What a day! A longer post than usual.
Negotiating the French Train Strike as my Train did not arrive. Tried my French to get a bus ticket and the nice lady asked if I speak English. Just as well I do!! Made it to Le Puy OK.
My first hill climb, accommodation B&B Del la Prevote, is up on the hill next to the Cathedral. Hiked up and looked and looked but could not find it. Why? The entrance is part of the Cathederal buildings. What! See photos. In fact it was where the Nuns lived. Even a stone spiral staircase to my room!
Attended a Perlin (pigrims) wecome function next to the Cathedral run by a local pilgrim association. In at the deep end! About 25 attending nearly all French 1 Belgian and 1 Swiss and I am the only English speaking person. Used my French and once they relised how bad it was they helped with the little English they had and a combination of bad French and poor English we got by. Very friendly and when asked why I was walking the Camino I answered ‘I love walking in France’ in French. I could do no wrong after that!
Writing this having dinner at ‘Entrez le Artistes’ recommended to me as it is a local family restaurant where locals eat. Empty at 7.30 but full by 9pm. Had the local specialties including Lentil Salad. Who eats Lentil Salad!! Magnifique! I do now. I never post food photos how am I to avoid that on a walk through France!
Any way a day off in Le Puy tomorrow. Most people just overnight here and start walking but this is one of the best towns to visit on the way, worth an extra day.
