Incredible “it has to be seen to be believed” Conques, France is on the pilgrimage route leading from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. The 736 kilometer/457 mile route is called Way of St. James, Camino de Santiago, St. Jacques, or just Camino.
Legend holds that St. James’s remains were carried to Spain where he was buried in what is now Santiago de Compostela. We last stayed at 2**Auberge St. Jacques 7 years ago when Marine Steve and I finished the first 14 days on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. We’re b—a—c—k… to continue on. This “Auberge” or hotel is located facing the incredible Abbey of Sainte Foy. Auberge St. Jacques has 13 rooms with bathroom, telephone, television, free Wi-Fi and an excellent restaurant.
Several other hotels in Conques that I personally know of are: Le Moulin de Cambelong, Hotel Sainte Foy and Hostellerie de l’Abbaye which according to Trip Advisor is to be avoided. Conques also has gites and several 2** hotels for a total of 16 different accommodation types which is quite a bit considering a population of 301. Visit the Conques website for more information.
What are the odds a person will get the exact same room seven years later? Zilch. But as we schlepped suitcases up three flights of stairs so jet lagged that we could barely see straight, and unlocked the door, it all came back to us and there it was, our previous room. Perhaps they’ll put a little plaque on the door with our names.
TIP: Auberge St. Jacques and its restaurant is always sold out and not handicapped accessible!
The hotel serves the usual French breakfast of croissant, baguettes, juice, coffee with an added touch of yogurt and fruit.
Try to reserve dinner on the balcony overlooking magnificent Abbey of Sainte Foy if weather cooperates. We sat, and began snarfing down a creamy asparagus amuse-bouche (a complimentary appetizer served at the beginning of a meal), pate de foie gras, Marine Steve’s entree was small chicken pieces with mashed potatoes that looked like aligot (mashed potatoes with cheese), and I had filet of sea bream which was just okay with mashed sweet potatoes. The plateau de fromage (plate of assorted cheese) was followed by dessert; a baba (small yeast cake) with whipped cream and sorbet, and chocolate mousse inside a crunch shell, also with sorbet. And how about 1/2 liter of good white wine for 6.50 Euro? Bring it on…