Author: Thom

Just about 11 in the morning, the Camino took me through the first cornfield I’d seen in France. It would not be the last. Although I would pass by (or through!) them every so often over the next few weeks, there would come a time towards the end of the French portion of my walk where it was nothing but […]

Normally the signage on France’s GR (grande randonnée) hiking routes are straightforward blazes, usually red and white. The system is simple and elegant, but sometimes you need to convey a little more information than which direction to turn. This sign, with its notice of a “dangerous road section”, was very helpful indeed. Date: 29 August 2023 Place: between Montredon and […]

It’s worth taking a look at the ceiling over the altar in the little Chapelle Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Guirande. The murals most probably date to the building work done in the 12th and 13th centuries. In the center, we see Christ seated in majesty. Below Him, to the left is the martyrdom of Saint Namphase, holding his entrails, while to the […]

This little chapel, more or less in the middle of nowhere, was mentioned in the 10th century as a dependency of the Abbey of Conques, about a day and a half’s walk from here. The chapel was effectively rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries, with additional work done in the 15th century. The medieval walls and ceiling retain much […]

So says this delightful sign. I think this is the village of Lacoste, but I didn’t actually see any sign but this one. For the record, there are no chickens in this photo, but there are two unleashed dogs, more proof that nobody anywhere follows the posted directions. Date: 29 August 2023 Place: between Montredon and Saint-Félix, Lot Département, Region […]

From Montredon, it was back to roadwalking, at first downhill and then back up again. And so it continued, up and down. I’m not a fan of roadwalking, as my longtime readers know, but it’s difficult to complain when you have views like this on the Way. Date: 29 August 2023 Place: between Montredon and Saint-Félix, Lot Département, Region of […]

The church of Saint-Michel de Montredon was built in the late 19th century in a style that isn’t Gothic Revival so much as straight-up Gothic. On the left we see what the nave and sanctuary look like from the main doors, and on the right is a close-up of the sanctuary. Note the sedilia on the far right, just barely […]

Eventually, I arrived in the village of Montredon. This is a farming community, and the whole place was full of the sounds and smells of cows. I was considering a second breakfast when I arrived at the village church and discovered a pilgrim welcome room at the back, with coffee and pastries available for a donation. It was lovely! You […]

During my Camino through France, I passed many farmsteads built of stone. How old is this building? A century? Four? I had no way to tell, as the local rural architecture styles were seemingly eternal, dependent on the local building material and the original purpose of the building. I particularly liked this one because of the morning shadows cast by […]