PARIS to LE PUY-EN-VELAY

We left Paris this morning boarding a 10am express to Lyons (2 hours) and then a 10 minute scramble to the connecting train to Le Puy-en-Velay (2 hours), which is the starting point of our next walk, La Via Podiensis.

Arriving in Le Puy-en-Velay

 

Ready for our next adventure

 

 For the first ten days we will follow this route to Conques where Julie and Bob will leave us and we will continue on through south-east France and over the Pyrenees to complete the Camino Frances in Santiago de Compostella. 

 

Via Podiensis - Le Puy-en-Velay to Conques
Stage 1 of the Camino de Santiago de Compostella

 

Le Puys-en-Velay is a major town in the Haute-Loire region in south-east France. It is 625m above sea level and has a population of 29,000 people. It is famous for its Chapel of Saint Michel d'Aiguilhe (the needle) which was built high on a rocky peak by Godescalc, Bishop of Le Puy, after his pilgrimage to Santiago in 951 AD. Le Puy is now one of the major starting points of the camino. It is noted for lentils and lace-making. It is also a very attractive town with narrow streets full of activity with interesting shops and cafes.




Le Puy-en-Velay with rocky outcrops caused by volcanic activity



We are staying  above the Agapi, a tea-house cafe, in Asian-style rooms, all assigned speciality tea names. We are in the Darjeeling room and Julie and Bob are in Yunnan. It is right in the middle of the old town and very convenient.

Our room is on the third floor

 

Up ancient narrow wooden steps to our room.
 Quite a feat with a heavy pack.

 

Our bedroom - not a square angle in this 16th century building

 

We had meal at a local restaurant, recommended for its local fare. A simple but filling meal. 

 

 

Local specialities - sausages and Le Puy lentils

 Tomorrow we intend to spend looking around the town before setting off on our walk on Sunday. It is quite cool today, being higher in the mountains, so it should be very pleasant hiking weather.

M&M
31/8/12
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