Best time of year to walk the Camino de Tours y Paris / Vía Turonensis

The Camino de Tours, also known as the Vía Turonensis, is one of the historic pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela, starting from Paris and passing through Tours, Poitiers, Bordeaux, and the Pyrenees. Given its length and variety of landscapes, choosing the right time of year to walk is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

The best times to begin your journey on the Camino de Tours are late March to early May, or September to October. These months offer the most favorable balance of temperatures and precipitation, minimizing the risk of extreme heat, cold snaps, or heavy rain.

Spring (late March, April, early May)

Spring is one of the most pleasant times to walk this route, with comfortably mild temperatures and manageable rainfall. The landscape is lush and vibrant, with blooming flowers and longer daylight hours. Starting in early spring also means reaching Spain before the hottest months, ensuring a more enjoyable transition into the later stages of the journey.

Autumn (September, October)

Fall is another excellent window for walking. The intense summer heat has faded, but the days remain warm and pleasant. While there may be a slight increase in rainfall as the season progresses, it generally remains within comfortable limits. The changing colors of the vineyards and forests along the route make this an especially scenic time to walk.

Why avoid summer and winter?

• Summer (June – August): While technically walkable, summer presents challenges, especially in the southern sections of the route, where prolonged heat can make walking uncomfortable.
• Winter (November – February): The northern sections of the route, particularly in France, can be damp and cold, with short daylight hours and higher chances of rain, making for a more difficult and less scenic experience.

By selecting a start date in the recommended months, you maximize your chances of enjoying comfortable temperatures, avoiding extreme weather, and experiencing the Camino de Tours at its best.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. For example, if you prefer walking in the cooler morning hours to avoid midday heat, you might prioritize dates with drier conditions. On the other hand, if you are more accustomed to colder climates, you may choose to avoid hotter periods - even if it means encountering more rain. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the Camino.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from Paris to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.