In clearing weather, we proceeded on to Collonges-la-Rouge, so-called because everything in it is constructed from striking red sandstone blocks. The town dates from the 9th century, has had its ups and downs, but always profited from being on the Camino, very near Rocamadour, another important pilgrimage site. Most of Collonges' buildings are late Medieval or younger. Not a hill-top fortress like many of these places, it was easy and enjoyable to just stroll its streets. Collonges-la-Rouge is where the le plus beaux villages association in France began, we read, and it is indeed a most beautiful village. Rather few of the buildings were much labeled, so my pix will be short on descriptions.
 |
Buck up pilgrims! only 812 miles to go...across these hills...and then
the Pyrenees...and then the frying pan of central Spain... |
 |
| Among several chapels |
 |
| Not very helpful model |
 |
| In the Chapel of the Penitents |
 |
| Communal building |
 |
| Communal oven |
 |
| In another chapel |
 |
Our home in Dallas, way back long ago, and in
Missoula, featured a country French dining table and
chairs--now long sold--so we looked longingly
at these scores of beautiful chairs |
 |
| Chateau |
 |
| Ramparts |
 |
Lodging for pilgrims; and not cheap, either--the Camino is nowadays
mostly a recreational sort of thing, everybody dressed in North Face or
Patagonia attire, carrying telescoping walking sticks, drinking from
fancy "hydration" systems, guided by satnavs or apps on their phones;
one sees rather more of the budget accommodations in Spain |
 |
Never did figure out what this structure was: 16th century Quonset
Hut-la-Rouge? Nice barrel vaulting though |
 |
| Got cutlery? |
1 comment:
Somehow we missed this village. So glad you posted photos. It is lovely. Reminds me of Roussillon, another French town made of red stone.
Post a Comment