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Congratulations! You'll have a wonderful time on a great route.I will arrive at Le Puy 5th of July.
The path is about one-third forest, one-third farm roads, and one-third lightly-travelled country paved roads (usually with shoulder walking). Some sections are the ancient Roman roads (with the original stones). In the hilly sections - which is the first half - the route goes straight up the hill rather than snaking back and forth in a series of switchbacks. As a consequence, this becomes a stream of water in rainy season, leaving behind many stones. You will want shoes with stiff soles, because of the many stones.What is the path like? Do I need my high mountain shoes or will Trail shoes (Hoka) be enough?
In July, yes. Gites have blankets available on request.I have decided to bring a liner to sleep in. Will this be enough?
Yes, but please learn a few basic words anyhow, as the French really appreciate that you make the effort. You will find the Swiss, Germans, Dutch, and Canadians will all operate in English; the gite owners will seat the English-speakers together at dinner. Take the demi-pension option whenever it is available.And will I survive without speaking French?
Hi. I am starting 8th July from Le Puy. My third time on this all time favourite route of mine. Pays to book ahead as far as Conques...me thinks, but who knows....I will arrive at Le Puy 5th of july. This is my first time walking a camino so I have a few questions
What is the path like? Do I need my high mountain shoes or will Trail shoes (Hoka) be enough?
I have decided to bring a liner to sleep in. Will this be enough?
Is it really so many people walking that I have to prebook every day to get a bed?
And will I survive without speaking french :-D? I am Norwegian, I do not expect to meet to many scandinavians but there are some english speaking people i HOPE, so I do not end up totally insane without someone to talk to now and then
Really can`t waite to get started!
Hi. I am starting 8th July from Le Puy. My third time on this all time favourite route of mine. Pays to book ahead as far as Conques...me thinks, but who knows....
The standard French practice is to call a day ahead. If you were walking in the really popular months, May and September, which have big hiking groups booking out the lodgings, then booking the first section in advance would be recommended. Fr July, though, I think this is not necessary. One day in advance should be ok.Just to clarify, are you recommending to plan out the whole first 10-12 days?
Maybe we will meet on the wayHi. I am starting 8th July from Le Puy. My third time on this all time favourite route of mine. Pays to book ahead as far as Conques...me thinks, but who knows....
I went Le Puy - SdC in 2009, starting mid August, in goretex joggesko. I managed with them but on stony paths I felt almost every stone through the sole. I have been back on the French route twice, then in lightweight boots with a stiff soles, not mountain boots, and that felt better.
As Kitsambler said, you should book ahead!
Be aware that it might be difficult to find somewhere to get food in France during weekends, on Mondays, and outside lunchtime (11.30-13.30) and dinnertime(19-21). There needn't be any other place to eat than in the gite, so book demi-pension and buy some "nødmat" when you see an open shop. I was always hungry on my first walk in 2009 and lost a lot of kg.
I am Norwegian too, learnt some French in school 50 years ago. Try to learn some frases that you can use if you have to call to book a bed. I always asked whether they spoke English. If the answer was no, I tried to speak French but they then often turned to English.
Some days I was the only nonfrechspeaking person but at dinner time some people tried to communikate. Most French people, some Canadians, Belgic, Germans.
All French people you meet are very polite. Both grownups and children will greet you with Bonjour! Bonne route! Sa va bien?
I wish you bonne route! The route is sometimes demanding but beautiful.
booking the first section in advance would be recommended. Fr July, though, I think this is not necessary. One day in advance should be ok.
I am working hard to learn some french
Hi, do you think I would need to book ahead in August? I know its the french holiday month as well. Thank you.The standard French practice is to call a day ahead. If you were walking in the really popular months, May and September, which have big hiking groups booking out the lodgings, then booking the first section in advance would be recommended. Fr July, though, I think this is not necessary. One day in advance should be ok.
So, in August the weather is quite hot and also as you say, the French take their holidays. This means there are fewer walkers. It also means that the lodging owners are likely to take a holiday themselves.Hi, do you think I would need to book ahead in August? I know its the french holiday month as well. Thank you.
Hi, do you think I would need to book ahead in August? I know its the french holiday month as well. Thank you.
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