What public transport might be available in the event I can't do every stage - starting at Le Puy

[Kharv]

my hubby & I are planning to walk/run to Santiago starting at Le Puy early July. Sadly I have been having a knee problem which may rear its ugly head during our adventure. If this happened and I needed a rest day while he carried on, how easy is it for me to move from around in France by public transport? ( I'm hoping that I can just keep walking but just in case...)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There is very little public transport on the Chemin de Puy. You will have to use taxis.

 

[NualaOC]

Hi @Kharv , I did some 'googling' on that topic recently and found this service: http://www.bus-chemin-compostelle.com/
It seems to run between Le Puy and Conques. I haven't used it, but may do so next month to meet a friend who will be walking from Le Puy.

 

[SYates]

Welcome to the forum @Kharv

I met one pilgrim in 2014 that just hitched a ride with the luggage transport van when being in a similar situation. You also might want to consider to go easy on the 'run' part to save your knees. Bon Chemin, SY

 

[The_Moo]

It depends very much on where you are. There are towns that have bus services but that would need careful research.

Taxis are expensive and in small places very hard to book. We got caught out one time on the Le Puy, underestimated badly the time we'd take, stopped for very late afternoon lunch at an isolated cafe and asked the landlady to call a taxi so we could make it to our booked gite in time. She tried the local taxis none of whom had cars available at all. We hitched a lift in the end and arrived safe but wouldn't recommend it.

If you have the the Miam Miam Dodo, check all the villages and towns that have public transport and plan accordingly, you may need to travel to a stop that's a day's walk ahead of your partner and wait for him there.

 

[Magnara]

We had to cut out about 100 km towards the end because we our walking friends were running out of time, but we all still wanted to end in SJPP. We went to the local bus office in the nearest town and the man behind the counter arranged it all - connections in several towns and, being France, carefully allowed for time to "have a proper meal" at each place.

 

[Kitsambler]

Generally speaking, the bag-transport services are your best bet on the Le Puy route. There is bag service along the entire Le Puy-SJPP route, provided by different firms in different areas. Your gite host will be happy to call and make the arrangements. This will involve waiting at the gite for pickup, which might not be until afternoon. There is not, generally speaking, taxi service available to pick you up any time and any where. If you are in or near a larger town, it may be possible (if not a Sunday, Monday, or other local closing day).

And - speaking of running on the Le Puy route - have you seen the size of the cobblestones? There is quite a good percentage of the route where, even in stiff-soled hiking boots, one must be very careful about placing one's feet.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There is bag service along the entire Le Puy-SJPP route

They carry people, too, sometimes!!

There is not, generally speaking, taxi service available to pick you up any time and any where.

I went to an actual taxi office in Moissac on a Sunday, called, and still waited two hours for the taxi! It will be easier to start the day in a taxi than try to finish the day in a taxi; your host can call as opposed to you trying in the middle of a stage from a remote location.

 

[gittiharre]

La Malle Postale who are based in Le Puy do baggage and pilgrim transport along the route. If you Google them you find their website.

 

[NavyBlue]

Generally speaking, the bag-transport services are your best bet on the Le Puy route. There is bag service along the entire Le Puy-SJPP route, provided by different firms in different areas.

Hi,

For instance this company, which organises shuttles for pilgrims, as well as bag transport.

Edit : Sorry, Gittihare, I have seen your post afterwards.