Author: Thom

For Good Friday, I thought this photo appropriate. This Crucifix stands next to the graveyard of the church of Saint-Julien de Cardaillac. The church itself was locked. Almost all of the churches I passed in France were open, but for some reason in this region – today in fact – this was the second locked church I’d come across. Date: […]

After the sign announcing the village of Cardaillac, I walked another twenty minutes through mostly forested land before finally emerging to see this view of the village proper. You can just see the castle in the distance on the left. My goal here was to visit the church, visit the castle, and to obtain a late second breakfast, or possibly […]

After about an hour of walking, I entered the village of Cardaillac, or possibly Cardalhac in Occitan. This place is built around a castle – photo to come – and dates back to the 8th century. It is named after the Cardaillac family, which traces its origin to a fellow named Bertand de Cardaillac. By the 11th century, the Cardaillacs […]

While the Camino route from Figeac to Rocamadour is these days classed as an “alternate” route, in earlier centuries, it was not. Rocamadour was a “can’t miss” site for medieval pilgrims. I continued walking on an asphalt road through the woods under a beautiful canopy of trees. Occasionally, I would catch glimpses of a stream off to my left and […]

As the Camino leaves Figeac, it makes a sudden transition from urban to rural. One minute you’re walking along a street, and then you walk through a narrow passage between two buildings and suddenly: this. Date: 30 August 2023 Place: leaving Figeac, Lot Département, Region of Occitanie, France Maps! The site I’ve been using for my daily maps, Gronze.com, while […]

On the way out of Figeac, I attempted to visit the church of Saint Thomas, but it was locked up tight. This was one of the few locked churches I encountered in France. After this, it was much easier to find the route markings, which was just as well because I had run off the edge of the paper map […]

After Figeac, the Camino splits into three different routes, all meeting up again in the city of Cahors. You can take the “official” route, which is about three days. If you prefer panoramic river valley views and don’t mind the constant climbs and descents—and you can afford an extra day—you might try the Célé Valley alternative. For an extra two […]

After visiting the churches and monuments, I wandered the narrow streets and alleys of Figeac, looking for someplace to eat dinner. There were lots of options – seemingly a new possibility around every corner! For those following my lack-of-gîte saga, Nina and I ended up going to the tourist office, and they fixed me up with a lovely place for […]

It’s difficult to explain the intricate and beautiful detail of the carved altars of Notre Dame du Puy de Figeac. I took quite a few photos, but this one perhaps gives you a taste of the level of artistry. I understand, I think, why they left these unpainted – it allows the loving work of the Master Carvers to more […]