Conques in October?

[ABCracker]

Do pilgrims still travel through Conques in October or is it too cold? Do the monks still offer pilgrim's mass in October?

Thank you !

 

[SYates]

Yes to both. Conques is a popular starting/endpoint with French pilgrims that to the Le Puy route in stages. Depending how far you want to go after Conques you might run into difficult weather, for example in the Aubrac area. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Felipe]

"October" is a too generic definition. It is the beginning of winter, so temperatures tend to fall precipituosly, with a net difference from week to week. I'd say that the first two weeks are (generally) acceptable, but after that, weather becomes more severe. You have to consider, obviously, your starting and finishing dates.
But you never know...last year my friends told me about an unusually mild December.
Conques is considered a rainy region; that explains why it is so green and visually attractive.
See hard data here

 

[scruffy1]

Coming into Conques in a rainstorm is treacherous, the descent is a doozy. In contrast, the climb out of Conques in a rainstorm is...possibly even worse.

 

[ABCracker]

Yes to both. Conques is a popular starting/endpoint with French pilgrims that to the Le Puy route in stages. Depending how far you want to go after Conques you might run into difficult weather, for example in the Aubrac area. Buen Camino, SY

Thank you so much-- I am not walking the Camino at this time, but visiting and sharing the experience with a relative who has never seen pilgrims depart /pilgrims' mass. The monks in Conques do such a lovely

 

[Kitsambler]

The other issue in October is that there is a school holiday. I'm not sure the duration: one/two/three weeks. And I'm not sure when it starts, but it generally includes the end of the month. Toussaint, or All Saints Day, is often the marker for closing summer-season businesses such as gites. You will often see in MMD that places are open from Pascal to Toussaint (Easter to All Saints). Some places will still be open; other places will be open hit-or-miss (if no one has made a reservation, they will take off the week). So do check in advance. As always, MMD is your friend.

 

[Felipe]

I am not walking the Camino at this time, but visiting and sharing the experience with a relative who has never seen pilgrims depart /pilgrims' mass. The monks in Conques do such a lovely

I see.
If you want to be at pilgrims' blessing, this is the list of Masses at the abbey. Look for "bénediction des pèlerins".
http://www.mondaye.com/les-prieures/sainte-foy-de-conques/les-offices

 

[ABCracker]

I see.
If you want to be at pilgrims' blessing, this is the list of Masses at the abbey. Look for "bénediction des pèlerins".
http://www.mondaye.com/les-prieures/sainte-foy-de-conques/les-offices

Thank you! I still have a CD of the organ recital from my visit to Conques in 2006. Now...to see if I can locate a digital version. That CD has an endearing pilgrims blessing and of course the wonderful rendition Of the song, "Ultreya".

 

[ABCracker]

The other issue in October is that there is a school holiday. I'm not sure the duration: one/two/three weeks. And I'm not sure when it starts, but it generally includes the end of the month. Toussaint, or All Saints Day, is often the marker for closing summer-season businesses such as gites. You will often see in MMD that places are open from Pascal to Toussaint (Easter to All Saints). Some places will still be open; other places will be open hit-or-miss (if no one has made a reservation, they will take off the week). So do check in advance. As always, MMD is your friend.

That's good info. I think I will arrive in Conques about mid October. I hope I can secure a reservation at hotel St. Foy ( as we won't be pilgrims this time, cannot stay in monastery.)

 

[SYates]

That's good info. I think I will arrive in Conques about mid October. I hope I can secure a reservation at hotel St. Foy ( as we won't be pilgrims this time, cannot stay in monastery.)

Yes you can, they also accept 'normal' guests, just ask here http://www.mondaye.com/contacter-l-hotelerie-de-conques?lang=fr
Buen Camino, SY

 

[ABCracker]

Yes you can, they also accept 'normal' guests, just ask here http://www.mondaye.com/contacter-l-hotelerie-de-conques?lang=fr
Buen Camino, SY

Thank you SY! last time I. Stayed there, there was a couple with a two year old and their donkey-- and the monks accommodated the donkey too.