Paris to Le Puy

[HeatherWriter]

Heading to Le Puy somewhere at the beginning of September; what is the best/easiest way from Paris?
Thanks, Heather

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Heather, you can take the train. There will be several options, depending on the time of day you want to leave Paris/arrive in Le Puy. The journey will involve a change of train to a more regional train- perhaps at St Etienne, but I think I changed at Clermont-Ferrand. I have always found the staff pretty helpful at the info/ticket desk, where they usually print out several options for you to look at, and choose from.
Margaret

 

[HeatherWriter]

Thanks Margaret-I have already worked out that you are one the experts on this forum! One more thing: my French is pretty limited' I'll be doing a term of study before I go. Do you think basic French would be sufficient?

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Most of the pilgrims on the route will be French speaking, (though there might be quite a few German speakers.) I found that there was a real sense of community on the Le Puy route, and other pilgrims were ready to help those who didn't speak French.

One woman from South Africa carried a mobile phone, worked out which gîte she wanted to reserve in by looking at the Miam Miam Dodo guide, and always found a French speaker willing to ring on her behalf. There are some French pilgrims who speak a bit of English, and also where there are tourist offices there is often someone who speaks some English. The main issue you might face without speaking much French is that it could be a little lonely, and you will probably love banging into fellow English speakers, as we are a fairly rare breed along the route.

All the best. It's a beautiful route, with lots of interesting historical towns and villages to walk through.
Margaret

PS Heather, there are some others who've walked the Le Puy route on the Forum, and I am sure they will jump in with help. I am going to be pretty much off-Forum from tomorrow as I am leaving for another walk in France.

 

[HeatherWriter]

Thanks and have a great trip.

 

[ranthr]

Bonne route, Heather and Margaret!
Randi

 

[Kitsambler]

@Heather: I took the TGV from Charles DeGaulle airport, changed to a regional at Lyon, and changed again to a local at St Ettiene. I recommend grabbing a sandwich and beverage at the train stations (they have some tasty and amazing offerings). Also, the more French you know, the more comfortable you will feel. Try to get a grip on the usual pleasantries and how to order in restaurants. There are several free language-training web sites you could use; http://www.livemocha.com is one of my favorites.

@Margaret: Bon Chemin, dear! I'll be walking from Prague on 14 May, leaving through Paris 14-16 June. Let me know if our paths will cross.