There are a lot of pilgrims from all over the world looking to seek some peace and enlightenment. They would venture out into different locations to experience some solemnity in their lives as they escape all the stresses and burdens they go through normally. These people would eventually make their way into certain parts of the world in hopes of reflecting upon the things that matter most to them. It is a spiritual journey which allows them to search for some greater meaning in life, and to recognize the presence of a higher power that determines one’s destiny.
One of the most popular destinations among pilgrims everywhere is the Camino De Santiago De Compostela, which is translated into “The Way of Saint James.” There are many routes which these people can take, among them the Via Podensis, more commonly known as the Le Puy Camino. Below are some interesting facts about this rather popular route which takes pilgrims and travelers to the town of Santiago, where the remains of Saint James is believed to be entombed.
- The route starts from Le Puy-en-Velay, and passes through Cahors, Conques, Figeac and Navarrenx. This route is 736 kilometers long, and reaches all the way to Saint Jean Pied de Port. One would simply take an estimated time frame of 4 to 5 weeks to finish the whole route.
- The terrain of Le Puy is quite varied, although for the most part it is quite bumpy, making it somewhat of a challenge for travelers and pilgrims alike. It starts off in the region of Velay, which is known to be volcanic. People who walk this path will certainly see some constant ups and downs. They’ll be passing through the Aubrac plateau, which spans 1,300 meters, before they get to descend down the abbey in Conques.
- The weather in the region is usually practicable, although travelers still have to plan out which season in which they should start their pilgrimage. During spring and winter, the Aubrac is filled with a lot of snow, and the same goes for the Pyrenees Mountains. If one wishes to visit during the summer, hot weather is to be expected. During spring, the Basque country will experience some heavy rains. Because of this, it is highly recommended to plan a visit during the months of April to June, and September to October.
- There are certainly a lot of significant landmarks to come across during the journey. There will be a number of abbeys and cathedrals to be seen in Le Puy, Cahors, Conques and Moissac. There are also some smaller churches, as well other monuments of historical significance. There are also some rather interesting works of architecture and art, highlighting Saint James’ presence and influence over the area.
These are just a few facts that will probably get people interested in visiting the Le Puy Camino. This is certainly a profound experience in its own right, and will certainly make for a unique journey.
Leslie loves hill walking and writing his routes on the web. He has been running the main Camino de Santiago and Walking in Scotland site since 2006. Click on Le Puy Camino to know more details.