Fog and Leaves on the Lot River

When I post on this blog, I generally try to use several photos that have a topical or aesthetic connection. However, I could find no suitable companion for this photo, taken over bushes toward fog hovering above the Lot River on a cool morning, as we set out from Conques toward Figeac. I like the picture enough to have it stand by itself.

Organ Concert in Conques Cathedral

We returned to Conques from our day in Estaing, and after an early dinner went to the Conques Cathedral for an organ concert by one of the monks. It was a stunning experience, both for the resounding, virtuosic music of the organ augmented by the building's acoustics, and for the dramatic architecture and lighting of this ancient, beautiful building.

Estaing

Estaing is an attractive town on the Lot River in the Aveyron region. It has been prominent since the Middle Ages, and is the family home of former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing. It is overlooked by the imposing Chateau d'Estaing. An important early leader was the Bishop Francois d'Estaing (1460-1529). The delicate carving on his garment is impressive.

Agricultural Scenes near Estaing

This is agricultural territory, with livestock raising and some wine-making as major parts of the economy (along with tourism, of course).

Fall Colors in the Lot Valley

Our Wilderness Travel tour is entitled "Medieval France: The Lot Valley", and this is the first day that we're actually near the Lot River and in its valley. The scenery, with its fall colors, is gorgeous, as will be seen over the next several weeks on this blog.

Old Church Near Estaing

A sign on the edge of the woods tells us that there's a Romanesque church down the lane through the woods. It's old, blocky, solid, dedicated to Saint Peter. The exterior wall and interior capitols are well-worn.  And the relatively modern scrap-iron sculpture nearby tells us that this church is on the pilgrimage path to San Juan de Compostela in Soain.

Countryside Around Conques

After lunch we walked in the countryside around Conques. Annie got acquainted with a horse, and the scenery, both afar and up close, was beautiful.

Lunchtime in Conques

After the reliquary ceremony, it was time for lunch. The women in the medieval street are probably checking photos of the ceremony on their cell phones. Our tour leader Annie is relaxing in the cafe and looking pleased after a key moment on our tour. And a local man, nicely illuminated by window light, is enjoying a glass of local wine while talking to a friend.

St. Foy Relic Ceremony in Conques

The annual ceremony of the moving of the relics of St. Foy, in the Abbey Church of St. Foy in Conques, is an elaborate, colorful, and moving occasion. In the first three photos, from the evening before, young people take communion.

The next morning, people lined up to accompany the reliquary as it was taken from the display building into the church. Unfortunately, it was too rainy to take the relics outside, so it was brought into the church by a different path. There was fine choral singing by a visiting choir assisted by the children. And then, finally, the reliquary was paraded through the church as the bishop gave his speech and other church dignitaries listened.

Facade of the Abbey Church of St. Foy

The destination of our first day's hike was the medieval village of Conques. Perhaps its main attraction is the Abbey Church of Saint Foy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Wikipedia: "The Abbey Church of Saint Foy in Conques was a popular stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago on their way to Santiago de Compostela in what is now Spain. The main draw for medieval pilgrims at Conques were the remains of Saint Faith ("St. Foy"), a martyred young woman from the fourth century."

The facade of the church gives little hint of this reason for its importance, but instead provides an impressive display of the torments of hell that await sinners. Here are a couple of details.