Our Moveable Feats

September 16, 2024

Saint-Chély-d’Aubrac -> Saint-Côme-dOlt

But first we must get we to a Pharmacie ! Emollients and plasters secured, it’s -what else?- stair-mastering out of a tranquil valley. We crossed the fabled ‘pilgrim bridge’ built eons ago, just after a Renault ripped across – I guess it’s not exclusive!

We were veiled by chestnut, acorn and oak trees, with their big foliage and twisted branch-work. Our guidebook was painfully accurate when it stated ‘just when you’re ready to drop into your destination, you will go up!’ – lots of false descents. There were frequent sweeping vistas and more cows.

We drooped into Saint-Côme-d’Olt, despite a granola-eating gal telling us to make a different turn (these sirens of temptation are everywhere!). We then beheld the awesomeness that is the Couvent de Malet. This 1200 year old religious campus, originally a fort for holy knights, then a monastery, now a convent, is stirring in its grandeur and serenity.

It’s also where we’re praying staying for the night!

Saint-Côme-dOlt is a plus beau village and did not disappoint, with its dark tiled roofs and curves – the famous twisted steeple and sinuous medieval lanes.

This convent scene was part boarding school with a touch of bible camp, full of simplicity, grace and kindness. For dinner, we were joined at our table by the mère supérieure and the chief steward… this made for some soul-searching conversation (not quite conversion!) over the basic yet filling cafeteria-style meal. In her broken English, she asked that question: ‘why you travel le chemin?’