Conques, France

As I turned the corner and entered Conques, I was reminded of my visit to Petra. It was a moment of profound revelation when I realized that despite my extensive reading and all the photos I had looked at, I was unprepared for the unexpected beauty that unfolded. It was a moment that left me in awe, and I couldn’t help but wonder if anything could take my breath away like this moment had.

I felt the same when we entered Conques. It was breathtaking and will forever be etched in my memory. It was as if time had stood still, and we were in a beautiful make-believe place.

Conques, a place where Pilgrims descend from the austere and wild Aubrac plateau towards the Lot Valley, holds a significant place in history. The superb medieval village of Conques and its abbey church, with its splendid tympanum, is one of the Western world’s most important centers of art and spirituality. Thanks to the ancient relics of Saint Foy, brought here from Agen in 883, Conques has become one of the main stops on the Saint-Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage route from Puy en Velay. This historical significance still draws numerous walkers to this breathtaking village.

Our time in Conques was a bittersweet blend of lazy days and lovely moments. We spent our days visiting the incredible museums, walking around the small village, and making arrangements to return home from our beautiful little apartment overlooking the town. 

We could walk to every place we needed to be. We reminisced with those we had met along the way and made future plans.

Our travel plans from Conques were complex but well thought out. We would take a bus to the outskirts of Rodaz and then another bus into the city. From there, we would get a ride to the airport and arrive in Orly. Over the next few days, we would catch a flight to LAX and then onto Portland. We would rent a car and drive to Hillsborough. We would stay in College Grove for a day before seeing our family. We hoped this detailed plan would ensure a smooth journey.

There is complex and beautiful stuff ahead. I am thankful we have been in a training program and pray for the strength and stamina to move onward. Thankful for our time in France.

You are loved.