DAY 11 : FRANCE : ESPEYRAC to CONQUES - 12.5 kms

Distance walked so far : 203 kms

Weather today : cool and cloudy : 18o

A surprisingly easy walk today with many others, keen to reach Conques. Conques is the end of the first stage of the Via Podensis, where many people finish. Julie, Bob and Alicia completed their walk today but Mark and I continue on Chemin de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle.

Arrival in Conques

Conques is the quintessential Romanesque, medieval town. A tourist centre but it has not been compromised. We are staying in the large abbey communal gite - 96 beds. A very warm welcome by enthusiastic volunteers.

The Abbey Communal Gite - medieval monastery of St Norbet

 

 

Courtyard in the Abbey

Celebratory cider in traditional bowls

 

Conques - the quintessential medieval town

 

Another celebration before Equipe Australie disbands

 

Tonight after a delicious celebratory meal we went to the Pilgrims' Mass to celebrate our journey so far. Afterwards there was an organ recital and an opportunity to explore the galleries of the cathedral.

A moonlight visit to the galleries of the Cathedral