CHEMIN DE SAINT JACQUES DE COMPOSTELLE

Some sections of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela in France are included in the Unesco World Heritage list. The one that leads from Lectoure to Condom is part of the seven classified sections of the Via Podensis that runs from Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela. It is 27 kilometers long and takes 6 hours and 45 minutes to cover. It passes by dirt roads which cross meadows and backyards of farms, and by small country roads little attended. The trail passes through the picturesque villages of Marsolan and Castelnau-sur-l'Auvignon. At the chapel of Abrin, it splits. The most fervent hikers opt for the detour to the village of La Romieu which has a sumptuous collegiate church and a cloister also listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. This detour requires an additional 5 kilometers of walking. It is of course possible to stop in La Romieu. Once in Condom, you can visit the Saint-Pierre cathedral. The road then continues towards Montréal-du-Gers and takes the bridge of Artigues of the XIIth century, again registered with the Unesco world heritage. We recommend a short fifteen minute detour to the pretty little fortified village of Larressingle. The road to Santiago de Compostela is very busy from Easter to All Saints' Day, with an undeniable peak during the summer. It is then necessary to book your accommodation, especially if you wish to take advantage of the pilgrim rate.