Via Occitania

[caminka]

have you heard of via occitania? it is a (historic, apparently) route linking conques on via podiensis and toulouse on via tolosana. a branch of it also heads to moissac, thus avoiding figeac and cahors.

I came across this route when I was looking into varaire, a town with a huge lavoir on the via podiensis (brtween figeac and cahors). it seemed an interesting link and I discovered it has quite a few pilgrim connections.

the most informative page I found, with an accommodation list: https://www.compostelle-toulouse.com/nos-chemins/les-chemins-en-occitanie/voie-conques-toulouse.html.

some basic info with proposed stages: https://www.lamaisondespelerins-villeneuve.fr/vers-compostelle/.

there is also a guide (in french): https://www.randonnee-aveyron.fr/topo-guide/le-chemin-de-conques-toulouse/.

 

[Kitsambler]

Interesting! I'd heard rumors of some sort of connection between Conques and Toulouse. Is this project still in development? Or does it have a GR number yet?

 

[caminka]

Interesting! I'd heard rumors of some sort of connection between Conques and Toulouse. Is this project still in development? Or does it have a GR number yet?

the route is comprised of several GR routes:
- GR 65 from conques to puy de wolf
- GR 62B from puy de wolf to villefranche-de-rouergue
- GR 36 from villefranche-de-rouergue to cordes-sur-ciel
- GR 36/46 liasion from cordes-sur-ciel to cahuzac-sur-vere
- GR 46 from cahuzac-sur-vere to toulouse

I don't think it will get its own number. classical GR waymarks are accompanied with typical french camino waymarks - small blue square with a yellow scallop.

 

[lovingkindness]

Bonjour @caminka
The french Compostela site A.C.I.R have information on this trail, too:

Itineraires | Agence française des chemins de Compostelle

www.chemins-compostelle.com

On my way from Albi to Rocamadour (2021) I followed the Gr 36 to Cordes- sur -Ciel (an astonishing sight), then on to Ville de Rouergue (gîte d'ètape) and Varaire.

Albi is a place I return to sometimes. It is well worth a detour..

Here is the picture which inspired my journey. As one can see, from Beauregard the GR 46 runs parallel to the GR 36.

...and a resource which I put together afterwards. -perhaps you've found it already. It is a rather hefty pdf. I did have fun writing it though . The first 7 stages are from Albi to Varaire.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/france-walking-guide-pdf-albi-rocamadour-agen-moirax-condom-23-stages.829/

Bon chemin!

 

[caminka]

Bonjour @caminka
The french Compostela site A.C.I.R have information on this trail, too:

Itineraires | Agence française des chemins de Compostelle

www.chemins-compostelle.com

On my way from Albi to Rocamadour (2021) I followed the Gr 36 to Cordes- sur -Ciel (an astonishing sight), then on to Ville de Rouergue (gîte d'ètape) and Varaire.

Albi is a place I return to sometimes. It is well worth a detour..

Here is the picture which inspired my journey. As one can see, from Beauregard the GR 46 runs parallel to the GR 36.
View attachment 172519
...and a resource which I put together afterwards. -perhaps you've found it already. It is a rather hefty pdf. I did have fun writing it though . The first 7 stages are from Albi to Varaire.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/france-walking-guide-pdf-albi-rocamadour-agen-moirax-condom-23-stages.829/

Bon chemin!

A very nice guide, thank you! A very beautiful route too!

I usually print whole A4 pages of geoportail maps, they are just so cool.

Unfortunately, I think gite d'etape Ahuti in Cordes is closed. I am a little confused, though, because the link in your guide sends me to Auberge de la Halle which is not the same. Unless they also run the gite? It would be awesome if it was still open.

Gite d'etape in Martel is also closed.
Also the one in Collognes which became week-long stays only.

Albi is on my list if I will have an extra day.

 

[lovingkindness]

A very nice guide, thank you! A very beautiful route too!

I usually print whole A4 pages of geoportail maps, they are just so cool.

Unfortunately, I think gite d'etape Ahuti in Cordes is closed. I am a little confused, though, because the link in your guide sends me to Auberge de la Halle which is not the same. Unless they also run the gite? It would be awesome if it was still open.

Gite d'etape in Martel is also closed.
Also the one in Collognes which became week-long stays only.

Albi is on my list if I will have an extra day.

AHUTI gîte d'étape has been a gathering place for the locals in Cordes -sur-Ciel for many years. I do hope it is still functioning.

The day I turned up, unannounced, locals were having their regular shared lunch arround the kitchen table. I was added into the fun, welcomed and instantly fed. I happened to be carrying an alto flûte-a-bec in my pack so I whisked it out and played a few tunes to say, Thankyou. Later, the man running the gîte d'etape contacted a local musician who improvised on a wooden flute in a very 'Zen' kind of style. He came over to make music, too.

Before sundown we all walked about the old town, the flautist playing as we went. It was a mystical, friendly experience. At breakfast the next morning another guest talked on and on and on about how he was a knight Templar, about the Holy Grail, and the ins and outs of what the world and the universe were all about. Oh my... He was attending a seminar on the subject In Cordes.

I do hope AHUTI and the gîte is still operating.

 

[mspath]

Bonjour @caminka
The french Compostela site A.C.I.R have information on this trail, too:

Itineraires | Agence française des chemins de Compostelle

www.chemins-compostelle.com

On my way from Albi to Rocamadour (2021) I followed the Gr 36 to Cordes- sur -Ciel (an astonishing sight), then on to Ville de Rouergue (gîte d'ètape) and Varaire.

Albi is a place I return to sometimes. It is well worth a detour..

Here is the picture which inspired my journey. As one can see, from Beauregard the GR 46 runs parallel to the GR 36.
View attachment 172519
...and a resource which I put together afterwards. -perhaps you've found it already. It is a rather hefty pdf. I did have fun writing it though . The first 7 stages are from Albi to Varaire.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/resources/france-walking-guide-pdf-albi-rocamadour-agen-moirax-condom-23-stages.829/

Bon chemin!

lovingkindness,

This afternoon my husband and I are watching prr usual the Tour de France which is departing right now from Agen. Of course I thought of you and your great compendia re walking in that region of France.

I hope that wherever you all is going well.

Carpe diem!
Margaret

 

[lovingkindness]

lovingkindness,

This afternoon my husband and I are watching prr usual the Tour de France which is departing right now from Agen. Of course I thought of you and your great compendia re walking in that region of France.

I hope that wherever you all is going well.

Carpe diem!
Margaret

Bless you @mspath! I think of you often too. There is much to discover about Agen and Le Lot et Garonne. I hope to return there soon.

Ultreia e suseia!