the Gebennensis part is not organized at all. Since very few pilgrims walk from Geneva, there is not really a well established network of accomodation, the very few that exist is hardly found online. There are guides for Gebennensis which contains less than 5% of the posibilities, making the planning process a complete nightmare. On the other side, pandemic has worsened the scenario, many french people dont want the vaccine, and this issue brings lots of consequences. First, many places to stay are shut down, then you have an incredible season of local tourism (no vaccine, no international travel) competing with pilgrims for overnight places to stay in less number of posibilites.
If you add an extremely poor online info, then the recipe for chaos has been served. This is why many pilgrims around here carry a tent and forget about this problem.
In my case, (I don’t carry a tent) I had to unfollow the official camino after Le Pin, just because I found myself dedicating more than four hours a day to find a place for the next day. Crazy…
I finally decided to make a paralel camino where I can book whatever was available (including hard core hotels). I’ve been told that situation improves after Le puy. We’ll see….
Thanks for the info. Your post confirmed I probably did right by starting in Le Puy, instead. I will be very interested from you how things are from Le Puy onward. Searching for a place to sleep for four hours a day does not sound enjoyable.Hello again!
here I am walking the first part of GR 65, ..it is no different than other caminos except the Gebennensis part is not organized at all. Since very few pilgrims walk from Geneva, there is not really a well established network of accomodation, the very few that exist is hardly found online. There are guides for Gebennensis which contains less than 5% of the posibilities, making the planning process a complete nightmare. On the other side, pandemic has worsened the scenario, many french people dont want the vaccine, and this issue brings lots of consequences. First, many places to stay are shut down, then you have an incredible season of local tourism (no vaccine, no international travel) competing with pilgrims for overnight places to stay in less number of posibilites.
If you add an extremely poor online info, then the recipe for chaos has been served. This is why many pilgrims around here carry a tent and forget about this problem.
In my case, (I don’t carry a tent) I had to unfollow the official camino after Le Pin, just because I found myself dedicating more than four hours a day to find a place for the next day. Crazy…
I finally decided to make a paralel camino where I can book whatever was available (including hard core hotels). I’ve been told that situation improves after Le puy. We’ll see….
Thanks, I've decided that I can't afford the cost or weight or bulk of a light weight tent, (although I know it will save my money on lodging), but it would also mean I have to get a new backpack, etc. I don't have time for that and have to keep my weight down quite low due to certain health concerns.@leftoverlove I haven't walked from Geneva but from Le Puy. France is much more expensive than Spain in general. You don't *need* a tent, but it can make your walk much easier, especially if you're low budget and don't like to make reservations one or two days ahead. In France most people do make reservations, places are often full when you arrive and there are not many (if full, you might have to walk another 10km after already having walked 25 or 30). Also, the gites (french version of albergues) are more expensive than in Spain. Think about 15 euros just for the bed. Cheapest usually is "gite communal / municipal". Some gites, you can only book with dinner included (around 35 euros). Same for "donativo" , they will often ask for at least 25 Euros. So, if you don't mind to carry a light weight tent... for a budget pilgrim on the le Puy it makes a big difference! Very different from Spain, where a tent is not very helpful. In France an offical campsite costs 5-10 Euros for a pilgrim with tent, same when you camp in gite gardens. I plan to walk the Le Puy (again) next year and will definitely bring a tent (again). Bon chemin!
Hi, I decided to attempt a walk from Geneva to SdC....
.....I know some of you will tell me to be realistic, and that you'll kindly offer opt-outs and alternatives, but I don't want to opt out. I want to do this....
I realize that is pretty arrogant to define what I wish from your responses but I just know that you have a lot to offer and I just want to do this and not look back or second guess myself.
I speak conversational Spanish and only "bonjour" and "merci" in French.
I will try to better that in the month of prep ahead.
Ciao!
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