hollinhead
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Vezelay (2017)
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The Vezelay route in general is notorious for having long distances (by my standards) between lodging, so a variant that offers even longer gaps would drive me to research lodging carefully, and enlist the Tourism Offices and tonight's lodging host in ensuring a bed for the next two nights.
Thanks all who've replied so far. I'm trying to keep it simple - what's the best choice to make for someone (my daughter) who isn't already road hardened and who only has 3or 4 days to experience a bit of the Camino with her dad!
Taxis at the beginning of the day to shorten the stage! It can be hard to find a taxi mid-stage, but your host can arrange a taxi to start the day.what's the best choice to make for someone (my daughter) who isn't already road hardened
Hi,Having walked the 'original' Vezelay route between Périgueux and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande instead of the Bergerac variant, I agree with LesBrass that there is more than one way south. Especially on the stretch between d'Anesse-et-Beaulieu to St-Astier.
There I could choose the path described in my guide or follow the Voie Vert along the river L'Isle through St-Astier and on to Mussidan. I choose the latter and had no regrets. After Mussidan it was back to the guide again because the Voie Vert continues to the west and the Vezelay route heads south.
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Hi,
Ive completed 3 caminos (Le Puy, Arles and Francais) and would now like to do the Vezelay route. How is the Vezelay route for accomodation and signs compared to the others? I speak "get by" french so receiving complicated directions can be problematic but I get by. Thinking of doing this in September. Would appreciate any feedback. thanks John
Thanks Purky,The Via Lemovicensis is a fantastic route, with just the right mix of solitude and people with the biggest hearts. Having said that, it is also a route that requires a bit more work and planning than you might be used to. As it is less travelled than for instance the Le Puy route, that also means less pilgrim infrastructure: fewer albergues, fewer shops, and more pavement and tarmac. But don't discount the Vézelay just because of that.
I got by on 30 euros a day in 2016, but that was the limit of my budget so I went rather basic (including tent). If you can spare a little more, life on the road will be easier. Do plan ahead at least a day (especially for weekends and mondays) in France when it comes to accommodation: call or let someone call to make a reservation so they know you're coming.
At all times keep some space allocated in your pack for food and drinks and be sure to buy it when you can: nothing worse than arriving somewhere to see everything closed or without shops/restaurants, and that will happen. Eat what you can, where you can, and prepare for some meagre days
I carried half a dozen hard boiled eggs as a rule, and always had some tins of fish and fruit ready. Bread is usually available everywhere, but again: get it while you can. Use the guide to find out where to shop and/or eat on the way.
I used the Vézelay guide published by the Dutch Association of Saint James. It's based on the Dutch translation of the famous "yellow" guide: Voie Historique de Vézelay by Monique Chassain. Great guide and also available in English. As a side note: there are two guides. One with the variant Nevers and the other with the route through Bourges. You can find them here. Accommodation listings are available as a download here
And just for your information: the Vezelay route has two places that still shine exceptionally bright in my memories and therefore come highly recommended IMHO. The first one is L'Esprit du Chemin in Le Chemin, 25 km after Vezelay on the Nevers variant. Arno & Huberta who run it are legends. The second one is the Moulin de Piis just after La Réole. It is an old watermill (renovated by local craftsmen) and a dreamlike location to spend the night. But remember to bring your own food and drinks if you sleep there. Small kitchen is available.
Waymarking overall is decent to very good, and with the aforementioned guide you won't have any problems. As I said, I loved it, and so do a lot of others. Check out this thread by GunnarW, who posted a lot of pictures of the section Vezelay-Limoges. If you have more questions, feel free to ask, or PM me.
How many days did it take you? How often did you sleep in the tent?
Hi Purky, is the train station in Vezelay and do you have a recommendation for my first night accommodation?Comparable to @jdpiguet, 34 days walking. I think I used my tent about four times but could have done without it. I sent it home when I reached St. Palais. I used it more in Belgium and on the Via Campaniensis.
Hi Purky, is the train station in Vezelay and do you have a recommendation for my first night accommodation?
john
Thank you. My wife is worried about water access. On the Le Puy route the Miam Dodo gave directions for water. Is that information available for the Vezelay?There is no station in Vézelay, but there is a bus stop from the train. The nearest train station is Sermizelles, about 10 km away. Timetables are available at the website of TER Bourgogne SNCF.
As far as accommodation goes, no real recommendation. I just walked into the first hostel I noticed. I'm not home right now so can't check where I stayed.
Thank you. My wife is worried about water access. On the Le Puy route the Miam Dodo gave directions for water. Is that information available for the Vezelay?
John
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