Starting Le Puy on Sat

[Leigh Macklin]

It's been a tiring adventure getting from my home in Hamilton Canada to Le Puy. A bus, two plans and 3 trains.

Got here safely, dropped off my backpack and just bought my poles and credential. Time for a much needed break before crashing tonight.

 

[Kitsambler]

Be sure to make the pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral before you depart. Mind the heat and Bon Chemin!

 

[Murk]

Be sure to make the pilgrim's mass at the Cathedral before you depart. Mind the heat and Bon Chemin!

In your experience, how accessible is the mass for someone speaking (very) limited French?

 

[Pafayac]

In your experience, how accessible is the mass for someone speaking (very) limited French?

From my point of view the major reason for going to the mass (with pilgrims blessing) do not require french:
- the number of pilgrims from various origin and various believing.
- the friendliness of the ceremony
- the surprise at the end (I will not tell you in order to keep it a surprise !)

 

[Former member 104756]

It's been a tiring adventure getting from my home in Hamilton Canada to Le Puy. A bus, two plans and 3 trains.

Got here safely, dropped off my backpack and just bought my poles and credential. Time for a much needed break before crashing tonight.

Bonjour Leigh. Love the photo. Le Puy en Velay looking as inviting as ever

When you are close to Lectoure - feel free to send me a Private message. We live in Lectoure and I’m always happy to meet pilgrims passing through or stopping for the night.

It’s a glorious path. And yes, mind the heat - usually hottest mid to late afternoon. Bon chemin.

 

[Bill's_Walking]

Bon Chemin!

 

[Kitsambler]

In your experience, how accessible is the mass for someone speaking (very) limited French?

Well, that depends on how well you know your way around a relatively standard Catholic liturgy. I grew up Lutheran, and have been an Episcopalian for many years, so the sequence of the liturgy was familiar. There is enough commonality between English and French, that I could tell where in the process we were. I understood not a word of the sermon, and the hymns were not familiar. But the language of the soul does not use words, so I found it spiritually enriching despite my lack of French proficiency. Catholics will tell you that only Catholics can receive communion, but the rest of us are welcome to go forward (cross arms over your chest) to receive a blessing.

 

[Dani7]

Love love love the photo. This fellow Canadian wishes you Buen Camino, Bon chemin.

 

[hikingcat]

Wishing you a bon chemin.

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

Bon Chemin! Enjoy the DELICIOUS food along the path. I was in absolute foodie heaven when I walked that route.

 

[Traveller44]

It's been a tiring adventure getting from my home in Hamilton Canada to Le Puy. A bus, two plans and 3 trains.

Got here safely, dropped off my backpack and just bought my poles and credential. Time for a much needed break before crashing tonight.

Leigh, i was wondering where you bought your poles?

 

[BlackRocker57]

Bon chemin, bonne continuation

 

[GailGwyn]

In your experience, how accessible is the mass for someone speaking (very) limited French?

I have an app on my phone with the daily Mass reading, so I can follow that part in English no matter what country I am in.

 

[Leigh Macklin]

Leigh, i was wondering where you bought your poles?

Boutique du Pelerin. A 5.min walk from my hotel and close to the cathedral. Two poles and credential for 36 Euro.

 

[Leigh Macklin]

If yesterday was day -1, today was day zero. I meant to take a day to see Le Puy on Bastille day. Good thing that was accounted for because after mass I sat in my hotel and couldn't eat. Despite being a hefty person...my stomach was asleep and refused to eat. The lovely receptionist loaded me up with fresh orange juices and croissants. Had a 7 hour nap then stocked up on food for the next two days. Note: After the blessing I cried. While I've been busy with my religious community it was my 1st service back in person since covid and cancer. Surprisingly emotional.

 

[Robert Long]

Don't miss the morning mass for pilgrims. I'll never forget it. Great sendoff.

You will just love the route the GR65 takes you.

Buen Camino

 

[Miki Goldie]

It's been a tiring adventure getting from my home in Hamilton Canada to Le Puy. A bus, two plans and 3 trains.

Got here safely, dropped off my backpack and just bought my poles and credential. Time for a much needed break before crashing tonight.

 

[Miki Goldie]

Hi Leigh.
I've just finished (Le Puy - St Jean)in June and had no incident, fantastic scenery and every church is open!. It was quite challenging for the first 10 days so I took it easy. Glad to hear you bought sticks as a 28 year old South African girl (after 3 days) fell, going down a mountain, broke her leg in 2 places, got airlifted back to a Le Puy hospital then flown home. She had a pin put in. She didn't have poles! Bon Chemin!

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Bonjour Leigh. Love the photo. Le Puy en Velay looking as inviting as ever

When you are close to Lectoure - feel free to send me a Private message. We live in Lectoure and I’m always happy to meet pilgrims passing through or stopping for the night.

It’s a glorious path. And yes, mind the heat - usually hottest mid to late afternoon. Bon chemin.

I'll be overnighting in Lectoure around 31 Aug, I hope. I'd be delighted to meet a fellow forum member and get advice.

 

[BillW]

I'll be overnighting in Lectoure around 31 Aug, I hope. I'd be delighted to meet a fellow forum member and get advice.

FWIW... three options in Lecture to consider.

1) There are some hot springs. It's essentially an indoor pool fed by the springs. Warning, men must wear speedos. That was a non-started for me, so I passed.

2) There is a beautiful outdoor public pool. It was closed for the season when I passed through.

3) Climb the tower. You get the key at the tourism office. I was the only one up there. It was great. Strongly recommend.