Starting the camino in France

[Monique Plummer]

Dear forum,

I can't decide where to start my carmino walk in France? Or what to do with my pack? I will have about 10 days. Any suggestions are welcome!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Le Puy en Velay is the obvious starting point, and will include some of the nicest scenery. Other starting places are a bit more difficult to reach. The route is not paralleled by public transportation as is the Camino Frances in Spain.

 

[Harington]

Dear forum,

I can't decide where to start my carmino walk in France? Or what to do with my pack? I will have about 10 days. Any suggestions are welcome!

Vézelay in Burgundy is one of the main medieval starting points for the Santiago pilgrimage. It is also well worth visiting in its own right (the Sacred Hill, it is called) . There is a direct train from Paris-Bercy to Vézelay-Sermizelles.

 

[mspath]

Vezelay is, indeed, splendid!
Check out this Forum topic describing the Vezelay route.
This web describes Sainte Marie-Madeline which is the extraordinary Abbey church.
If you go you will remember it forever.

 

[Monique Plummer]

Thank you, this is a super suggestion! In terms of accomodation - would you recommend booking ahead - that seems like a lot of effort/ forward planning and I would rather the experience was more holistic! Let me know your thoughts if you have a moment.

 

[mspath]

Rarely in 10 years of walking alone late autumn/winter have I booked any place! Spontaneity is my choice. Perhaps you might enjoy reading about my 2008 camino walking to Vezelay from our farm at this blog link.

Happy planning and Bon chemin!

 

[jouffroy47]

There's also a new Facebook Group called "The Way of Saint James--Voie de Vezelay--Camino de Santiago" that has started up recently