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Here is what my wife and I did in 2016:I'm thinking about planning a Le Puy trek for next year and am reading through the Cicerone Guide, this forum and watching some youtube videos. The sources note it is less busy than the France' route yet then go on to note how booked up it is and the necessity to make reservations almost everywhere. I've been very privileged on my past Camino treks to enjoy the serendipity of not usually booking ahead. For me, I'm not saying for everyone, it is this difference that makes a Camino trek unique. I'm also a back country backpacker and am thinking maybe it would be best to camp at least some of it. Once in SJPD I would branch off onto the GR10 Pyrenees route to Hendaye. Actually, I'd prefer to hike the GR10 but don't have the time in the seasonal restrictions to do that full route in one epic hike. Is there a start date from Le Puy that would still allow for decent weather but see fewer trekkers?
Thank you
Frank
Thank you for the information. I'm like you,I prefer the freedom that backpacking with my tent provides. I found an app that lists 90+ campsites along the route. https://hiiker.app/trails/france/le-puy-en-velay/gr-65/accommodations . Thanks to everyone else as well for the replies, much appreciated.The way from Le Puy has less pilgrims walking, but also much less accommodation choice. That's why even though the numbers are lower, it can still be very "busy" at times.
Making reservations is also recommended because many gites in remote areas will only prepare food for the number of pilgrims that have made a reservation.
If you think you might want to camp at least part of it, I'd say that's a very good idea. The via podiensis has countless campsites, many gites will also allow you to camp in their garden for a reduced fee, and even wild camping / bivouac is usually tolerated if you do so in a respectful way (no fire, leave no trace).
I've got a campsite list for that way if you want one, but most campsites are also listed in the miam miam dodo, and also the gites that allow camping.
Edit to add more info: I walked 2017 in may, and 2022 in june. Took a tent both times. Only "needed" it three times in may but chose to camp more often. It was busy but not crowded and a lovely time to walk. Campsites almost empty and very quiet.
In june there were less walkers, gites often half empty. More people on the campsites but still quiet. I camped almost every night.
When I decided to stay in a gite, I did not make reservations and with the tent as a backup plan that worked perfectly for me. If you expect dinner, you should call at least midday of the same day though, to let the hosts know.
I found an app that lists 90+ campsites along the route. https://hiiker.app/trails/france/le-puy-en-velay/gr-65/accommodations .
This year, walking the Podiensis from Le Puy, it is truly as lovely as any Camino. But...it is France, so very different than walking on Spain.
Robo. See my post #2 above with a few thoughts and includes a link to an informative article by @andycohn discussing differences to the Frances.
In my experience the vast majority of people who walk the Le Puy Way enjoy it immensely and come to appreciate the differences.
I don’t think you should be worried. On the contrary.
@Robo - just to add. Le Puy itself is a beautiful town with where the camino - le Chemin - has a strong presence, a town well worth at least a day to visit. And the start from Le Puy Cathedral is something special - an early morning pilgrims mass and/or blessing to send you on your Way.Thanks, I have now read both the links and have started watching a few videos.
Looks great.
@Robo - just to add. Le Puy itself is a beautiful town with where the camino - le Chemin - has a strong presence, a town well worth at least a day to visit. And the start from Le Puy Cathedral is something special - an early morning pilgrims mass and/or blessing to send you on your Way.
Totally agree!@Robo - just to add. Le Puy itself is a beautiful town with where the camino - le Chemin - has a strong presence, a town well worth at least a day to visit. And the start from Le Puy Cathedral is something special - an early morning pilgrims mass and/or blessing to send you on your Way.
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!The French part was by far my favourite part. I was warned to forget it as I entered Spain, but I couldn't and pined for it the whole way.
It sounds like you should walk the Le Puy! You speak fluent French and already have the current MMD guide; two wins right off the bat! You can choose to continue on after SJPdP if you have the time and the energy.Plus I speak French fluently, and it would give me a good opportunity to brush up on it.
So anyway, I've just received vol. 1 of the current Miam Miam Dodo guide - let's see what happens....
yeah at this point, it seems hard to resist!It sounds like you should walk the Le Puy! You speak fluent French and already have the current MMD guide; two wins right off the bat! You can choose to continue on after SJPdP if you have the time and the energy.
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