I’ll be with a group to France, a pilgrimage. I’m bringing walking sticks in case the terrain is bumpy or hilly. I had problems in Assisi going up a lot of hills, so want to be prepared! Suggestions??
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
5364 posts
Depending on where in Normandy, you may find uneven walking surfaces. You will definitely face hilly terrain on Mont St Michel . It is one big, long, steep hill. Don't know about Lourdes, but given the number of pilgrims, I suspect the main areas are well paved.
What type of "walking sticks" are you referring to? Medical canes, designed as walking aids? Or hiking sticks that have a vertical hand grip at the top and a metal point at the end? The former are allowed in the aircraft cabin, because they are medical devices. The latter are only allowed in checked luggage.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hiking trek poles. They collapse and will go in my Checked bag and backpack!
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Normandy- I’m sure some churches and there will be people there to honor soldiers. I’ll take them along & see! I learned that Mont St. Michel will be full of sites, shops, restaurants, and churches! Can’t wait to explore! They supposedly have railings and or ropes when walking up hill!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10578 posts
You need to have rubber tips on your poles in France or you can face a fine. Too many metal tips were making too much damage. I just bought two for 4€ at Decathlon sports store in France.
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1222 posts
Mont St Michel really only has one church, at the abbey. It is all vertical, and, although not too steep for most people, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get to the top to see the abbey and church. At 73, I stopped once or twice for a rest on the way up. The terrain is bumpy as well. One day there is enough to see everything on the Mont.
That being said, when last there, I hadn't had either of my knees replaced, so there was some "discomfort" involved. (Now I am Lady Titanium!) Just be prepared to ascend slowly, if need be.
Amusez-vous bien!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1222 posts
Lourdes...definitely flatter than Mont St Michel...just some uphill walks, but nothing like Mont St Michel. And the pathways and sidewalks are smooth (so many wheelchair visitors there).
Normandy...I assume your tour will get around by van. You should have no trouble walking from parking to museum to cemetery to overlook. To go down to the beaches might be difficult. I didn't go down there when I visited, because I knew coming back up would be difficult. You can judge when there.