Published 11 Jul 2022 Edition First Pages 296 Size 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.7cm This
guidebook describes in full the 735km Via Podiensis (GR65), a historic
pilgrimage route through southern France from Le Puy-en-Velay to
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where the trail meets the famous Camino Francés to
Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Also detailed are 2 major variants: the Célé
Valley (GR651) and Rocamadour (GR6 and GR46). Split into 28 stages, the full
route takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete but can be divided into shorter sections -
Figeac and Condom are well positioned to break the walk into three 2-week
chunks. It can be adapted to suit all abilities, with regularly spaced
accommodation and baggage transport available, and is best walked in spring and
autumn, with May and September the most popular months. Abundant accommodation
options offer a warm welcome to walkers and pilgrims and a chance to enjoy
delicious home-cooked meals made with local ingredients. Walking directions are
accompanied by 1;100,000 maps showing the route line and the facilities
available at different locations. Accommodation listings provide invaluable
information on where to stay. There are useful town maps for Cahors, Condom,
Figeac, Le Puy, Moissac and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and a stage planning table
listing intermediate distances between accommodation means the schedule can be
easily customised to individual requirements. The Via Podiensis leads pilgrims
and walkers through the best of French village life, offering a unique
combination of pleasant trails, quaint historic communities and cultural
delights. It passes through charming Estaing, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Lauzerte,
and visits pilgrim shrines including Conques and Rocamadour. Pilgrims carrying
on to Santiago can either proceed directly from Saint-Jean on the Camino Francés
or transition (via the GR10) over to the Camino del Norte - a skeletal outline
of the routes linking Saint-Jean and Irún, Spain, is included in the guidebook.