Pilgrims on the Way

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 […]

This colourful side altar stands in stark contrast to the unpainted and ungilded altars that otherwise fill the church of Notre Dame du Puy de Figeac. It is of course, Saint-Jacques – Santiago – Saint James the Apostle, whose relics are the object of the Camino. Like the other altars and reredos, this is carved in walnut. Unlike the others, […]

This is a closeup of the high altar of the church of Notre Dame du Puy de Figeac. It is carved from walnut, and it’s just stunning. I sat here for quite some time just soaking it in. Most of the side altars here are similarly unpainted and ungilded, though the next photo in this series will show one that […]

After climbing the stairs to the church, my legs were not happy with me. This was more than made up for when I entered the church of Notre Dame du Puy de Figeac. I didn’t know what to expect in this church, but I was certainly not expecting this. Many altars and reredos are carved from walnut. These are then […]

Of course, I had to visit the church of Notre Dame du Puy de Figeac. Having started my Camino in the town of Le Puy, I had developed a devotion to Our Lady of Le Puy. I wasn’t wild about climbing all those stairs after walking almost 26km earlier in the day. The church was founded in the 8th century […]

After sitting for my portrait, I took this photo of La place des Écritures. As I mentioned the other day, Jean-François Champollion was a native of Figeac. He famously cracked the code on the Rosetta Stone and successfully translated Egyptian hieroglyphics for the first time. There’s a museum here dedicated to him and his work, and there is also La place des […]

After praying Vespers in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in Saint-Sauveur, I ran down to La place des Écritures. A bit of background is probably an order. Jean-François Champollion was a native of Figeac. He famously cracked the code on the Rosetta Stone and successfully translated Egyptian hieroglyphics for the first time. There’s a museum here dedicated to him and his work, […]