Our Day in LePuy en Velay

K

Today we took an intentional rest day before we begin our trek across France.  We are staying at L'epicurium Chambre d'hotes.  Basically, it's a type of bed and breakfast.  Sort of rustic yet well restored in a quiet side street in the historic district.  We awoke to a traditional French breakfast of bread and jam and a bowl of coffee.  We enjoyed a very chill morning exploring the town but spent the bulk of our time at two of the most interesting places built atop volcanic eruptions.  The first was the Notre Dame de France, a giant statue of Mary and Jesus.  It's very much like the Statue of Liberty as we were able to climb to the top and look out of the crown of stars and see the incredible views.  Next we explored St. Michel d'Aiguile. (Pictured below) It was built in 961 thanks to Gothescalk, bishop of le Puy en Velay after returning from his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. 

                        

    

It was such a treat to see these sights on a sunny warm day. We enjoyed lunch down the stairs from the cathedral Nortre-Dame....yes there is more than one cathedral by that name. We ate some delicious local cuisine.  After lunch we took in the Catherdal which was built during the 11th and 12th centuries. We continued our walking around town looking at shops and admiring the lace work that has a long history here. We stopped for a coffee  and  then back to our room for a nap as we are trying to catch up on our rest. In the evening we attended a pilgrims gathering sponsored by a local group. Dinner was difficult to find as the dinner hour here is after 8pm and we wanted to eat and get to bed as Mass is at 7am tomorrow and we plan to attend. 

Le Puy is a larger town and it was possible to find some who speak a little English, but as we walk to smaller villages, we will be having to communicate with mostly French and hand gestures.  Although we are not prepared as well to communicate as we were in Spain, we have found the people to be extremely friendly and hospitable.  It has been comforting.  It helped make today an extremely relaxed and enjoyable day.