As a continuation of the last story about the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, where we explored the longest route from Paris, I’ll now have a look at another route from the vineyards of Burgundy in central France. This route starts in the beautiful medieval town of Vézelay, and takes in a number of lovely destinations en route that are well worth exploring.
Throughout the Middle Ages, Santiago de Compostela was the supreme goal for countless thousands of pious pilgrims who converged there from all over Europe. To reach Spain, most of these pilgrims had to pass through France, and there are a number of scenic routes from which the modern day pilgrim can choose. Your choice will depend, naturally, on the amount of time you have available, although the hardest decision will be deciding which of the historic villages and medieval monuments you wish to explore en route. Whichever one you choose, you will certainly experience a great sense of accomplishment as you finally reach your destination of the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela.
The village of Rocamadour, in the department of the Lot, would have to be one of the most spectacular sites in the country. Even those that have not been there recognise it immediately in photographs. Rocamadour has rightly been described as having vertical architecture, and is a tribute to the ingenuity of the early generations who constructed it. Needless to say, it is a member of the Plus Beaux Villages de France group, and importantly, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Amiens is a great destination for a weekend. Just a shade over an hour’s train ride from Paris Gare du Nord, its cobbled streets, Gothic houses and canals lined with bistros and cafes are a delight, along with numerous monuments and sites to visit. There’s a wide choice of hotels around the town, and the perfect starting off point for visiting the WWl battlefields of the Somme.
There are many treasures to discover in Beauvais, most notably its Cathedral–Cathédrale Saint-Pierre–which is one of the most outstanding Gothic cathedrals in the country. Built around 1247, its vast height is breathtaking at over 46m, making it the tallest cathedral in Europe. It’s also famous for its elaborate astronomical clock, exquisite stained glass windows, and magnificent tapestries from the 15th and 17th centuries. The town itself, including the beautiful Hotel de Ville and the episcopal palace, make a visit to Beauvais well worthwhile. So go and discover why, in 2012 the town was awarded the prestigious accolade of “Ville d’Art et d’Histoire” by the French Ministry of Culture.
