stores or markets open at Easter?

[cecelia]

Hello,
Easter in 2013 is March 31st. Does anyone have any information about whether grocery stores/markets will be open a few days before and a few days after? And for that matter what about gites or auberges?
Thanks

 

[Kitsambler]

Of course the details will vary with locality. Many gites/auberges are open seasonally; in MMD one sees the phrase "Paques a la Toussaint" (Easter to All Saint's) very frequently. For some, that will include the week before Easter. For others, it means they might be open as early as Easter, some days each week, if someone has made a reservation. The contact info for almost every lodging within a mile either site of the GR65 is given in MMD. So get a copy and start sending emails.

Since even normal weekends in France usually involve Sunday-Monday closures, and the major holidays in May frequently become four-day (Thursday through Monday) closures, Easter looms as something of a disaster for the unsuspecting traveler. While it should be possible to find some businesses open in the larger towns and cities (Le Puy, Figeac, Moissac, Condom), in the small towns and villages one should not expect to find anything.

Be prepared by shopping in advance. When you make your lodging reservations, check with your host on the local situation and ask for suggestions.

 

[cecelia]

Thanks very much Kitsambler. Yes - I have a copy of MMDD and a copy of Alison Raju's book and they're both full of information. I just wanted to get a general sense of the closures from those of you who are experienced on this route so your response is perfect.
Thanks again