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Hi, Everyone! First time camino and I'm starting in Le Puy on Sept. 3 and going all the way. Since I've never done it before, I don't really know what to expect, and I'd like to be somewhat prepared. I will also be going by myself.
I found a thread that talks about what to expect on the CF, and in that thread someone mentioned that a typical day on the Le Puy is very different from the CF, but did not elaborate beyond that.
So, what is a typical day like? How is it different? What can I expect? Are the walking hours different? It sounds like most people on the CF try to stop walking by 2, but I saw a thread here where someone was told to be somewhere for pickup at 5 pm.
What are meal times? Do places close in the afternoon? Weekends?
I have my copy of MMDD. Is calling ahead that morning enough time? Are there specific hours for making reservations? Do you have to be there by a certain time after making a reservation?
Also, if I'm spending ~80 days on the camino, will I need more than one passport?
Do I need separate plug adaptors for France and Spain?
Thanks for the help!
Are there specific times that places close or does it vary? 12 pm, 2 pm? Are places closed all day Monday, or just the first part of the day?
If I do want to eat at a restaurant for lunch, is there a proper time for that? Or should I just plan on packing a lunch every day?
Hey there, as mentioned don't worry you will soon find your rhythm on this route. Packed lunch is normally the way to go. You can sometimes get something in a village along the way but its not usual. The MMD has info on services en route which is handy. DP is a good option alright but also keep an eye out for places you can cook too. A meal shared with other pilgrims is lovely. Your passport should last til St Jean P de P but you may need to get a new one there to last til Santiago. Shops wise I checked the evening before (opening hours were normally on the shop or boulangerie door or window) and bought that evening if necessary. Best of luck!Thanks, I appreciate the replies. I have some basic French. I took 4 years in high school, which doesn't mean much, but I know basic grammar and enough vocabulary that it will probably help. I'm nowhere near conversational, but I won't be totally lost, only mostly lost.As long as they're not too bothered by my terrible accent, I will try.
I am planning on easing into it, but I'm not really sure what that means yet.
I'm definitely planning on doing the demi-pension. It seems like the best way to go.
Are there specific times that places close or does it vary? 12 pm, 2 pm? Are places closed all day Monday, or just the first part of the day?
If I do want to eat at a restaurant for lunch, is there a proper time for that? Or should I just plan on packing a lunch every day?
La « crédenciale » (= passeport du pèlerin) is available at the cathedral when it is open (hours a bit irregular).Can I get a pilgrim passport (what are they called in French - anyone know?) in Le Puy? is there a possibility that he can get a scallop shell in Le Puy, the way I did in SJPdP?
Call ahead and be sure it is part of your reservation. The French are daily shoppers, and the chambres refrigerator is not usually stocked to feed unexpected guests. I even dined in a restaurant on a Saturday night that turned away all the customers after our party because they had no more food. It was closed Sundays, and planned only a certain amount of food for the week (information courtesy of an English speaking French woman who adopted us).I'm hoping to get demi-pension as much as I can.
We are three quarters of the way through it. I agree with the above but want to add a few things. The feel of the Chemin is very different. The French are on their Rondenee and you will not hear Bon Chemin very much at least in the first half. Lots of Bon Jours. I expected the quantity of French people and the French language but i didnt realiz how that would affect me. I spent many days at a dining table not understanding much, wanting to contribute but couldn't. Very few French speak English and no matter how I planned for it, it still didn't feel good. I loved the Frances because 50% of my enjoyment of the Frances were the people and the communication. This wasn't there on the Le Puy. I am glad I am here and completing the Le Puy, but if the Camino is your first time I highly recommend the Frances. The feel is totally different. Most of the Le Puy is about the Rondonee and not about the Camino and the pilgrimage. Would be interested in your opinion when you finish!
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