Lourdes as a starting point?

[rickP]

I spent a couple of days in Lourdes last year and think it would be a great way to start a pilgrimage. Would it be possible to start in Lourdes and walk to St. Jean? One of the maps I found shows a leg to there through Orolon.

[InOrlando]

I spent a couple of days in Lourdes last year and think it would be a great way to start a pilgrimage. Would it be possible to start in Lourdes and walk to St. Jean? One of the maps I found shows a leg to there through Orolon.

I've been watching this thread, rickP, waiting for someone to respond to your query. I'd like to begin in Lourdes, too--but a Google Maps query yields a long walk on the highway (not good). What "leg" of the Camino begins in Lourdes? Where'd you see that? Thanks.

[InOrlando]

Btw, rickP: Where at in StL? I'm originally from UCity.

[rickP]

I actually live in St. Charles. If you use STL most people know where that is. As far as Lourdes nothing starts there. I think there is a route that goes through Lourdes with two choices. It looks like you can go through the Somport pass or through St. Jean. I have not found much information on the route through St. Jean. It is called Chemin du Pi?mont. Most of the information I have found is in French so it has not been much help to me since I can say beer in 6 languages and not much else.

[Leslie]

I have driven from Roncesvalles to Lourdes and it is not a short journey. The roads are quite narrow and there are few places to stop. I also don't know of any routes between the two.

[InOrlando]

I actually live in St. Charles. If you use STL most people know where that is. As far as Lourdes nothing starts there. I think there is a route that goes through Lourdes with two choices. It looks like you can go through the Somport pass or through St. Jean. I have not found much information on the route through St. Jean. It is called Chemin du Pi?mont. Most of the information I have found is in French so it has not been much help to me since I can say beer in 6 languages and not much else.

"Beer in 6 languages," you say? I'm impressed! Sounds like you've spent a lot of your time in STL doing the Busch Factory tours!

Leslie (see his post) says the roads aren't safe, and he knows no good walking route. Maybe I'll just take a bus . . .

[rickP]

InOrlando, have you ever been to Lourdes? If not don't miss it when you are in thatpart of the world. The 2 days I spent there were incredible. The town is cheezy but the grounds are incredible. The procession at night is very moving. The upper stations of the cross were one of my favorite things to do. You see people with incredible faith in God that goes beyond what most of us can comprehend.

[geraldkelly]

Interesting question about starting in Lourdes. So I had a quick ferret. There is a GR from Lourdes to St Jean. It starts as a GR de Pays as far as Arrens and from there it joins the GR10 which goes to Hendaye via St Jean. It's covered by TopoGuide 1086. Looks like a nice walk.

F?d?ration Fran?aise de la Randonn?e P?destre
F?d?ration Fran?aise de la Randonn?e P?destre
https://www.stanfords.co.uk/stock/gr...arrens-167830/

Gerald

ps. here's a book in English http://books.google.ie/books?id=tmxQ...age&q=&f=false

[InOrlando]

rickP: I've never been to Lourdes, but Song of Bernadette was required viewing in Catholic school, so I know about it. I'm anxious to go there before I begin my pilgrimage. Thanks for the positive review of the place.

GeraldKelly: The links are exactly what I need, thanks so much!