What’s it really like to walk a long-distance trail in rural France? In this episode of Join Us in France, titled Hiking Chemin du Puy and Célé Valley, host Annie Sargent talks with Rowena Sjovall, a solo traveler from the U.S. walking the GR65 and the scenic Célé Valley route.

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Rowena shares her detailed experience hiking the Chemin du Puy, one of France’s most popular pilgrimage trails. She talks about trail conditions, signage, and the variety of landscapes—rolling hills, deep river valleys, and charming medieval towns. If you’ve wondered about hiking from Le Puy-en-Velay toward Cahors or incorporating the lesser-known Célé Valley variant, Rowena offers honest insights.

The conversation covers practical tips too. What kind of gear should you bring? How easy is it to find food and lodging? What’s the vibe among other hikers? Annie asks all the right questions to help listeners decide if this kind of trip is for them.

Whether you're planning a Camino in France or just curious about rural walking holidays, this episode delivers both inspiration and real-world advice. Don’t forget to subscribe to Join Us in France for more episodes like this, where travel dreams and logistics meet. Perfect for slow travel lovers, Francophiles, and adventure-seekers!

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Introduction and Greetings
• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:00:59] Podcast supporters
• [00:01:32] The Magazine segment
• [00:02:25] Annie and Rowena
• [00:03:11] The Crazy Adventure Begins
• [00:06:27] Planning the Journey
• [00:08:41] Navigating the Trail
• [00:12:45] Challenges and Perseverance
• [00:18:48] Starting point
• [00:27:14] Navigating Through Cornfields
• [00:27:51] Rainy Day Lunch and Milka Chocolate
• [00:28:44] Challenges of Finding Food and Shelter
• [00:29:43] Reaching the Hilltop and Meeting Fellow Travelers
• [00:32:48] Exploring Troglodyte Houses
• [00:34:07] Communal Dinners and Accommodations
• [00:34:51] Comfort Level at the Accommodations in the Célé Valley
• [00:41:14] Advice for Future Travelers
• [00:44:15] Planning the Next Journey
• [00:47:41] The hardest day
• [00:48:17] Concluding Thoughts and Farewell
• [00:48:45] Thank you Patrons
• [00:49:40] Tour Reviews
• [00:50:40] Discount for Podcast Listeners
• [00:51:54] Swimming in the Seine
• [00:56:21] Next week on the podcast
• [00:56:58] Copyright

 

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