[Gocamino] Le Puy route questions

[Richard Ferguson <peregrino at att.net.]

I was very interested in the discussion about Le Puy guidebooks.  For a while I was hoping to walk from Vezelay, but realism set in.  I realized that there would be almost no one on the Vezelay route, and that I am a social animal who would not be that happy walking days without seeing another pilgrim.  I speak some French, enough to ask directions and understand the answers, and I can read French pretty well.  

On to questions:

1. When would be the best time to walk?  I generally prefer to travel in less crowded seasons, but I know that if you get too far off of the peak season then refugios and pensions close, etc.  I can't see a good reason to travel in winter.

2. What is the overall length in kilometers?  I read somewhere 500 miles from Le Puy to St. Jean de Porte.

3. What is your overall impression of the route?  How does it compare to the Camino Frances in Spain?

4. I understand that reservations are desirable during the high season, but presumably not in the spring and fall, unless there is a holiday.  It also sounds like there are many different kinds of accomodations. (I don't mean to imply that every village has lots of choices, more that you would be staying in various types of places during your walk).  Is this right?

I am fishing for general information for planning purposes.  Thanks in advance.

Richard