When to walk the Voie de Vézelay (Nevers)

For most walkers, starting in April to early May, or late August to mid October gives the best conditions on the Voie de Vézelay (Nevers) from Vézelay to Ostabat. These shoulder seasons balance steady temperatures, longer daylight, and fewer bouts of extreme heat or persistent rain as you move from Burgundy down through the centre of France into New Aquitaine.

Expect variety along this north–south route: spring brings green fields and showers; late summer eases out of the heat; early autumn turns the woodlands gold. Here’s how each part of the year feels on the ground.

April–early May: fresh, green, and good walking temperatures

Spring suits this route. Fields and hedgerows are coming alive, rivers are lively, and days are getting long enough for relaxed stages. Expect a mix of sunshine and showers; cooler mornings give way to mild afternoons, and the south warms up more quickly than Burgundy. Trails can be muddy after rain, so pack a light rain layer and accept the odd wet day. In return you get quiet paths, wildflowers, and friendly walking conditions.

Tips:

• Bring layers for cool starts and warm finishes.
• Surfaces can be soft underfoot after wet spells, especially on clay soils.

Late August–September: heat easing, days still long

After the peak summer heat, late August and September settle into warm but more bearable days. You’ll still have strong sun at times, especially further south, but the worst heatwaves are less common and evenings begin to cool. Showers or short storms still pop up, yet they’re usually brief. Burgundy’s grape harvest can make villages lively and accommodation busier—book ahead if your dates hit the vendange.

Tips:

• Sun protection and water capacity still matter, particularly south of Limoges.
• Expect the odd stormy afternoon; start early and aim to finish before late-day build-ups.

Early to mid October: calm days and autumn colour

Early autumn often gives crisp mornings, gentle afternoons, and beautiful colour in woodland sections through the Limousin and Périgord. It’s a great time for steady, unhurried days without summer heat. As the month goes on, daylight shortens and wet spells become more frequent, so the first half of October is the safer bet.

Tips:

• Plan slightly shorter stages as daylight shrinks.
• Some rural services start to reduce hours; check ahead for food and lodging.

The rest of the year

Winter (November–February): cold, wet, short days

You’ll find frequent rain, the odd frosty or icy morning, and limited daylight. Tracks can be muddy for long stretches, and smaller services may be closed. It’s possible for hardy walkers, but expect slower going and more planning for warm, dry stops.

March: changeable and often soggy

Spring is just waking up and you can catch some lovely clear days, but March is still very mixed—plenty of rain, blustery spells, and chilly nights. Trails may still be wet from winter, so it’s a transitional month rather than a comfortable one.

Late May–June: lush but more unstable

This is a pretty time, yet the weather can flip quickly from sunshine to heavy showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons. Heat starts to build as you move south. Manageable with early starts and a good rain layer, but not as easygoing as April or September.

July to mid August: hot, with storm risk

Expect hot stretches and occasional heatwaves, especially across New Aquitaine. Shade can be limited on some farm plateaus, and afternoon storms can arrive after the heat. If this is your only option, start early, carry plenty of water, and plan shorter days.

Late October: increasingly damp and dim

You can still catch fine days, but rain becomes more frequent and daylight drops off. Services thin out further. If you like quiet trails and don’t mind wet gear, it’s doable; otherwise aim for earlier in the month.

In short: pick spring (April–early May) or the back half of summer into early autumn (late August–September, early to mid October) for the most comfortable walk from Vézelay to Ostabat. You’ll dodge the worst heat and the deepest mud, and you’ll have enough daylight to enjoy the towns and landscapes along the way.

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 Vézelay to Ostabat, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.