Le Puy to Conques - May 6, 2023 start

[MissWOR]

Hello all,

First chemin for me. I am set with airfare and travel to Puy but am wondering how do I figure out the stages. Any ideas? I've seen two different versions going from Day 1 and so on.

I just read a thread here saying to go ahead and reserve lodging now which I am happy to do. I'm not sure how to figure out which day I will be where mostly because of the 2 very different lists that I've written below. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Many thanks for any guidance.

Le Puy to Saint Privat-d’Allier – 24 km - 14.91 miles
Saint Privat-d’Allier to Saugues – 23 km - 14.29 miles
Saugues to Domaine du Sauvage – 21 km 13.04 miles
Domaine du Sauvage to Les Estrets – 25 km 15.5
Les Estrets to Finieyrols – 24 km 14.91
Finieyrols to Aubrac – 23 km at this point you are on the plateau 14.29
Couvent de Malet, Saint Come d’Olt to Estaing 18 km 11
Estaing to Golinhac – 22 km 13.67
Golinhac to Conques – 30 km 18.8 miles


Le Puy t0 Saint-Privat D'Alliers - 24 km 14.91 miles
Saint Privat to Saugues - 19 km 11.8 miles
Sauques to Le Villeret D'Apecher - 11.5 km 7.15
Le Villeret to Saint Alban Sur Limagnole - 21 km 13.o4
Saint Albam to Aumont-Aubrac - 14.5 km 9 miles
Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals - 26.5 km 16.46
Nasbinals to Saint-Chely d'Aubrac - 17 km 10.5
Saint-Chely to Saint Come D'Olt - 16 km 9.94
Sainte Come D’olt to Estaing - 17 km 10.5
Estaing to Golinhac - 16 km 9.9
Golinhac to Conques - 21 km 13 miles

 

[ranthr]

Why not have a look at www.gronze.com to see where you could stop your day. I have walked twice and would recommend your last proposal. I used 10 -11 walkdays. I recommend that you prebook your stay - and your meals. Your gite might be the only place to get some food in the village you stay, and the owners would like go know ahead how many to cook for. Bring food for the walk as well. Shops in villages are probably closed on Sunday a d Mondays.

 

[MichaelC]

If these are your two choices, then take the second. Ten days will be more pleasant than eight days. I agree with ranthr that gronze is a good resource for planning your stops. Another I really like is the Camino Planner. Pick your start and end points (Le Puy and Conques), then you can play around with setting the stops in between.

I would try and find a more even distribution of km / day. The 26km from Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals seems like a long day. I thought every town en route had its charms, so you can't go wrong!

 

[BlackRocker57]

If these are your two choices, then take the second. Ten days will be more pleasant than eight days. I agree with ranthr that gronze is a good resource for planning your stops. Another I really like is the Camino Planner. Pick your start and end points (Le Puy and Conques), then you can play around with setting the stops in between.

I would try and find a more even distribution of km / day. The 26km from Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals seems like a long day. I thought every town en route had its charms, so you can't go wrong!

agree totally with this thinking ... about making the distribution of stages / stage lengths more even, esp. as some are very challenging ...

 

[BlackRocker57]

Why not have a look at www.gronze.com to see where you could stop your day. I have walked twice and would recommend your last proposal. I used 10 -11 walkdays. I recommend that you prebook your stay - and your meals. Your gite might be the only place to get some food in the village you stay, and the owners would like go know ahead how many to cook for. Bring food for the walk as well. Shops in villages are probably closed on Sunday a d Mondays.

could not agree more! and highly recommend Godesalco camino planner [per MichaelC’s suggestion] <https://godesalco.com/plan/podense> ... the distances on Godesalco are pretty accurate ... although accommodation options are not up-to-date

 

[BlackRocker57]

Hello all,

First chemin for me. I am set with airfare and travel to Puy but am wondering how do I figure out the stages. Any ideas? I've seen two different versions going from Day 1 and so on.

I just read a thread here saying to go ahead and reserve lodging now which I am happy to do. I'm not sure how to figure out which day I will be where mostly because of the 2 very different lists that I've written below. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Many thanks for any guidance.

Le Puy to Saint Privat-d’Allier – 24 km - 14.91 miles
Saint Privat-d’Allier to Saugues – 23 km - 14.29 miles
Saugues to Domaine du Sauvage – 21 km 13.04 miles
Domaine du Sauvage to Les Estrets – 25 km 15.5
Les Estrets to Finieyrols – 24 km 14.91
Finieyrols to Aubrac – 23 km at this point you are on the plateau 14.29
Couvent de Malet, Saint Come d’Olt to Estaing 18 km 11
Estaing to Golinhac – 22 km 13.67
Golinhac to Conques – 30 km 18.8 miles


Le Puy t0 Saint-Privat D'Alliers - 24 km 14.91 miles
Saint Privat to Saugues - 19 km 11.8 miles
Sauques to Le Villeret D'Apecher - 11.5 km 7.15
Le Villeret to Saint Alban Sur Limagnole - 21 km 13.o4
Saint Albam to Aumont-Aubrac - 14.5 km 9 miles
Aumont-Aubrac to Nasbinals - 26.5 km 16.46
Nasbinals to Saint-Chely d'Aubrac - 17 km 10.5
Saint-Chely to Saint Come D'Olt - 16 km 9.94
Sainte Come D’olt to Estaing - 17 km 10.5
Estaing to Golinhac - 16 km 9.9
Golinhac to Conques - 21 km 13 miles

Bonjour MissWOR Option 2 is more do-able but I would highly recommend trying to even-out the stages a bit more ... using the resources mentioned by ranthr and MichaelC above ... e.g. gronze <https://www.gronze.com/camino-santiago-le-puy> [ignore the suggested stages] and Godesalco <https://godesalco.com/plan/podense>. You might also like to try the «Wise Pilgrim» app ... also very good for Le Puy route planning ...

The information on distances with these resources is pretty accurate are may help allay any confusion / feeling of overwhelmingness ... and I can see why that might be the case ...

Do you have any sense on how far / how many kms you are comfortable walking? With this info, and keeping in mind track conditions [metres of ascent and descent], I can suggest a possible itinerary for you ... I will leave it up to you

 

[MissWOR]

could not agree more! and highly recommend Godesalco camino planner [per MichaelC’s suggestion] <https://godesalco.com/plan/podense> ... the distances on Godesalco are pretty accurate ... although accommodation options are not up-to-date

Bonjour MissWOR Option 2 is more do-able but I would highly recommend trying to even-out the stages a bit more ... using the resources mentioned by ranthr and MichaelC above ... e.g. gronze <https://www.gronze.com/camino-santiago-le-puy> [ignore the suggested stages] and Godesalco <https://godesalco.com/plan/podense>. You might also like to try the «Wise Pilgrim» app ... also very good for Le Puy route planning ...

The information on distances with these resources is pretty accurate are may help allay any confusion / feeling of overwhelmingness ... and I can see why that might be the case ...

Do you have any sense on how far / how many kms you are comfortable walking? With this info, and keeping in mind track conditions [metres of ascent and descent], I can suggest a possible itinerary for you ... I will leave it up to you

Big thank you to all of you who responded. I feel way less stressed out. No reason to stress. It's a wonderful thing to plan and I am excited more than I can say. Going to check the resources listed. Thanks again - Wendy

 

[jouffroy47]

Look not only at the distances but the difficulty of the terrain. There are lots of ups and downs in this stretch, lots of rocky paths. The modern GR65 was laid out by a French hiking association, after all. I'd allow 10 days. Gronze is quite helpful in this regard in rating the difficulty. If you get the spring rain it could slow you down even more, although the flowers are beautiful. Also I'd recommend you reserve at least your first few days as there are 4 French public holidays in May and this is probably the most popular month to walk, and the most walked portion of the trail.

 

[dfox]

• Gronze' stage profile shows the descent and ascent between Saint-Privat-d'Allier and Le Vernet quite steep.
• Gronze's Parrot describes the stage: The route is more complicated than that of the first stage, because here there are steep descents through the forest as at the exit of Rochegude, and a terrifying and steep slope , from Monistrol-d'Allier, in which it will be necessary to set foot on the ground .

The stage 2 profile and "to the parrot" sound "scary". Could someone kindly describe this section in greater details, will be very much appreciated. I did ok for the Napoleon route (Pyrenees) on CF.

 

[jumada]

Hello all,

First chemin for me. I am set with airfare and travel to Puy but am wondering how do I figure out the stages. Any ideas? I've seen two different versions going from Day 1 and so on.

I just read a thread here saying to go ahead and reserve lodging now which I am happy to do. I'm not sure how to figure out which day I will be where mostly because of the 2 very different lists that I've written below. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Many thanks for any guidance.

I walked the Via Podiensis in Sept and Oct of last year and loved it. I would suggest that you check the variety of posts on this forum at

• Voie du PUY-EN-VELAY (Le Puy en Velay - SJPP)

There you will find other posts regarding this route and many answers to your questions. The length of stages depend a lot on your own physical condition, the amount of time you have to walk this part of the route, and what accommodations are available. The majority of people you will meet on this route are French. Even knowing a few phrases will be useful and welcomed, but there are many who are willing to try out their English. I understand that May has many holidays so booking ahead would likely be a good idea. Because most of the gites provide a demi-pension option, it is necessary to always book 1-2 days ahead anyway. In many places, the gites are your only dinner option.
I found that the first week is the most difficult as the paths are very rocky and there are several ascents/descents. I am in my early 70s and managed just fine following your first option up to Le Sauvage, but many recommend breaking that first stretch up into 4-5 days, rather than 3.
The Miam Miam Dodo guidebook available from
Les Editions du Vieux Crayon
https://www.levieuxcrayon.com
is excellent, and though only available in French, it is easy to follow even if you don't speak the language. It provides maps, distances, gites with email addresses, etc, and what facilities are available in each village/town/city. As already stated in other posts, Gronze and the Wise Pilgrim app are also useful. If you are on Facebook, there is a Via Podiensis group that is excellent for information and seeking advice.
Bon chemin!

 

[MissWOR]

I walked the Via Podiensis in Sept and Oct of last year and loved it. I would suggest that you check the variety of posts on this forum at

• Voie du PUY-EN-VELAY (Le Puy en Velay - SJPP)

There you will find other posts regarding this route and many answers to your questions. The length of stages depend a lot on your own physical condition, the amount of time you have to walk this part of the route, and what accommodations are available. The majority of people you will meet on this route are French. Even knowing a few phrases will be useful and welcomed, but there are many who are willing to try out their English. I understand that May has many holidays so booking ahead would likely be a good idea. Because most of the gites provide a demi-pension option, it is necessary to always book 1-2 days ahead anyway. In many places, the gites are your only dinner option.
I found that the first week is the most difficult as the paths are very rocky and there are several ascents/descents. I am in my early 70s and managed just fine following your first option up to Le Sauvage, but many recommend breaking that first stretch up into 4-5 days, rather than 3.
The Miam Miam Dodo guidebook available from
Les Editions du Vieux Crayon
https://www.levieuxcrayon.com
is excellent, and though only available in French, it is easy to follow even if you don't speak the language. It provides maps, distances, gites with email addresses, etc, and what facilities are available in each village/town/city. As already stated in other posts, Gronze and the Wise Pilgrim app are also useful. If you are on Facebook, there is a Via Podiensis group that is excellent for information and seeking advice.
Bon chemin!

Thank you so much. I’ll check out that forum link. I speak French so that won’t be a problem!

Thanks to all! Excuse my brevity and not thanking you all individually! I’m working and stealing a forum moment

 

[MichaelC]

• Gronze' stage profile shows the descent and ascent between Saint-Privat-d'Allier and Le Vernet quite steep.
• Gronze's Parrot describes the stage: The route is more complicated than that of the first stage, because here there are steep descents through the forest as at the exit of Rochegude, and a terrifying and steep slope , from Monistrol-d'Allier, in which it will be necessary to set foot on the ground .

The stage 2 profile and "to the parrot" sound "scary". Could someone kindly describe this section in greater details, will be very much appreciated. I did ok for the Napoleon route (Pyrenees) on CF.

View attachment 140275

I remember it was a long climb but don't recall frightening parts. I don't like heights, & don't recall any parts that scared me. By contrast, there was a bridge in Spain that I had to inch over slowly. There are some boulders on the ascent, the kind that require you to use your hands to help you up. Not many. But I also spent the night in Monistrol d'Allier, so I started fresh.

There were a lot of plaques talking about the old days when the man-eating Beast of Gévaudan haunted these forests. There are a lot of myths about the beast, but it was probably just a werewolf ... so you won't be totally free from danger!

 

[AlwynWellington]

I just read a thread here saying to go ahead and reserve lodging now which I am happy to do. I'm not sure how to figure out which day I will be where mostly because of the 2 very different lists that I've written below. I am feeling a little overwhelmed. Many thanks for any guidance.

@MissWOR, kia ora (greetings, hope you are well)

First up: we are all different. In our abilities when starting. In our interests: what we stop and look at.

Because of my work and local training, when en route I was up before dawn and underway most days, at or before dawn. A way to achieve that is to go to bed dressed (bar shorts and shoes) ready to start.

My generic intention before leaving home was to do about 25 km each day.
And I looked at the Godesalco site and had so many combinations.

But, because I did not know what the conditions on the ground would be like (the hills didn't worry me but that is another long, long story) I decided to "just go with the flow".
And I am so glad I took the laid back approach: just one day at a time.

From Le Puy to Compostela, I only booked ahead (see b) below) on two or three occasions. And for one of those I was two days late arriving (another ... story).

Rather than get everything locked into place now, I suggest you:
a) book one or two night at Le Puy, to look around and maybe book St Privat d'Allier
b) each morning talk with your hostess, decide what is doable that day, have her book for the night

In the event my journey went quite smoothly. Conques was a 7 day trip for me including some near 40 km days. (I had nearly four years of training and gathering my equipment, so was more match-fit than I realised.)

To help you on your way I say to you kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, confident and patient)

 

[dfox]

Is baggage transfer or courier service available on Le Puy? Thanks,

 

[BlackRocker57]

Is baggage transfer or courier service available on Le Puy? Thanks,

Yes! La Malle Postale is the best-known and most popular [baggage transfer] service; also Transbagages from Le Puy to Conques plus Transports Claudine and a new service «les Valises de Saint-Jacques» from Cahors to StJPP

 

[mrosenlof]

I am starting to plan out my walk from Le Puy to Conques and beyond. I am tentatively planning 14 days for this stretch. If the stars and available beds align, that's my plan. The total distance is around 210 km, so that gives me an average of about 15 per day. This is the hilly part of the walk. I expect to start walking longer days after the first couple of weeks if feet and knees agree.

 

[BlackRocker57]

I am starting to plan out my walk from Le Puy to Conques and beyond. I am tentatively planning 14 days for this stretch. If the stars and available beds align, that's my plan. The total distance is around 210 km, so that gives me an average of about 15 per day. This is the hilly part of the walk. I expect to start walking longer days after the first couple of weeks if feet and knees agree.

Very sensible! I recommend taking your time on this stretch ... and enjoying all the wonderful scenery and impossibly beautiful villages ... bon courage et bon chemin

 

[AlwynWellington]

This is the hilly part of the walk.

The thing about hills is this: when you are striding up one you can always pause for a few moments and look back to see what you have achieved those many many kilometres away.

The only time, in my experience, where you can look ahead with clarity is at Arthez-de-Béarn. On this hill top commune I could see the Pyrenees I was to pass over four days later. This street level image, from the car park by the parish church, gives some idea - for me it was late afternoon and the distance was quite hazy.

​

Bon route and kia kaha (take care, be strong)

 

[MissWOR]

@MissWOR, kia ora (greetings, hope you are well)

First up: we are all different. In our abilities when starting. In our interests: what we stop and look at.

Because of my work and local training, when en route I was up before dawn and underway most days, at or before dawn. A way to achieve that is to go to bed dressed (bar shorts and shoes) ready to start.

My generic intention before leaving home was to do about 25 km each day.
And I looked at the Godesalco site and had so many combinations.

But, because I did not know what the conditions on the ground would be like (the hills didn't worry me but that is another long, long story) I decided to "just go with the flow".
And I am so glad I took the laid back approach: just one day at a time.

From Le Puy to Compostela, I only booked ahead (see b) below) on two or three occasions. And for one of those I was two days late arriving (another ... story).

Rather than get everything locked into place now, I suggest you:
a) book one or two night at Le Puy, to look around and maybe book St Privat d'Allier
b) each morning talk with your hostess, decide what is doable that day, have her book for the night

In the event my journey went quite smoothly. Conques was a 7 day trip for me including some near 40 km days. (I had nearly four years of training and gathering my equipment, so was more match-fit than I realised.)

To help you on your way I say to you kia kaha, kia māia, kia mana'wa'nui (take care, be strong, confident and patient)

Thanks for your reply and excuse my delayed response. Interesting, my middle name is Ora.
I've locked in a couple of days in Le Puy and 1 night in Saint-Privat and then 1 in Sauges. I just wrote the inn in Saugues to see where I should go next. Then I will play by ear based on what you and others have advised. I am more interested in Chambre d'hôtes!

Many thanks!!

 

[BillW]

• Gronze' stage profile shows the descent and ascent between Saint-Privat-d'Allier and Le Vernet quite steep.
• Gronze's Parrot describes the stage: The route is more complicated than that of the first stage, because here there are steep descents through the forest as at the exit of Rochegude, and a terrifying and steep slope , from Monistrol-d'Allier, in which it will be necessary to set foot on the ground .

The stage 2 profile and "to the parrot" sound "scary". Could someone kindly describe this section in greater details, will be very much appreciated. I did ok for the Napoleon route (Pyrenees) on CF.

View attachment 140275

I loved this stage, and don't recall it being scary at all. The views as you climb up out of Monistrol d'Allier are wonderful. On the way up, you pass Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine which is an ancient church built into a cave in the mountain. I was lucky enough to arrive right when a small prayer service took place.

I attached 4 photos to give you an idea. First two are of the descent that you mentioned. Third is of the view looking back into Monistrol d'Allier. Fourth is of Sainte Madeleine.

I hope that helps.

 

[AlwynWellington]

I'm not sure how to figure out which day I will be where

Kia ora @MissWOR (greetings and trust you are well)

I apologise for the distraction.

As to Chambres d'hôtes, I can only reiterate my first advice:

. Rather than get everything locked into place now, I suggest:
. b) each morning talk with your hostess, decide what is doable that day, have her book for the night

As before, bon route, kia kaha