Day 1: le Puy en Velay to la Monastiere

Day 1 - we left le Puy with a sense of excitement and uncertainty. Would we be able to walk the "big days"? Would it all work out as a group? Would the hotels be OK? Would our luggage reach the next hotel? And, would there be enough food?

All the answers were positive of course, and the "Grande Marche" (even just the first week of it) was a fantastic experience (little did we realise that eventually, the question that would be answered in the negative was "will there be enough rooms"). The following photos represent our (Jan and Neil) view of how it happened - anyone else from the walk who would like to contribute photos or comments, please let me know. You have my email address.

Comments on the photos will appear over the next week or so. Remember, to see a photo full size, just click on it.


The start of the walk - climbing out of le Puy and into the French countryside. Notice how shiny and new everyone's clothes and boots look ;)


Still climbing!


"Is it Modestine?" they asked ......... probably not.


A hamlet en route - stopping for a breather and drink.


Il pleut! Helmut looking suave in his new hat while the rest of us were looking bedraggled.


Eric trying to find the most photogenic spot to take a photo from. Good call on this one Eric.


Jan on the good old D37 on the bridge over the beginnings of the majestic Loire River.


Di, Faye, Robyn and Max enjoying a stroll.


The good ship Rex is starting to list, but if you had to list anywhere it may as well be en France.


A bunch of happy wanderers.


At last!


Why walk cramped against a wall when you can walk down the middle of the road? Everyone knows the French are very safe drivers.


Now this was really spectacular - the abbey church of St Chaffre, founded in the 5th century AD.


Another view of the St Chaffre's.


The Hotel le Provence where we spent our first night "on the road". Great first taste of local food (see below).