Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Coquille

For more than 10 years I have walked the "chemins" in France, in Spain and in Portugal. When I saw the "Coquille Saint Jacques", I knew, that I was welcome.

I had reached Saintes in 2015 and now, a year later, continued to walk south, following the "Via Turonensis". Here is the first signpost just outside of Saintes.

Saint Bercharius founded a monastery here in 670, that was transferred by Louis the Pious to the bishop of Reims. In the early 10th century it was given up due to Viking attacks, but reestablished some decades later. The convent accepted the Cluniac Reform. As Cluny was the important promoter of the pilgrimage to Santiago, this monastery was probably a place, where medieval pilgrims found support. That is probably why the place in front of the ancient abbey church now is decorated with this huge Coquille Saint-Jacques.

..during the heat, I often spent some time in the village-churches over noontime...