Le Puy vs. Frances

[Emily C]

Hi guys!

I walked from Le Puy to Moissac two years ago, and this summer I'll do the Frances for the first time (SJPdP to León starting the last week of May), and I'm looking so much forward! Those of you who have done both: How would you describe the differences between the two caminos? Which one did you like the most?

All the best,

Emily

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I prefer the Le Puy route. It is a walk with the French (pilgrims and hosts). The Camino Frances is a walk with other pilgrims. Both are quite scenic and populated with friendly people.

 

[NavyBlue]

Hi Emily,

Falcon269 gave you the short answer. You will find a long discussion here (but the general opinion is similar to Falcon's) :

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/the-le-puy-route.50/

 

[Kanga]

They both are wonderful, in their own way. I've walked the Le Puy twice, I'd walk it again without hesitation except there are so many other wonderful routes to explore, and I've walked the Camino Francés five times. In terms of landscape I think the Le Puy wins, but I find it easier to walk the CF - not for physical reasons, but because the infrastructure is so easy. Only 8 kilometres between coffee stops, lots of places to stay, lots of people to talk to along the way. Also my Spanish is better than my French. On the Le Puy I can feel a bit isolated; I never feel that way on the CF.