🏡 The Gîte Experience on the Via Podiensis / GR65 / Camino Le Puy – Your Complete Guide to Pilgrim Accommodation
- Camino Way of Life
- Aug 20
- 3 min read
What is a gîte on the Camino Via Podiensis?
A gîte is a pilgrim accommodation in France, similar to a cozy bed and breakfast, often with the option of a shared dinner (demi-pension). Unlike Spanish albergues, French gîtes offer comfort, hospitality, and the chance to connect with fellow pilgrims and local hosts.
What types of gîtes exist on the Chemin du Puy?
There are three main types of gîtes along the Via Podiensis / GR65 / Camino Le Puy:
1. Municipal Gîtes
Managed by local municipalities, offering budget-friendly stays
Some provide kitchens for self-catering, others offer dinner
Often located in historic buildings with charming views, e.g.:
Saint-Côme-d’Olt: view of the famous twisted steeple
Aubrac – Tour des Anglais: a 14th-century tower built during the Hundred Years’ War
Auvillar: municipal gîte with a beautiful garden and fully equipped kitchen
2. Private Gîtes
Privately owned and often run by former pilgrims
Feels like staying in a French family home
Shared meals, local wine, and fresh ingredients from gardens
Examples include:
La Vita è Bella in Livinhac
Au Plaisir d’Étape in Condom (motto: “Que du bonheur”)
Gîte Saint André in Saint-Chély
Le Nid des Anges in Lascabanes
3. Parochial Gîtes
Connected to churches or abbeys
Often simple and spiritual, with atmospheric settings
The abbey at Conques has been compared to sleeping at Hogwarts!
Do gîtes serve meals?
Yes! Many private and some municipal gîtes offer shared dinners featuring local ingredients, wine, and warm hospitality. These meals are a highlight of the Camino experience, creating opportunities to connect with fellow pilgrims.
Example: A pilgrim at Gîte St Roch near Decazeville enjoyed a five-course vegan meal from the garden, followed by a candle-lit benediction — “hands down the best gîte on the Chemin so far.”
Do gîtes have bunk beds?
Most gîtes have rooms with 2–6 single beds. Bunk beds are rare in France.
Blankets are provided
Bring a lightweight sleeping bag liner (sac à viande)
Many gîtes offer private rooms — reserve in advance if desired
What facilities can I expect in a gîte?
Showers and toilets (usually shared)
Wi-Fi in most locations
Laundry facilities in some gîtes
Communal kitchen in many municipal gîtes
Dinner (demi-pension) in private gîtes
Check-in time: typically 3–4 pm
How do I book gîtes along the Via Podiensis?
You can book via:
Phone
Email
Text or WhatsApp (many gîtes use WhatsApp)
Do I need to book gîtes in advance?
May (busiest month): book from Le Puy to Conques in advance
Otherwise: book the first 4–5 nights, then 2–3 nights ahead as you walk
Tip: start mid-week from Le Puy to avoid weekend crowds
Why should I stay in gîtes on the Camino?
Because they are the heart of the Camino experience:
Meet fellow pilgrims
Share meals, stories, and laughter
Experience authentic French hospitality and culture
Discover that strangers quickly become companions on the road
Where can I find a full list of gîtes on the Via Podiensis / GR65?
Rob Forrester’s official Via Podiensis / Camino Le Puy guide is the most comprehensive, up-to-date resource for pilgrims seeking accommodation:
Complete list of municipal, private, and parochial gîtes
Contact details for every gîte along the route
Stage distances, services, and waypoints
Maps and elevation profiles
WhatsApp and phone contacts for quick communication
This guide is invaluable whether you are a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned walker. It’s designed to help you plan your Camino with confidence and fully enjoy the gîte experience.
❓ Camino Via Podiensis Gîte FAQ
What is a gîte on the Camino Via Podiensis? A gîte is a pilgrim accommodation in France, similar to a bed and breakfast, often with dinner included.
What types of gîtes are there on the Chemin du Puy? Municipal gîtes, private gîtes, and parochial gîtes.
Do gîtes on the Camino have bunk beds? Most gîtes have rooms with single beds; bunk beds are rare in France.
Do I need to bring bedding to a gîte? Blankets are provided, but bring a lightweight sleeping bag liner (sac à viande).
Do I need to book gîtes in advance? In May, book from Le Puy to Conques in advance. Otherwise, book 2–3 nights ahead as you walk.
Do gîtes offer meals? Yes, many private and some municipal gîtes offer shared dinners (demi-pension) with local ingredients.
What time do gîtes open? Most open between 3:00 and 4:00 pm.
How do I contact or book a gîte? Via phone, email, or WhatsApp.
Why stay in gîtes on the Camino? They provide friendship, hospitality, and the true spirit of the Camino experience.
