Category: Via Podiensis

After climbing a seemingly everlasting rocky incline, the Camino turned onto a little one lane blacktop. Although the air temperature was still relatively cool in the early morning, the asphalt seemed to be radiating heat from the day before. Soon I was walking through pastureland, and pastures mean cows! This was a particularly handsome example. I took a LOT of […]

The Way wound through forests and fields, and eventually the sun came up. Long time followers will know that I love taking photos of weird abandoned agricultural equipment. So here’s one I passed on my way towards Les Cambrassats at about 7AM. As a bonus, you can see a waymarker on the tree to the right. Tomorrow I’ll post a […]

After crossing the Pont des Pèlerins (Pilgrims’ Bridge), the Way climbed up to a forest road. I couldn’t find the trail markings in the dark, even with my flashlight. And these woods were definitely a little spooky. After wandering around a bit, I was soon joined by four pilgrims, two older German ladies and two younger French ladies. One of […]

I left Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac before dawn on the 24th of August. The Camino crosses a medieval stone bridge over a narrow river with the rather grand name of Boralde de Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac. The bridge itself is called the Pont des Pèlerins (Pilgrims’ Bridge), and it features a bas relief of a pilgrim with his staff and cape. The image is extremely weathered, […]

This was the gîte recommended to me by the Tourist Office, and it was great! Very welcoming, clean, and well-organized. By the time it opened at 3pm, it was already 97° F (36° C) outside. In the lobby, I ran into Delphiné from Brittany, who I first met way back at Domaine du Sauvage. She helped with some translation issues […]

One final photo from the church of Notre-Dame-des-Pauvres de Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac. The rear of the church features a curious two-tiered gallery. Based on the existence of a rotating music holder with chant book in the top gallery, this was where the choir sat. If you zoom in, you can see that the book is set to the Pater Noster. I’m not […]

Four photos in one! The church of Notre-Dame-des-Pauvres de Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac has four side chapels: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saint Joseph, and our Lady of Lourdes. This last was originally a Rosary Chapel. Indeed, the altar features a painting of the Virgin Mary gifting the rosary to Saint Dominic, and on the central statue of Virgin […]

I made my way to the church of Notre-Dame-des-Pauvres (Our Lady of the Poor). This 11th century church was entirely rebuilt during the Hundred Years War. From the outside it doesn’t look at all remarkable, but the instant you walk in the door you are assailed by sign and symbol and beauty. Much of the interior artwork appears to be from […]

It was 11:30, and my gîte didn’t open until 2PM. So I set about to explore the little village of Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac. I soon found myself in the main village plaza, featuring the usual monument to the fallen in the Great War, the Mairie (village hall), and a café. I made a mental note to return here for lunch and then […]