Pro
- Some interesting cities (Arles, Toulouse etc)
- Camping may be possible
- CSJ recommends "Consider it seriously - discover it early"
- Good waymarking
- Plenty of Gites, hotels etc
- More pilgrims than Vezelay
- More spectacular scenery
Con
- More varied terrain, hillier than other routes , higher level of fitness needed
- May be colder and wetter in the shadow of the Pyranees
- Heavy rainfall common in September
- Average stages longer than le Puy route
Am looking forward to seeing your Chemin evolve!!
ReplyDeleteMargaret
Yes I do recall...she blogged as annaenroute, if I remember correctly. Has she kept up her LJ of late? Do pass on my regards.
ReplyDeleteJanet from Adelaide (who posts at JL on the Camino board) and I walked the Arles route west of Toulouse-- we met, lost in the forest of Bouconne near Pibrac, west of Toulouse, both trying to use the Confraternity's Guide by the Foxes.
This route does not offer a lot of pilgrim accommodation, and stops can be distant from each other, but the countryside is gentle and rolling, and the food excellent. We found the French very warm and helpful and unilingual. Janet, as an Oztralian, had not a word. Luckily, I speak French fairly well and served as interpreter-- she was the trailfinder, as years of scouting in the outback had given her eagle eyes. The tourism offices were English-speaking and ready to be of assistance.
Janet kept detailled notes on the Toulouse to Somport stretch, which wd likely be of assistance to you.