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<DIV>I have walked the Spanish Camino twice and have only walked from LePuy to Conques in France, but in the end I would not want to compare the chemin St. Jacques in France with the Camino in Spain. Which is better? It would be about as difficult to determine as whether apples are better than oranges. </DIV></P></DIV>
<DIV>At the pilgrim masses in Santiago only a handful of people are listed as starting at LePuy. The French chemin is a popular walking route, and deservedly so, among people who are not pilgrims and have no intention of going to Santiago. But many French people and others consider walking the route within France a pilgrimage in itself, visiting religious shrines in LePuy, Conques, Rocamador, and Moissac among other places scattered along or near GR65. </DIV>
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<DIV>Walking the French chemin is more expensive, probably about double the per diem costs of the Spanish section, and the gites and other facilities are open to all walkers, not just to credentialed pilgrims. Transbagage is available to transport "sac a dou" between gites. Several adventure travel companies offer packages with hotels, meals, and baggage service for walkers, and at least one of them offers guided walks between LePuy and Conques. </DIV>
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<DIV> The scenery, at least between LePuy and Conques, is fantastic, the cultural landmarks are numerous and photogenic, and the food! One can sample more kinds of cheese than one thought it was possible to make, fresh foie gras, remarkably good produce, etc. <BR></DIV>
<DIV>Only for the food would I rank the French section ahead of the Spanish, however. Both have fantastic scenery and exquisite cultural landmarks. The real solution, walk (or like Mr. Deutschman, bicycle) the entire distance! And after doing the LePuy to Santiago route, then one can do the route from Arles to Somport and onward. </DIV>
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<DIV>Oh, the wonderful options!</DIV>
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<DIV>E. O. Pederson</DIV>
<DIV>Seattle, WA</DIV></div><br clear=all><hr>Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at <a href='http://go.msn.com/bql/hmtag_itl_EN.asp'>http://explorer.msn.com</a><br></html>