A pilgrim path and walking meditation: Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges Valcabrere

 

The cloister of the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie, perfect for my walking meditation.

Pilgrim way between Saint-Just and the Cathedral.

Yesterday we walked the pilgrim path between the Basilica of Saint-Just of Valcabrere and the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie. These stopping points in Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges are listed on the Unesco's World Heritage List as belonging to the routes that ultimately lead to Santiago de Compostela. How wonderful to briefly touch this ancient way and for a while to be part of its story.

It's a small community, completely off the beaten track with a history that goes back to being a thriving capital of the Roman Empire - Lugdunum.

The cathedral's construction dates back to 1083 with many transformations and additions over the centuries and as we walked the path it floats on the hill and dominates the gentle surrounding landscape.

Both the interiors of the basilica and the cathedral were restful and each in their own way magical. My favourite place though was the cloister, overlooking the Pyrenean piedmont, with its pebble floor and its detailed carvings on the capitals of the pillars; peaceful. 

The remarkable cathedral with the historic lower and upper town,
 among the ancient ruins from the Roman Era

Detail from the Upper Town, medieval Cite, 16th C half-timbered house.