I walked nearly 500 miles across France on the Via Podiensis, often called the Chemin du Puy or GR65, one of the oldest Camino de Santiago routes—beginning in Le Puy-en-Velay and ending in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
This journey marked my first step into retirement… and became something much more.
Along the way, I experienced the satisfyingrhythm of pilgrimage life—communal meals in gîtes, long days of walking through farmland and medieval villages, and moments of unexpected connection. I crossed the Aubrac plateau, stayed at the Abbaye Sainte-Foy in Conques, and followed the beautiful (and less traveled) Célé variant through limestone valleys and cliffside towns like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
There were moments of joy, simplicity, and community…
and also moments of deep personal loss.
The Camino has a way of meeting you where you are.
🎒 Route: Via Podiensis (GR65 / Chemin du Puy)
📍 Distance: ~500 miles / 800 km
📅 Filmed: September–October 2025
If you’re considering walking the Camino in France—or simply curious what it’s like—this is a look at the experience beyond the guidebooks.
11 Comments
Thank you so much for your beautiful presentation of your walk on the Via Podiensis. Your peaceful embrace of all the Chemin had to offer, both the beauty and the challenges, made the video a joy to watch. I hope to walk it someday, and wondered if the language barrier would make it a less wonderful experience than I had had on the Camino Frances, but it is plain that, like so many other things in life, the experience is what you make it, what you bring to it, and how you perceive it. Best wishes for your next adventure.
What a beautiful video with your profound commentary. Thank-you. One day when I can walk properly, I may do this. Quite amazed at how much you walk a day. I may walk the Portuguese route which is flatter. I loved your pictures and the scenery, which gave me a sense of what may come in the future. May you go well.
Such a great movie! I loved it. Your video is really professional. I like the music you’ve used and you are really good at talking to the camera. And sorry for taking you as a newbie 🙂
What a wonderful video. Thanks for sharing your experiences along the Via Podiensis. I really enjoyed watching the video with the beauty of French countryside, medieval towns and community life in the gites. All the best in your next walking adventure.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with us. It was truly lovely to witness your journey and the inspiring landscapes of the Via Podiensis…and that vending machine pizza is something else! Which guidebook/podcast did you use? Would you recommend it? It seems to have served you well. I look forward to your next adventure, if you also choose to share it with us ❤
great video, loved it, we are planning on doing it next April/May. Did you pre book yr accommodation? Did you carry yr gear or luggage transfer?
Thanks so much Such a beautiful film. I loved the history and the narration. So many others are about distance and pain. Truly inspiring thanks so much from Australia
I absolutely love this video and your commentary! In researching this route, it is my very favorite of all the via Podiensis videos I have seen. ❤ I am planning to do this same route, including a day (maybe overnight) trip to Rocamadour, and the Cele variant, and adding the crossing over the Pyrenees to end in Pamplona. I will begin walking 9/18 this year. When did you start? I am relying heavily on the Cicerone guide, Dave Whitson’s podcasts, and the Buen Camino app for planning. I will definitely be viewing your video again to take notes on your itinerary and mention of some of the special places you stayed. Again, your video and perspective were so lovely. Thank you.
PS. I love your sticker idea. I will begin collecting now from the Reno, NV/Lake Tahoe area to take with me
When I think of the Camino de Compostella, THIS is the kind of experience I think of. Community, solitude, thoughts, beautiful sights, peace and thoughts but not just "pain", "speed", "distance". Thank you for this really insightful video.
I absolutely LOVED your film. I was quite emotional throughout it. My wife and I walked from Porto to Santiago last June to mark our 50th anniversary. We liked it so much that we want to do another camino and this one is a very compelling option. I have so many questions…..
We are in our early 70s and would prefer to do max 20 kms per day. Is that possible?
We will probably do only 10 or 12 days. Which section would you recommend?
Thank you,
The DeSilvas from Bermuda.
Oooph, it makes me want to drop everything and go on Via Podiensis 😍 Thank you Oregon!