as you will be walking in april, be prepared for possible snow on margeride and aubrac plateaus. its has been known to snow there in may and even in june. also, the winds up there might be wild.
if you don't speak french, a good bet is to go to the local tourist office and ask there for info and to reserve you a bed for a day in advance. several non-french-speaking pilgrims have tried this option and it works very well. but as this is still early in the season, all tourist offices might not be open yet.
you can also ask the owner of the accommodation you are staying at to help you with the reservation for the next night. or a fellow pilgrim with french skills. (pastries welcome
)
it is advisable to reserve ahead for several reasons.
- the first 10 days of the route are also the most popular, but since you are going so early, this may not be such a problem.
- french people tend to hike in groups and reserve ahead.
- if you call, the owners will know you are coming and will heat up the facility.
- if you are taking half-pensions, the owners will know to buy and prepare food for you (and you preferences, if you have any).
- you will know that the gite is open.
- owners will not take a day off if they will know you are coming.
- they will expect you and if you don't snow up for whatever reason, they will probably try contacting you to see where you are. especially if the weather is not favourable.