Pilgrimage and Adventure
along the Route de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
For immediate release
For
millenniums, people have been embarking on pilgrimages around the
world. These spiritual journeys were a refuge that offered time
for contemplation and self-reflection. They were also a time to
appreciate the beauty of nature and the exquisite art and architecture
along the way. A thousand years ago the Route de Saint-Jacques de
Compostelle held special meaning as the route pilgrims followed
through France on their way to Spain to honor the tomb of Apostle
Saint James (Saint Jacques in French, Santiago in Spanish), the
patron saint of Spain who was acclaimed for bringing victory to
the Christian warriors against the Islamic Moors. For four hundred
years thousands of people set out daily along a route they hoped
would bring them spiritual renewal. Beautiful churches, cathedrals,
monasteries and chapels welcomed them and gave them strength on
their journey. Eventually, a legend was lost and the pilgrimages
to the tomb of Saint Jacques slowed and then stopped altogether.
Six hundred years later, people are re-discovering the Route de
Saint-Jacques de Compostelle and the many treasures along the way.
On foot, by bicycle, on horseback and even by donkey, adventurers
and modern pilgrims alike are reliving the experiences of the early
pilgrims as they follow in their footsteps. The year 2004 is an
especially celebrated year for pilgrims following La Route de Saint-Jacques
because this year is a Jubilee or Holy Year, which means that St.
Jacques day falls on a Sunday. The next time this will happen will
be in the year 2010.
The route follows a varied and interesting terrain, through forests,
pastures, vineyards and small picturesque villages. As a pilgrimage
or an adventure, there are a wealth of reasons for travelers to
pause, catch their breath, and explore French heritage as they go.
From breathtaking cathedrals and inspiring religious art, to 25,000
year old cave paintings and Roman mosaic floors, there is something
to see around every corner.
The main route, Via Turonesis, traverses lush Cognac Country and
is world-heritage UNESCO-classified. Six other monuments worth visiting
along the way have earned the UNESCO title as well, churches Saint-Hilaire
de Poitiers and Saint-Hilaire de Melle, Saint-Pierre d'Aulnay, the
royal abbey of Saint-Jean-D'Angély, the church Saint-Eutrope
de Saintes and the Pons Hospital. Passing through Cognac country
is the perfect excuse to discover the region, with essential stops
along the way such as the town of Châtellerault where pilgrims
would pause in the Saint-Jacques church to marvel at a statue of
Saint-Jacques from the 12th century. This same town is where René
Descartes spent his childhood and travelers can still visit his
house, which is now a museum. The next stop along the way, and not
to be missed, is Poitiers. Architecturally fascinating, Poitiers
has been called the city of 100 clocks because of all of the abbeys,
colleges and churches that are here, many of which date to the beginning
of Christianity. One will also find Roman amphitheaters and baths
as well as famous churches Saint-Hilaire-Le-Grand, Sainte-Radegonde,
Notre-Dame-La-Grande and the abbey Saint-Jean-de-Monternieuf. Not
far away, visitors also have the opportunity to visit Futuroscope
park, the European film park, and to see the excellent Falconry
show at Chauvigny. In the city of Melle, travelers can wonder at
its three famous roman churches, Saint-Pierre, Saint Savinien and
Saint-Hilaire, before continuing on to visit the nearby Marais Poitevin,
or "Green Venice" where canals replace the streets. Other
must-see monuments along the way include the church Saint Pierre
d'Aulnay de Saintonge, an exceptionally preserved 12th century masterpiece
of Poitevin Roman art, the royal abbey of Saint-Jean d'Angély,
today a center of European culture, the church Saint-Europe de Saintes
built by Benedictine monks after 1081 and L'Hopital neuf de Pons,
a hospital which was built at the end of the 12th century and served
as a go-between and hospice for the poor and the pilgrims. Naturally,
in the land of Cognac, travelers always the chance to stop in at
one of the Maisons de Cognac to learn the art of this famous cocktail.
A unique vacation alternative, the Route Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
offers travelers a myriad of opportunities to experience France,
history, and have a great time along the way!
For
millenniums, people have been embarking on pilgrimages around the
world. These spiritual journeys were a refuge that offered time
for contemplation and self-reflection. They were also a time to
appreciate the beauty of nature and the exquisite art and architecture
along the way. A thousand years ago the Route de Saint-Jacques de
Compostelle held special meaning as the route pilgrims followed
through France on their way to Spain to honor the tomb of Apostle
Saint James (Saint Jacques in French, Santiago in Spanish), the
patron saint of Spain who was acclaimed for bringing victory to
the Christian warriors against the Islamic Moors. For four hundred
years thousands of people set out daily along a route they hoped
would bring them spiritual renewal. Beautiful churches, cathedrals,
monasteries and chapels welcomed them and gave them strength on
their journey. Eventually, a legend was lost and the pilgrimages
to the tomb of Saint Jacques slowed and then stopped altogether.
Not
far away, visitors also have the opportunity to visit Futuroscope
park, the European film park, and to see the excellent Falconry
show at Chauvigny. In the city of Melle, travelers can wonder at
its three famous roman churches, Saint-Pierre, Saint Savinien and
Saint-Hilaire, before continuing on to visit the nearby Marais Poitevin,
or "Green Venice" where canals replace the streets. Other
must-see monuments along the way include the church Saint Pierre
d'Aulnay de Saintonge, an exceptionally preserved 12th century masterpiece
of Poitevin Roman art, the royal abbey of Saint-Jean d'Angély,
today a center of European culture, the church Saint-Europe de Saintes
built by Benedictine monks after 1081 and L'Hopital neuf de Pons,
a hospital which was built at the end of the 12th century and served
as a go-between and hospice for the poor and the pilgrims. Naturally,
in the land of Cognac, travelers always the chance to stop in at
one of the Maisons de Cognac to learn the art of this famous cocktail.
A unique vacation alternative, the Route Saint-Jacques de Compostelle
offers travelers a myriad of opportunities to experience France,
history, and have a great time along the way!