Our Walk Along the Via Podiensis (GR 65)

Spring Flowers and Donkeys on GR65 Via Podiensis Hike Today began very early when the abbey bells woke us up at 5:00 AM. We got up and went to Vigils in the church at 5:30 AM, which was sung by six nuns. The church was very simple, and it had amazing acoustics! It was a magical experience to sit in the church and watch the sunrise through the windows behind the altar. The entire abbey had such an air of peace and quiet; it was difficult to leave. However, I have to admit to being somewhat unnerved at having to remain completely silent throughout our stay and the services. We were given breakfast by ourselves in the abbey, which was the usual baguettes and jam, but it was accompanied by the most amazing drinking chocolate I have ever tasted!  After this, we began the hike back out of the valley.  The fantastic views and the cool morning air made walking quite enjoyable, and we took the feeling of peace from the abbey with us. Espalion and the Lot River We reached Espalion...