As I left Saint-Gilles, I wanted to visit the Church because I knew it was an important stop on this Chemin (Camino). And I like to pray for my family and friends.
According to Wikipedia, "The abbey of Saint-Gilles was founded during the seventh century traditionally by the hermit Saint Giles (Latin Ægidius), whose relics the abbey possessed. The commune formed around the nucleus of the abbey, which was the first stopping point for pilgrims bound for Santiago de Compostela in Spain, who were following the via Tolosana that led from Arles to Toulouse and crossed the Pyrenees to join other routes at Puente La Reina, thence to Santiago along the Via Compostelana. The former abbey church was listed in 1998 among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France."
The abbey church's west portal is considered among the most beautiful of the great Romanesque portals.
Giles the Hermit was supposedly Greek, the son of King Theodore and Queen Pelagia of Athens
Legend links him with Arles, but he lived in nearby woods in solitude for many years. His only companion was his beloved red deer who sustained him on her milk. King Wamba's hunters shot an arrow at his deer which wounded the saint instead. As a result, he became the patron saint of the physically disabled. The shrine of Saint Gilles, located in the crypt of the church, is prayed to by women wishing to become pregnant or dealing with infertility. This would not include me. At this age that truly would be a miracle.
I thought it was funny that no dogs were allowed. I don't think I have ever seen a sign like this at any other church in Europe or the United States for that matter.
This area is a big wine-growing area and I passed numerous wineries. I didn't go in for any tastings. Too early.
There were five or six such vehicles close to the water's edge. Clearly, they had been pulled out of the water. I wondered if people were in them when they went in.
There were a number of tributes to pilgrims along the way. I felt very welcome and it was WELL MARKED for the entire day. I wanted to sing the hallelujah chorus.
And now the hills begin. I was kinda happy hiking on flat ground. But since I love the mountains I know they are coming soon and hopefully, I will be over sore legs when they get here.
Spring is for babies. Look at this cutie pie and proud Mama.
Faces only a mother could love. Black pigs are quite famous here.
Lunch was on the skimpy side, just bread and cheese. As I was headed to my hotel, I saw this patisserie. I was pretty hungry. These two jewels are the size of baseballs - really! I ate one of them and wished I had settled for a half of one. Donut-like and dusted with sugar, they were filled with the most luscious, chilled vanilla custard.
Dinner at my hotel more than made up for last night's not-so-good meal. This salad was nothing more than shredded vegetables and maybe a tiny bit of dressing. They were so crisp and fresh, that I just couldn't get enough. Sometimes simple and healthy just hits the spot.
Look at this delightful meal. Enough for an army. The beef was slow-roasted in red wine and fork-tender. I thought I might swoon from the flavors of the meat and the numerous vegetables cooked in that rich gravy. There is a youngish couple who own the hotel and they are clearly just starting with it. Lots of construction going on. They were so nice and both were thin. I can't figure out why. With food like this every night, I would be big as a house.
I haven't eaten dessert yet. The man of the house showed me how to operate the microwave. He explained that it is usually served warm. Be still my heart.
Today was the longest 13.7-mile hike that I can remember. I was tired from the beginning and had sore legs. Day two and day three are always the hardest days and then I usually get over being tired and sore by day four. It was flat for the first half and then it changed to great big hills. OMG!
So in spite of my minor whining, all and all, it was a great day!
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