Eysperac – Conques: 12.5kms - Wednesday

Another short day. Just three hours of walking. However, the last kilometer was a killer - straight downhill on a narrow rocky path – undoubtedly treacherous goings in wet weather. Ah, but the destination is magnifique!

Conques is one of the most beautiful towns imaginable. The 11th Century cathedral dominates the town – a town straight out of the 14th Century. Quaint has nothing on this place. We are staying at the Abbey – the gite run by the monks (numbers unknown) for the pilgrims. Camino pilgrims have been staying here for hundreds of years . We have the corner suit – our own simple room, but with a large bathroom. Tres jolie..

Since we arrived early, lunch at a Michelin mentioned restaurant was in order. OK, pauvre, starving pilgrims we are not. Superior three course lunch – the brandade de moreau starter the star of the meal. 18 E. A very good , demi-pichet of white for 6 E. Best meal by far…

Dinner was a at the Abbey’s dining hall with about 50 pilgrims. Good basic meal for 11E. Sat next to a just retired German woman who was slowly making her way to Santiago. A french Canadian woman in front of me and a man from Belgium on her right. A mix of French and English spoken, and a very pleasant dinner had. Afterwards, most head to the Cathedral where at 9:30pm one of the monks plays the organ in that imposing edifice. He ended his 30 minute concert with a rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun” – and amazing it was….