Rob's Camino Guides
Walking the Via Podiensis Made Simple
Rob's All New
2025 Guide:
including
The Célé Valley variant
and Rocamadour variant
How This Guide Came to Be
Eleven years ago, I created a simple spreadsheet to help pilgrims in my Facebook group dedicated to the Via Podiensis.
The initial document listed all the gîtes, communities, distances, and available services. Its core strength has always been simplicity—a quick, intuitive overview that allows pilgrims to grasp the journey at a single glance.
Based on the needs and feedback shared by fellow pilgrims, we've taken a dramatic leap forward.
Completely reimagining our guide while maintaining its original simplicity, we've added maps, elevation profiles, and visual aids.
Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim or planning your first Camino, you can instantly see key information:
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distances between stops,
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available accommodations,
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essential services, and
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critical waypoints
all without getting lost in overwhelming details.
It's simple, easy to read and navigate, with live links, and now including WhatsApp numbers in green.
I'm so happy to share this tool that -I know-will make your pilgrimage easier, to plan and to walk. Enjoy!
What pilgrims say about our guide
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"Your Guide from 2022 was the best of the three guides we used." (Beth M)
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"Rob definitely provides a much-needed and appreciated service." (Matthew H)
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"I love this.; It has been the easiest tool for planning..." (Cindy W)
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"This (guide) is all I need for my walk and weighs nothing in my bag..." (Chris S)
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" I just finished walking with 3 friends we used only your guide the whole way." (Dave L)
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"Your guide includes gîtes, not in the Miam Miam Dodo. I was down to one more phone call, I was out of options except for sleeping on the street... It was surreal but it (your guide) worked!" (Amanda N)
Staring in le Puy-en-Velay (1 ) the via Podiensis crosses 750Km to end at
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port where the Camino Francés begins (2)
The Key Features in our 2025 guide
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Comprehensive maps - Clear route markings with variants and points of interest
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Visual elevation profiles - See at a glance how challenging each day will be
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Intuitive icons - Quick identification of all services from pharmacies to restaurants
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Overview blocks - At-a-glance information about communities, distances, and services
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Detailed gîte information - Complete, up-to-date listings of all accommodations with prices and amenities
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Navigation assistance - Town exit maps to guide you through potentially confusing sections
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Route variants - Detailed information on alternatives like the Célé Valley and Rocamadour
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Interactive links - Simply tap any gîte name (shown in blue) to visit their website instantly
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WhatsApp compatibility - Green phone numbers indicate WhatsApp availability for international communication
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Portable PDF format - Plan at home on your computer, then take the guide with you on your phone
Grab your copy of Rob's 2025 guide here
A Sample of What's Inside
Each stage in the guide is presented in a clear, organized format:
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Detailed maps -with the route clearly marked in red, showing numbered waypoints, variants in blue, and surrounding terrain
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Elevation profiles -displaying altitude changes with precise measurements of ascent and descent
Elevation profile Stage 1 Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Privat-d'Allier
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Overview blocks that present essential information at a glance - distances between towns, number of gîtes, services available (shown with intuitive icons), and helpful notes like "Good place for a break" or "200m off chemin to right"
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Detailed gîte tables listing every accommodation option with:
-Contact information with phone numbers (green for
WhatsApp)
-Capacity and seasonal availability
-Price ranges
-Check-in times
-Available services (meals, facilities)
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Navigation Aids including small detailed maps for town exits to show the way
Example of a detailed map to show how to leave towns where it's tricky, In this case leaving from Le Puy Cathedral
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Variant routes with their own dedicated overview blocks and gîte listings
Our promise to you
Get ready to embark on a journey like no other! This guide is packed with 87 pages of visually clear, reliable information, built from over 11 years of experience creating trusted resources for pilgrims. We promise it will not only guide you but inspire you, deepening your connection with the path and the incredible people you’ll meet along the way.
As seasoned pilgrims who have walked this route both alone and together, as well as many other Caminos, we’ve poured our hearts into every detail of this guide.
Our promise is simple: we’re here to help you embrace the true spirit of the Camino—focusing on what truly matters: the unforgettable journey and the life-changing connections you’ll make. We’ve taken care of the logistics so you can dive into the magic, adventure, and camaraderie of the pilgrimage.
Wishing you a Bon Chemin—let the adventure begin!
Rob and Kate
Grab your copy of Rob's 2025 guide here
Planning is half the journey—but language brings it to life.
You’ve got your route, your stages, your guide.
But what about the words you’ll need to book a bed, order a meal, or explain a blister in French?
Our French for the Camino course was made for pilgrims like you—gentle, practical, and focused on the real conversations you'll have along the way.
→ Take a look inside the course : here