Date: Friday, 16 May 2025
Day: 17
From: Durand/Lascabanes To: Lauzerte
Start Walking: 608am End Walking: 148pm
Time: 6h20m
Distance (Planned): 23.7km Distance (Garmin): 24.6m
Progress: 420.1/765km
Ascent: 615m Descent: 605m
Weather: Clear and warm. A refreshing, cooling breeze.
Stayed At: Gite Les Figuiers
General Comments:
• So, the good news is that we didn’t have to backtrack to Lascabanes this morning as the Gite host gave us a mud map of back roads we could take that still joined us up with the GR65. As the numbers above show, it didn’t make a helluvalot of difference to the overall total, but I guess it could have been worse.
• It was glorious walking this morning with the moon going down on one side of us and the sun coming up the other. The light across the wheat fields was pretty special.
• We are definitely moving into a different landscape now, even if there are still a few too many climbs for my liking. By the look of it, this area has far more ‘serious’ agriculture with larger paddocks and larger operations generally. Wheat and oats seem to be the crops of choice, but we did walk past a very large lavender planting, orchards and some horticulture. As I write there are gas guns going off and I am assuming this is to scare the birds away from the cherry trees.
• According to a sign beside the trail, today we officially passed the halfway point of the Chemin du Saint Jacques. My numbers are different because we took the Cele Variant and that added an extra day/kilometres. Regardless, it feels strange to think that, all things being equal, we will walking into St Jean Pied de Port in two weeks. Time flies when you are having fun.
• The number of other walkers has definitely increased with at least 60-70 people on the trail today. Very different to the 10-15 on the Cele Variant. This makes getting a bed a little more complicated and booking ahead is a must.
• Everyday I think I have seen the most beautiful countryside and found my favorite ancient village. Only to be overtaken the next day by yet more beauty. Today has two favorites Montcuq and tonight’s town, Lauzerte. Both are simply outstanding. Have a look online and you will see what I mean.
Top Tips:
• Tonight’s Gite is a good one and the hosts are very friendly. Unfortunately, the Gite is not up in the old town and is found about 400m below. A little more walking for tomorrow.
• Buy all your supplies at the bottom of the bloody great hill as it is a very stiff climb up to Lauzerte and there are only bars and cafés up in the old town.
• Don’t leave home without your hiking poles. There were a few very tricky descents on today’s stage and quite a few boggy sections. My hiking poles save my bacon every time.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
Half way! Yay! And still taking lovely photos. That lavender field will be amazing in a couple of months time. And what a novel way to ‘carry’ your backpack. You ever considered that?
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have been having that same conversation about those trolleys. They would have their merits when the path is clear, but man, we have been over some rough stuff, bush bashing etc. In those instances, I think these folks stick to the roads, which is not always safe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your very own boulangerie! Perfect, Mel xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I despise cooking! So, It is definitely in name only!🤣🤣 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning scenery, enjoy your rest and Chez Melanie, love it 🙂 xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You would love it, Suzanne. Almost as green and as beautiful as NZ! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yoohoo, way to go, Mel! Few more days and you’re done😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, about another 10days, but getting closer to hitting the home straight. I will be so sad when it is all over, but trying not to think about it just yet.🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s just beautiful every day, so much to see along the Camino!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, it will take some topping. This has been a very special walk.
LikeLike
That cat looks quite big . . . and more than a little irritated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, typical cat disdain as we walked by!😄😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m now looking at that photo of the two pilgrims dragging their bags behind them. I wonder if it’s easier than on your back – what about when you have to walk over rough terrain with big rocks?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was wondering about that too. When the path was flat or relatively level, they would cover the ground much faster than us, but then sometimes they had to leave the trail and walk on the road. It was just too rough and muddy etc. I think I will stick to my backpack. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hiking poles – so useful. We wonder why we didn’t get them when we were younger. Thanks to our Nepali guide for insisting we buy some 12 years ago.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yep, they are absolute lifesavers!
LikeLike
Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person