Which is the harder hike in April?

[Gary94123]

Le Puy to Conques, France or Oviedo to Lugo, Spain

 

[Antonius Vaessen]

I don't think that the difference in hardness is big. Probably the Le Puy routes winst. An important difference in sociale hardness is that the common language in Spain will most probably be english on the Le Puyroute it will be french. The great majority of walkers will be french

 

[Gary94123]

Many thanks! By harder, I meant the steepness and distances of the stages. The primitivo for me was a bit difficult in spots. Is the Le Puy route to Conques as steep?

My French is just a little bit better than my Spanish, but both are very limited.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Many thanks! By harder, I meant the steepness and distances of the stages. The primitivo for me was a bit difficult in spots. Is the Le Puy route to Conques as steep?

I have walked both and prior to walking the Le Puy to Auvillar, I had the same question (and fear) at the time, wondering if the terrain was going to be more difficult than the Primitivo. Although very different routes in many ways, I felt that one was not noticably more difficult than the other. I am willing to put up with more of a struggle in climbing/steepness when the trade-off of the beauty surrounding me is stunning. For me that's always been worth the extra push I needed. I'm glad I didn't let prior fear dissuade me and if you decide to go, you will love the Le Puy!

 

[Gary94123]

I have walked both and prior to walking the Le Puy to Auvillar, I had the same question (and fear) at the time, wondering if the terrain was going to be more difficult than the Primitivo. Although very different routes in many ways, I felt that one was not noticably more difficult than the other. I am willing to put up with more of a struggle in climbing/steepness when the trade-off of the beauty surrounding me is stunning. For me that's always been worth the extra push I needed. I'm glad I didn't let prior fear dissuade me and if you decide to go, you will love the Le Puy!

Thank you so much. You have really nailed my question. I have my airline ticket and now just need to get past the fear of steeps. I'm not concerned too much about the weather, as I expect anything and everything in April.

 

[Former member 104756]

I agree with @Camino Chrissy The Le Puy route is wonderful. And as @Antonius Vaessen says, many walkers will be French. Walking a camino in France is in some ways very different to walking in Spain - which, in my mind, is a worthwhile challenge and adventure in itself.

The Le Puy Way in 2014 was my third Camino after twice on the Frances. The first few days I found a little disorienting - it was so different to my earlier caminos. I wondered if I had made an error in not walking once again in Spain. But once I let go of those thoughts, I became lost in the beauty of the path and came to appreciate the way of the French gites. If you can embrace the differences, rather than compare - I suspect you will find, like many others have done, that the Le Puy Way is a wonderful experience. Irrespective of any language barriers, the French people are kind and generous hosts. And the food ... It remains one of my favourite caminos, albeit among many favourites!

And, more relevant to your question - the terrain between Le Puy and Conques is physically challenging - but worth the effort. Bon chemin.