Randonnée autour de Conques

A hike in the region Midi-Pyrénées

This hike will make you discover Conques, a nice village, mythical stage on the way of Santiago de Compostela, which overhangs the valley dug by Dourdou river. The starting point is the abbey-church which deserves the visit, as well as the annex museum with its magnificent Sainte-Foy's treasure.

Information

General points

• Geographic situation. District : Conques (department Aveyron)
                                     Road map with
• Starting point : Square in front of the abbey church of Sainte-Foy de Conques (car park at the entrance of the village).
• The length of the stroll is estimated at 7,2 Km and the walk duration is about 2 h 15 mn.
• The stroll is marked out all along
• Stroll form : dual (one part as a loop, the other one linear)
• Stroll relief : hilly (alt. mini = 240 m ; alt. maxi = 550 m)
• Maintenance : frequent (brushwood clearing at least annual)
• Exposure : varied (both covered and uncovered areas)

Noteworthy places

L'abbatiale de Conques. The very first constructions of the abbey of Conques would go back to the 5th century. During the VIIIth century, it was established a Benedictine abbey by Dadon. Later, Sainte-Foy 's relics gave this place an international fame. The current abbey-church was built by Odolric, in the XIth century, and was finished during the XIIth century by Boniface. In the XIXth century, the abbey was saved by Mérimée, who worked as Ancient Monuments inspector. The current stained glasses are by the contemporary artist, Pierre Soulages. The abbey-church belongs to the World Patrimony (edited by UNESCO).

Trésor de Sainte-Foy. The masterpiece of the treasure is Sainte-Foy's reliquary statue. Saint Foy was a young woman who was martyrized and killed in Agen, during the 5th century. The museum is situated near the abbey church. The visit is charged.

Pont des Romains. Bridge upon Dourdou river, built in the XVIth century. It is also called Bridge of Pilgrims, as it is on the route of Santiago de Compostela.

Maps

Carto Explorer 12 Nord, IGN 2338 E.

Bibliography

L'Aveyron à pied. (2001 - Coll. Les Départements de France à pied. Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre) : 129 p. Réf. ISBN : 2856998933