Walking the Camino de Santiago
Locked within the parish church of Saint-Pierre de Monistrol are two statues that originated in completely different churches. I believe they were moved here in 1905, when the French government finally declared a separation of church and state and returned (most of) the goods and properties seized from churches in the Revolution. There was some sort of kerfluffle about inventorying […]
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After second breakfast, which consisted of half a sandwich and Coca-Cola, I headed to the charming little 12th century parish church of Saint-Pierre. This was originally a priory church, and it’s clearly had a number of changes and “restorations” over the centuries. Note that fenced off area to the right. More on that Monday! This is catch-up content! I’m posting […]
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The Allier is one of the main tributaries of the Loire. I’m crossing it on M. Eiffel’s bridge. It’s 9:30 in the morning, and the temperature was already over 70° F (21° C) and rapidly climbing, and I was hoping to find second breakfast on the other side of the river. This is a look back over my shoulder. Apologies […]
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The village of Monistrol-d’Allier straddles the Allier river. The bridge over the river was designed by Gustave Eiffel, whose slightly more famous tower was constructed the following year in Paris. The climb down was steep, but it was nothing compared to the ascent on the other side. First, though, some food and a quick look around the village. Date: 19 […]
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The village of Monistrol-d’Allier sits in a river valley, and it’s a long, steep climb down and then back up again. Here, I’m approaching the upper outskirts of the village, and I’ve still got a a way to go before I get to my second breakfast down in the heart of the village. Date: 19 August 2023 Place: approaching Monistrol-d’Allier, […]
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Among the scattered houses and fields of the village of Pratclaux I saw more cats than villagers, though I did meet several pilgrims. Here a passing pilgrim says hello to one of the locals. Date: 19 August 2023 Place: Pratclaux, Haute-Loire Département, Region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France Maps!
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The Way down from Rochegude into the valley of the L’Allier river was steep, some of the steepest downhill trail I’d walked so far. And after yesterday’s hill scramble, that’s saying something. This is not a trail I’d want to walk without sticks. And I certainly can’t imagine walking this part when I was tired or if it were raining. […]
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The view from Rochegude into the valley of the L’Allier river below is truly stunning. Here I’m standing next to the little Chapelle Saint-Jacques de Rochegude. You can see why this was such a strategic spot in the medieval era. The ruins of the watchtower are being me. Date: 19 August 2023 Place: Rochegude, Haute-Loire Département, Region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France […]
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This is the sanctuary of the little Chapelle Saint-Jacques de Rochegude. I found it surprisingly well-appointed, considering its size and the difficulty in climbing up to the chapel. The nave – if you can call it that – is of a similar size to the sanctuary. Date: 19 August 2023 Place: Rochegude, Haute-Loire Département, Region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France Maps!
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The tiny hamlet of Rochegude overlooks the valley of the L’Allier river below. There has been a guard tower up on the ridge here since the early medieval period at least. Also up on the hillside above the houses is this little chapel, perched precariously over the steepest part of the hillside, just beyond. Date: 19 August 2023 Place: Rochegude, […]
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