The Camino from Avignon to Lourdes, via Tolosana -> Reload from 2008 ;-)
In 2008 I walked from Trier (D) via Switzerland to France to Barcelona in Spain. Since I didn't reach the goal Santiago de Compostela, I'm still worried about it to this day! I decided to continue the path (Camino) in 2021. 13 years later (2021), instead of being under 90kg, I am running the route (Via Tolosana) from Avignon to the Occitanie region to Lourdes with a body weight of more than 170kg.
The first stage (2021) was very difficult because I had to walk in new boots (Meindl). I became blisters on my feet -and big ones on the heel... 😉. The signage on the way at that path, was very poor and I often found myself on the Rue-National (country road in France ) walking. In addition, it was hilly throughout and the supply stations (food stalls and especially drinking places) were very rare on this stage.
The highlights were undoubtedly the journey on the TGV, the city of Avignon, the medieval city of Carcassone and then reaching the first destination: the pilgrimage site of Lourdes.
The city walls of Avignon in the evening light after arriving by TGV. The city wall is part of the historical part of the city with the former papal seat and papal palace. Avignon exudes a very Mediterranean flair and has a mild climate all year round.
The mentioned Rue National on the way to Carcassone within a beautiful avenue of trees. It looks fluffy but when you're hungry and especially thirsty - and your feet are full of blisters, then every step is a pain 😉 !
View of the medieval town of Carcassone with a stop at a private hostel. The city has a beautiful medieval center with a basilica and a modern new town.
The Basilica of St-Nazaire-St-Celse with a view of the altar in Carcassone, the windows depict the Passion of Christie.
Statue of the Holy Virgin Mary with prayer requests and intercessions in the basilica
The hostel in France near Carcassone with a beautiful garden and wonderful French cuisine prepared by the host father. For the first time I was allowed to eat a créme brûlée - sizzled live.
Merci Christian 😉
...this is also the Way of St. James, a simple overnight stay at a campsite with a sleeping bag.
Since I snore and not too quietly, the rebellious Gauls (they're crazy about the Romans 😉) ended my sleep with a concert of paper barrel lids banging up and down in the middle of the night. 🙂
The pilgrimage site of Lourdes on the forecourt of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary. There, in 1858, the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to today's St. Bernadette Soubirous a total of 18 times (Marian apparitions).
The Basilica of the Virgin Mary at the foot of the Marian Grotto. The basilica is simply gigantic!
The Marian Grotto is the place where the Holy Virgin Mary appeared to St. Bernadette. A water spring with healing water rises in the grotto. After drinking the water, people with incurable diseases have been healed.
View of the altar within the Basilica of the Virgin Mary. The image can only represent a snapshot of the beauty of the ceiling mosaic or the general arrangement (harmony) of the room.
...finally for the 2021 stage, a picture of the sacrificial candles that lit up in the basilica in Carcassone.
– God bless you –
& was a great stage that, in retrospect, reminded me a lot of the 2008 tour (no signs). 😉
