Weather conditions in March/April - guidence needed

[SunnyT]

I am hoping to start from Le Puy during the last week of March and trying to decide what clothing I will need and if I should also need my tent.

What do you think I should plan to expect?

Obviously want to travel as light as possible.

Also can I rely on shops, cafes etc being open for food so that I do not have to carry that as well.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It will be cold in places. Many places do not open until April, so there will be some closures. Store chains are not seasonal, so Petit Casino and the like will be open. Cafes in small towns may be seasonal, as are some of the accommodations. Look for low cost hotels and chambres d'hote. Demipension may be your best bet if restaurants are closed (seasonal, Sunday, or Monday).

Bon chemin.

 

[cecelia]

I walked from Le Puy, starting April 2nd in 2013. I encountered a LOT of mud - sometimes 6" deep or more, paths that were a steady stream of water on hills, 4" of snow at Domane du Sauvage, some of which lasted for a few days, much rain in the first couple of weeks. The pictures were taken April 5th - 7th. The snow was a welcome relief from the mud as it remained frozen for a few days
It was all beautiful!!!

 

[scruffy1]

Chemin Vezelay has seious mud the words "très humide" appear often in their guides, not meaning very wet but rather down right boggy - wading boot time - or pontoons. Le Puy has snow - the Aubrac plateau is cold even in June and freezing the rest of the year. Well marked, I walked in March/April into into a blizzard and found the Chemin was marked by 2 meter poles! Leaving Aumont-Aubrac in absolute miserable weather and a freezing wind I turned off to Prinsuejols and the Le Relais de Prinsuejols - a wonderful wonderful inn, great warming food (pot-au-peu!), kind host, nice fire and a warm communal gite. Check opening dates on all the gites, many are registered as being open from Easter until Toussaint (All Saints Day) many were not! Call ahead to be sure. Bon Marche Bon Camino!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Depends on the year.
I walked from Lourdes a few years back and it was mostly sunny in mid-April to early May.
Saw a few days of sprinkles.
Didn't see snow until the border.
That was AFTER I'd lost my fleece because I was HOT.