Date: Friday, 9 May 2025
Day: 11
From: Livinhac-le-Haut To: Figeac
Start Walking: 725am End Walking: 250pm
Time: 6h24m
Distance (Planned): 23.2km Distance (Garmin): 26km
Progress: 267.1/765km
Ascent: 650m Descent: 582m
Weather: Blue sky and warm. Storm clouds brewing.
Stayed At: Hotel Foirail
General Comments:
• Today was almost a carbon copy of yesterday. A steep climb to start, bumping along over a series of undulations of varying steepness for the bulk of the day and then a steep descent to our destination.
• The different thing about today was that we were under blue skies and warmer temperatures had me chasing the shade. It could be a case of ‘careful what you wish for’ when it comes to the French weather or if you don’t like the weather, just wait a couple of days. 😁
• Showing that I am switching off from the outside world, I’d forgotten yesterday that it was a public holiday. I couldn’t work out why there were so many kids running around having a fabulous time on a school day. Until the penny dropped last thing.
• Today the farmers were making up for a lost day and the paddocks were busy with a type of harvester, tractors and trailers. I am surmising that they were making a type of sillage and naturally, they were far too busy to stop and explain it all to a nosy Aussie.
• The number of hikers has really dropped away and I probably counted 25 people all day. A vast difference to the over 200 people who we set out with from Le Puy en Velay 11 days ago.
• There also seem to be some new faces and last night at dinner we met Olivia from Belgium who has just returned from working and traveling for two years in Australia. She spoke English with an Aussie accent!
• Tomorrow we head off the main GR65 trail for a couple of days on what is called the Cele Variant. Apparently it is incredibly beautiful, but really we have already been spoilt for beauty on this path.
Top Tips:
• Hotel Foirail is a bed for the night and that is about it. The room is the size of a postage stamp AND we faced a stiff uphill climb to get here. If you can, book something much more central in the old city. Any port in a storm, I guess.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
Those irises are gorgeous, Mel, and I love the trailing mists xx
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So much beauty in every direction, Jo. I am going to be so disappointed when I go home and see my own uninspiring garden!🙃
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The conical hut is fascinating with the steep roof, I wonder what they are used for? And love the Californian poppies and the rose and the irises and the hanging mist. Looks like a beautiful part of the world.
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We have seen more of those sorts of roofs today. Maybe it was a style of construction during a certain period of time? It’s all so fascinating and beautiful at the same time.
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Some kind of animal shelter? Shepherd hut? Grain store? So many possibilities. Maybe you can find a Frenchman (or woman) who can explain.
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Ok, I’m on it! A grain store sounds like the go. It reminds me of a beehive, but there didn’t seem to be many exits for bees or animals to use. The plot thickens! 🐝🐝
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Hey Sheila! Goodness, you’re doing well! The pics are gorgeous, as are the flowers. This is my first attempt at answering a blog. Glad the weather is so good, albeit a little too warm!☀️. Today we left at 6am on our way to Tasmania – Geelong tonight then on the ferry to Devonport overnight.
Have you any companions walking with you? How many days do you expect the walk to take you?
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Sounds like you have some nice adventures in front of you too. Yes, walking with the Husband and we are working on doing the distance in about 30 days plus a couple of rest days. Time is flying by!
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I had a look at Cele Variant it is a stunning area to walk. I’m thinking this camino is more picturesque than the Frances. Less barren land and more villages than the Frances?
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Way more villages in France. There seems to be a village in every direction, around every corner and over every hill. I never knew this about France. Maybe it is just this region? Not sure about comparing Spain and France as far as beauty is concerned. As you know, I have a thing for Spain too!😁🤣
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I sure did know you had a thing for Spain 🙂 Each region has it’s merits and I certainly did love travelling around Spain. I was thinking more of the walking aspect with more distractions from a tired body 😉
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No, not really. I take my tired body with me wherever I go!😴😴😫
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Just caught up with your posts Mel. The weather looks temperamental but the scenery looks gorgeous. I expect your well into the multi-day walking ‘zone’ now, routine established, legs getting stronger. The trail community of like minded people you keep bumping into is one of the joys of a long walk I think. I love France and your posts are making me want to jump in the van and head off there! 😀
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What are you waiting for, Jim? 😁😉
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Sounds like you had a great time! Beautiful pictures! 🤩
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Yes, all of the above! Every day delivers new beauty. I am one lucky duck!🦆🦆
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Lovely! And so nice to see the WW2 memorials at such a poignant time in the year.
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I get the feeling that memory of both wars is still very strong in France and even had one lady mention Australia’s involvement. It would have been such a devastating time for the people.
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