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Asquins and Saint-Père-sous-Vézelay

scruffy1

Veteran Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Holy Year from Pamplona 2010, SJPP 2011, Lisbon 2012, Le Puy 2013, Vezelay (partial watch this space!) 2014; 2015 Toulouse-Puenta la Reina (Arles)
The Pilgrim finally arrives in Vezelay but it is so difficult to actually set out. First of all the amazing Basilique Sainte Marie-Madeleine which should be visited in the early morning hours, during the afternoon, at sunset, and in the dark of night. Before setting out, do consider a walk down, how can you leave the Eternal Hill without actually seeing it from it's best perspective! A most pleasant and beautiful walk down and around Vezelay leads to Saint-Père 30 minutes+-. While there pop into the Église Notre-Dame de Saint-Père, then coffee and back up the hill - not done yet.
2-3 kilometers the other direction from Vezelay is Asquins, the traditional starting point before Vezelay. Asquins lies at the foot of the hill of Vézelay. The village holds many surprises, such as ancient barns, fortified farms of the XVII century and a wash house with a paved floor and beautiful frame supported by a square base. There are also several “colombiers” and winegrowers' houses, whilst the surrounding area is scattered with dozens of winegrowers’ huts. Best of all, the church of Saint Jacques le Majeur which is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands on a promontory that overlooks the village. Inside, you will find the reliquary bust of St Jacques from the 16th century, the woodwork of the 18th century and the Romanesque frescoes of the sacristy. From Vézelay, from the Porte Neuve, the road that leads to Asquins is a pretty walk of about 3 kilometers.
Vezelay to Santiago is say 1500 kilometers? No need to rush andrun about. Do this Camino properly
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Asquins with the church of Saint Jacques le Majeur left and Vézelay up the hill on the right. Mind you, the climb to Vézelay will leave you wanting for a cold drink. Of which there are plenty when you get there, fortunately.

 
Vezelay, which has been one "love of my life" ever since university days is almost in our Champagne backyard; only 220 km away over hill and dale. Mid November 2008 I walked there from our farm hoping to continue on to Santiago. You can read about that attempted journey here.

 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
April 2014, freezing cold, didn't mind the climb back as it kept me warm until I returned to Vezelay for what the Italians call café apropiada the Spanish carajillo, saved my life!
 

MS, I have come to greatly admire you and the joy of the Camino you bring in every post here. Though I have come to appreciate so many pilgrims I have come to know you are the one I would have most like to have met along the Way. God bless you and may you and yours be embraced in peace and health.
 
Vezelay to Santiago is say 1500 kilometers? No need to rush andrun about. Do this Camino properly

You might consider taking the Salvador to Oviedo from Leon and continuing on the Primitivo. Just shy of 1800 km to Santiago.
 
Train for your next Camino on California's Santa Catalina Island March 16-19

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