My Chemin de Compostelle--the Via Podiensis: Day 15 : More Conques

Five of us from the gite Domaine de Sénos overnighted in Conques, and we all showed for the special pilgrim blessing service along with a dozen others. The priest also gave us a nice explanation of the tympanum over the front doors of the church as well, and since there just happened to be an organ concert/(interior) light show through Sunday, we benefited from that, too! One thing I learned is that the Spanish name Santa Fe is actually a reference to Sainte Foy, as Foy (from the Latin word Fides) means Faith.

Unfortunately the only ATM machine in town was out of order, complicating my life. I had the Tourist Office call to let them know of the problem but since it is Saturday, nothing is going to be done until Monday when I am gone. Very frustrating as I am quite low on Euros.

I have visited the church dedicated to Sainte Foy, the treasure with its reliquaries, including that of its patron saint, the little Chapelle du Rosaire, and the small museum named after a former mayor, Joseph Fau.

Yesterday I had an overpriced dinner at the Auberge Saint Jacques, apparently the only restaurant open in the evening in the off season. At least I was able to pay with a credit card. Actually the main dish was not bad, trout with pasta, and the dessert, a seasonal apple concoction with whipped cream, was fine as it was not too heavy. Most of the people were eating the aligot (potatoes, cheese and garlic) with sausage or steak, but I still hadn't recovered from lunch! Since I will be staying at the Abbey's gîte I will eat there as I prefer demi-pension when available...

I also visited the Roman bridge and the St. Roch chapel, but the chapel to Sainte Foy would have required me returning back to the gite for my hiking poles as it was well out of the city and much further along the Pilgrim Route. Conques is extremely hilly, and after walking a long slippery descent, without poles, I was in no hurry to walk back, retrieve mine, and repeat the process again.

The ATM is now functioning, which is good thing. I just learned that the shuttle I had planned to take to the train station only runs in high season, which ended a week ago. Instead of EUR 15, it will cost me EUR 60 to take a cab. I am not happy about that, but don't exactly have any other options.

I have now moved from the gite communal to the Sainte Foy Abbey's gîte. Can't say it's an improvement, but at least I can take my meals there.

Selection for Day 15 on the Pilgrimage

(Hebrews 12) 1 [S]ince we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and
the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with
perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to
Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the
sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right
hand of the throne of God.