The morning scene at the Abbey de Sainte Foy is bustling with pilgrims getting breakfast. The Abbey is strict with their hours. Posted everywhere in French and English “all rooms must be vacated by 9 am”. I guess I can’t call down to the front desk for a late check out.

We had to follow the Abbey’s routine. Backpack back into big plastic bag. No boots. Sheets and towels into big basket lined up outside the rooms.

Breakfast was simple but fun with most our pilgrims friends either saying goodbye here in Conques as this is a very popular ending stage for many French hikers. Next week school starts again in France so most family with kids are going back to get ready for back to school.

The trail will lead us outside of the village and as we had a steep 1 miles descend into the village yesterday, we now start we a steep 1 miles uphill to climb to get out of town. After about 1 miles uphill, we got to the Chapelle of Sainte Foy. Legend has it that the monk that brought her relics back to the village of Conques felt down unconscious right at this place where the chapel is built. In his dream he saw the Sainte who asked him “Do you want wine for one day or water forever?” He answered “water.” The Sainte tapped her stick and a spring of water sprang up right we they were. The spring is still running with fresh running water today. Thousands of pilgrims had come to place the water on their body to be cured of illnesses but most notably, this spring is known for pilgrims coming from all parts of the world to rub their eyes with this water to cure themselves of blindness.

We climbed on the whole day. Up and up, one hill steeper than he next, a never ending quest to conquer the hills of the Aveyron regions. Ed admits he has a lot of respect for the French now. This is no walk in the park.

We decided to take the long walk because we heard from the Abbey that by The village of Nuoillac, we can visit the procession the crosses leading up to the chapel of st Roch right outside of town. We decided to walk toward Nuoillac. If there is one thing that could make our life tough this morning, it would be the insufferable hot sun beating on us relentlessly above our head. Ed splashed himself all wet from head to feet when ever he walks by a fountain. He was constantly all wet. He said it made him feel better. We did not actually get lost but the walk through Nuoillac was much longer than we thought. We got to town at noon and got a good lunch. Some good energy to keep walking on. Then we got to the procession of the crosses leading to the chapel of St Roch. It was quite beautiful. Ed took lots of pictures.

We hiked on for the rest of the day to arrive into Decazeville.

I have to admit this is so far the longest walking day for us. At one time I asked. “Ed gave ever hitchhike?” I thought I was ready to just hitch a ride into the town of I see a car. That’s how bad it was.

I am glad I finish today’s walk.

Our whole body ache. Our feet are in great pain.