Why I Created "French for the Camino": A Language Course for Pilgrims
- Camino Way of Life
- Sep 3
- 4 min read
"Thank you so much for your wonderful course... We really enjoyed learning your 'shortcuts' in language, especially 'est-ce que,' gîte etiquette, and French customs. So helpful for us!" – John and Cheryll, preparing for the Via Podiensis (September 2025)
For years I watched pilgrims struggle with French on the Camino Le Puy (GR65).
I realized something important: there were plenty of generic French courses, but none designed for Camino pilgrims.
That’s why I created French for the Camino — a practical, confidence-building course designed specifically for pilgrims walking through France.
Why Generic French Doesn’t Work on the Camino
Most travel courses teach you how to book a hotel room or order wine at a restaurant. But how often do pilgrims on the GR65 stay in hotels or eat in fancy restaurants?
Pilgrims need French for real Camino life:
Explaining you’re leaving early from a gîte without breakfast...
Asking if there’s a place to wash and dry clothes...
Finding out when the village shop opens (or what to do if it’s closed)
Handling the etiquette of shared dormitories...
Dealing with unexpected situations on remote trail sections
Generic travel French doesn’t cover these daily pilgrim realities.
My Camino Awakening
Walking the Le Puy route was life-changing for me. As a native French speaker, I saw English-speaking pilgrims missing out on deeper connections simply because they couldn’t find the words.
They couldn’t explain dietary needs.
They felt anxious checking into gîtes.
They avoided conversations that could have led to friendships.
I realized: pilgrims don’t need perfect French — they need practical French that works on the Camino.
How My Teaching Journey Became French for the Camino
Before creating this course, I spent many years as a drama teacher in France. That experience taught me something crucial: language is about confidence and connection, not perfection.
Later, while teaching English to foreigners, I developed a conversation-first approach. Students gained confidence quickly because they learned phrases they could use immediately in real life.
That same approach now powers French for the Camino: pilgrims don’t need to memorize endless grammar — they need shortcuts that unlock real conversations on the GR65.
What Makes French for the Camino Different
Through years as an admin of the largest Le Puy Camino Facebook group, I’ve seen nearly every language challenge pilgrims face. This course responds directly to those needs.
Gîte Language You’ll Actually Use
Checking in
Understanding house rules and meal times
Asking about laundry and drying space
Communicating dietary restrictions
Leaving early without disturbing others
etc
Trail & Emergency French
Asking for help when lost
Explaining injuries or health issues
Finding alternative routes
Communicating with emergency services
etc
Cultural Insights
Understanding French hospitality customs
Gîte etiquette that keeps you welcome
Regional variations along the GR65
Building rapport with locals and fellow pilgrims
etc
Real Voices from Real Pilgrims
"I finally completed all of the material on the French for the Camino course and it's wonderful! I’m going to listen to most of it again just before I start my walk this summer." – Jennifer B (August 2025)
"I love walking in France and that involves being respectful to French people and trying to communicate in French. Kate has made learning a few essentials really easy. I love how it is focussed on what we need on the Way. Do yourself a favor; Iget her course!" John D (April 2025)
The course works because it’s designed by someone who knows both French culture and Camino life.
Why €20 for Lifetime Access?
The Camino taught me about the spirit of giving and receiving. This course isn’t about profit — it’s about removing language barriers that block transformative experiences.
Your €20 donativo includes:
Short, focused video lessons (perfect during training walks)
Camino-specific cultural insights
Lifetime access to all materials
Regular new lessons based on pilgrim feedback
More Than Language: Building Confidence
The biggest transformation isn’t just speaking French — it’s feeling confident.
Students arrive prepared instead of anxious.
They engage with locals instead of avoiding conversations.
They handle unexpected situations calmly.
You won’t speak perfect French, but you’ll walk the Camino with confidence, ease, and deeper connections.
FAQ: French for the Camino
Do I need to know French before starting this course? No — the course is designed for beginners and for those who studied French years ago but forgot most of it.
Will I be fluent after the course? Not fluent — but you’ll be able to handle daily Camino situations with confidence.
Is this course useful for routes other than Le Puy (GR65)? Yes! While it’s based on the Via Podiensis, the French you’ll learn is useful on any Camino route in France.
How long will I have access?Lifetime access. Once you join, you can revisit the lessons whenever you need.
Ready to Transform Your Camino Experience?
Whether you’re nervous about the French language barrier, eager to connect with locals, or simply want to feel prepared, French for the Camino meets you where you are.
Join hundreds of pilgrims who have discovered that a little Camino-specific French goes a very long way.
👉 Enroll in French for the Camino today
Bon courage et bon chemin! 🇫🇷
About Kate
Kate Forrester is a native French speaker, Camino pilgrim, and former drama teacher.
She created French for the Camino, a practical language course designed to help pilgrims walk the Le Puy route (GR65) with confidence.
Combining her love of teaching and her passion for the Camino, Kate helps walkers connect more deeply with French culture, people, and the path itself.
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