ESPAGNE

Towards Compostela – How far should I travel?

PATHS 06 – TOWARDS COMPOSTELLE … WHAT DISTANCE TO COVER?

The choice of distance to walk will be dictated by the number of days available on site, your daily walking distance limit and the type of terrain.

WHAT IS MY DAILY WALKING LIMIT?

For example, if you are used to walking and your limit is about 25 km / day – that is to say about 6 to 7 hours of regular walking at 4 km / hour on a moderately uneven terrain – you can theoretically claim to be able to cover a total distance of 250 km if you have 10 days or 350 km (14 days).

But this calculation – very theoretical – is not at all realistic since you will also have to take into account a few days of adaptation to get your body used to a new regular and sustained effort, a few breaks while walking to recover, a full day of rest from time to time, a little flexibility in the program, the vagaries of the weather and possibly an injury – even a slight one – that could slow you down.

All the more so if it is a first experience for a beginner hiker and without any real knowledge of his or her walking abilities over several days in a row. In short, prudence and moderation should be the main guidelines when choosing the total distance to be covered, even if it means changing the route later.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF THE STAGES TO COMPOSTELA?

On a route, the average length of the day-stops is not really significant but rather their number and their respective distances. As an example, and as noted in a specialized and renowned guidebook about two of the most famous routes to Compostela:

Voie du Puy (France)

Approximately 750 km – Average / stage : 23 km – 32 stages including 7 over 30 km – 6 between 30 and 25 km – 10 between 25 and 20 km and 9 stages under 20 km

Camino Francès (Spain)

Approximately 800 km – Average / stage: 29 km – 31 stages of which 10 exceed 30 km – 8 between 30 and 25 km – 9 between 25 and 20 km and 4 stages under 20.

Considering these figures and the daily details, it is clear that choosing the distance to be covered and thus determining the itinerary and its duration, is also determining what is acceptable or not for oneself in terms of daily and realistic walking distance.

 

Euro-Rando - Voyage et Escapade en Europe du Canada - Region et Grandes Villes

 

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Le Chemins Compostelle de Conques

Towards Compostela … 200 km and options for the route to follow!

PATHS – 07 : TOWARDS COMPOSTELA … 200 KM AND 3 OPTIONS !

From Canada, to complete the Camino du Puy (France – 750 km) or the Camino Francès (Spain – 800 km), you need to plan for at least 6 weeks of availability, or 42 days, including 32 days of walking.

The difference, 10 days, covers the plane-train-bus transfers to reach the beginning of the route (2 days), to return (2 days) and 1 day of rest per week (6 days).

In both cases, we are talking about an average of 25 km per day of walking, often with longer stages, 6 days out of 7 and no real flexibility except at the expense of rest days to compensate for unforeseen circumstance! It is an option, but one that requires time and a certain habit of hiking, which is not for everyone.

 

Le Chemins Compostelle de ConquesLESS TIME FOR TRAVEL? WHY NOT ONE OF THESE OPTIONS?

  • On the Way of Le Puy (France), between Le Puy-en-Velay and Conques-en-Rouergue
  • 2 major sanctuaries : from the Cathedral of Le Puy to the Basilica of Conques
  • A superb itinerary with a rich medieval heritage, through the Devès mountains, the Aubrac plateau and the Lot valley, a hilly route, of moderate level, with however some short but strong differences in altitude.
  • DISTANCE : 200 KM

 

OPTION 1 : I have a total of 14 days (including 10 days on site):

This route is achievable in 10 days of walking of which 2 exceed 25 km / day and 4 between 20 and 25 km. It is the fast option, of sustained level, without rest day, with quick visits of the sanctuaries of Le Puy, Conques and an overview of the local history along the way.

Le Chemins Compostelle de Conques

OPTION 2 : I have a total of 18 days (including 14 days on site):

Same route but completed in 14 days of walking with stages of less than 20 km per day. Easy to moderate level. Short stages, leaving time for oneself and to appreciate the local history. This is a good option for a first experience towards Compostela but without the discovery stays in Le Puy and Conques.

OPTION 3 : I have a total of 21 days (17 days on site):

This is option 2 but adding time for the sanctuaries: a day and a half visit to Le Puy-en-Velay and its cathedral as well as to the superb medieval village of Conques and its 11th century basilica.

 

Euro-Rando - Voyage et Escapade en Europe du Canada - Region et Grandes Villes

 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    www.nicolevoyage.com      450-455-0991  Toll Free: 1-877-455-0991

     www.euro-rando.com         514-386-1704

RESERVE OR REQUEST A QUOTE
Jean-Paul Bordus

Getting to Europe (and Back)

ASSISTANCE – 03: GETTING TO EUROPE (AND BACK)

From Canada, it is a night flight that will take you to Europe with an arrival the next day in the morning.

HOW DO I GET TO THE START OF MY HIKE IN THE REGION?

From your arrival airport, reaching the start of your tour in the region will certainly be done by train and/or bus depending on your final destination.

Europe has an extensive rail network with many departures on major routes, usually well connected to bus stations and scheduled coaches to complete the trip.

However, you should know that the time allowed for a connection between two trains and/or coaches is generally quite short, possibly very short, which often surprises a traveller not used to travelling in Europe.

In this sense, it is advisable to have exchangeable tickets for some flexibility in schedules and a plan B to ensure that you reach your final destination the same day.

You will therefore have taken the precaution of booking your tickets before your departure.

If you are not comfortable with the transfer times between airports and train stations, the choice of routes, schedules and connections en route, it will probably be very useful for you to use the services of a travel agency that will be able to give you the best advice.

HOW DO I GET TO MY DEPARTURE AIRPORT AT THE END OF THE TRIP?

At the end of the hike, you will have to go back to an airport and the same remarks and recommendations apply as mentioned above.

ATTENTION: The return flights generally leave Europe in the middle of the day for an arrival in Canada the same day, so you will need to find accommodation near this airport the day before departure in order not to miss your flight the next day.

Euro-Rando - Voyage et Escapade en Europe du Canada - Region et Grandes Villes

 

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

    www.nicolevoyage.com      450-455-0991  Toll Free: 1-877-455-0991

     www.euro-rando.com         514-386-1704

RESERVE OR REQUEST A QUOTE
Jean-Paul Bordus