HIking through France for 2 weeks

Old Apr 30th, 2017, 12:09 PM
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HIking through France for 2 weeks

I am thinking of taking two weeks this summer to celebrate my 50th. When I was married, I trekked 40 miles in 6 days to Macchu Piccu (2012) and am craving another hiking trip. I used to be fluent in French and am so rusty, so figured I could combine hiking and speaking French....but I will be going alone and would like some ideas on where to stay. I don't think I want to do day trips from Paris the whole time, but maybe spend a few days on the front or back end there. Any suggestions for towns in the Pyrenees or the French Alps would be appreciated. I like to stay in nice places but would likely be amenable to a nice, friendly B&B. I also might work in a few days near Canne or Biarritz....I'm just starting to think about this, which is why I'm a bit all over the map, so to speak. Oh, and not inclined to do Backroads trip- thought about it but want to be entrenched with the language, so being with a group of Americans isn't appealing. Thanks in advance!
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 12:31 PM
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I've enjoyed 2 walking visits in France, one in the Loire from chateau to chateau and another along the Burgundy Canal. I stayed in hotels & B&Bs along the way, carried a day pack with all I need. If either option appeals I can provide more details.

I usually don't do walks from a single location as I like to feel I'm actually traveling on foot. To me there's a big difference, psychologically I guess one could say. It's something to consider along with all the rest in your planning. I began my walking in my 50s.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 01:18 PM
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You could do the chemin de Saint Jacques in the Auvergne

https://www.nationalparkstraveler.co...ce-part-124141
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 01:20 PM
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You might have a look at a website, ilovewalkinginfrance.com. Melinda walks as I do, in a line rather than a circle and has guides available for various parts of the country. She's also happy, in my experience, to answer questions and give advice.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 01:34 PM
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You aren't going to get much practice talking if you are hiking by yourself.

I read a book about this which you might enjoy, and it's right in the area you are talking about, around the Pyrenees as I recall. It's a bit old but still might give you ideas about places, or at least get you in the mood.

https://www.amazon.com/Miles-Morland...ne_cont_book_1

I see it only has 3* review, but since you can get a used copy for five cents, why not.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 05:20 PM
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Thanks for the input. The solo hiking will hopefully give me some much needed personal growth, and the conversations can occur where I land, hopefully. I really need some guidance on good villages that I can get to in a line- I suppose reaching out to Melinda sounds like a good idea.Thanks again.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 05:32 PM
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MmePerdu- that website is PERFECT!!! It's exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you! Now i just need input from people who have done the different options!
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 05:48 PM
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Is the "road to Campostolo", or however it's spelled, appealing?

That starts somewhere in France, goes thru Conque and I think maybe Albi, and ends in Spain.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 05:54 PM
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Melinda and I discussed some options I was considering in the southwest and she suggested I go back to the Burgundy Canal for a variety of reasons. If you plan to do walks from a base location and return there every day the issues are different than if you continue on. Some areas are short on places to stop at night so staying in 1 place can be a better idea, assuming there are enough local walks to keep it interesting.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 06:02 PM
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MmePerdu- I'd like to learn more about your two experiences and the rigor of each. I'd like a decent challenge, but also like the idea of staying in chateaus....is there a way to email you through this site?
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 06:34 PM
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The site where I blog is on my profile page. They have a contact option.
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 07:31 PM
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Hi JAD867
(Thank you for the mention MmePerdu )
The last section (one week of walking) of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques has the beautiful mountain scenery of the Pyrénées but the villages are mostly very small with accommodation falling into the basic through quaint and charming range.
The section of the Chemin de Saint-Jacques that leads into Le-Puy-en-Velay from Geneva would have the kind of scenery you are looking for, I imagine, but I haven’t done it so can’t be sure.
I love the section from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Conques. The scenery is beautiful, the villages are gorgeous and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise your French with other walkers or accommodation hosts.
There are plenty of photos on my website http://ilovewalkinginfrance.com/walk...ilgrims-trail/
Don’t hesitate to ask if there is anything in particular you’d like to know.
Melinda
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Old Apr 30th, 2017, 08:13 PM
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Greetings Melinda! Just the one we need!

(Joanna)
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Old May 1st, 2017, 02:58 PM
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Melinda,
Thank you so much for weighing in!. " I love the section from Le-Puy-en-Velay to Conques. The scenery is beautiful, the villages are gorgeous and you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practise your French with other walkers or accommodation hosts." This sounds ideal.....is there a set itinerary or is it fluid? I doubt I want to go back to my backpacking days and carry every item from place to place- is it possible to arrange in advance for luggage transport?

Thanks again,
Jill
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Old May 1st, 2017, 04:14 PM
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OFFICIALLY BOOKED TICKET! JULY 5TH - 19TH (much better fare than weekend travel). Want ideas for spending a few days in a beach town on back end, ideally....spent 10 days in paris for my 40th so not terribly worried about building in time there this trip.
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Old May 1st, 2017, 04:20 PM
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Jill, as I mentioned above, taking enough with you in a small pack for your walking days isn't what I think of as backpacking, maybe 10 pounds with a change of clothes and a few essentials. I leave my main piece of luggage at a hotel at the beginning of the walk, somplace easy to return at the end.

I tried one time in England having my bag moved as I went and it was just an expensive nuisance, completely unnecessary and have never done it again. Even with the very small pack there are items I could have done without. The secret is having the right clothing that rinses in the sink and dries overnight. It's possible to do it with just 1 set but I like to have a change after a shower in the afternoon.
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Old May 1st, 2017, 04:29 PM
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Fair enough and duly noted! I have a quick question- where is Conque on your site? I only see:
Le-Puy-en-Velay to Aumont-Aubrac on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques du-Puy.

In my other reading, it looks like the Occitanie region would suit me- and I think you cover some of that b/c I saw Carcassone on your site and in that region. I want some mountains and water in addition to the quaint villages (ideally)
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Old May 1st, 2017, 11:12 PM
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If Aubrac is in the Quercy, Conques is between Le Puy and Aubrac.
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 02:55 AM
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You might want too look at some of the Grande Randonnée trails in the Périgord. We have big hills (I wouldn't call them mountains), rivers and lakes, châteaux, prehistoric sites galore, fabulous food, and beautiful walking trails and villages. If you planned it right you could spend a day or two in La Rochelle or Ile de Ré at the end of the trip. Just a thought (to me, this region is a good deal prettier than the area around Conques)
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Old May 2nd, 2017, 03:33 AM
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Hi Jill,
Conques is along the next section between Aumont-Aubrac and Figeac – covered here on my website http://ilovewalkinginfrance.com/aumo...rac-to-figeac/ There is no set itinerary. If you read through to my suggested itinerary, I give the distances between the villages. Pick villages at a distance apart that suits you and plan accordingly.
There is another section on the website which documents all the steps I use when planning a walk ( http://ilovewalkinginfrance.com/from...ng-to-walking/ ). I use my walk last year along the GR 70 Chemin de Stevenson as an example but the steps can be applied to any walk. (And remember the distances are already available on the ‘suggested itinerary’ pages
I confess I always have my luggage transferred and only carry a daypack with water, snacks, rain gear, camera etc. I use La Malle Postale ( http://www.lamallepostale.com/fr/ ) who charge 7 or 8 euros per stage.
If any of that is confusing, I’m happy to explain further.
Good luck!
Melinda
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