Le Chemin de Saint-Jacques

by | Apr 28, 2026 | 2026 Pilgrimage in Southern France | 16 comments

We have our pilgrim credentials packed and we fly to Nice today, returning to follow another pilgrimage path across the South of France. We will start from Nice with Gord on foot and me on my bike Friday. Initially we will be on the Via Aurelia (GR 653A). It is a dual direction route heading both to both Rome and Santiago de Compostela in Spain. We will then connect with the Voie du Piémont (GR 78) after a short stretch on the Arles route. The Voie du Piémont parallels the Chemin d’Arles, just to the south, starting at Montpellier. We will later be in the foothills of the Pyrenees, passing Carcassonne and Lourdes before ending at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.  The journey is 8 weeks in duration and perhaps 1200 kms in length.

My sketchbook is ready to be filled.
Grandma Friday the last time I was in France.

Now in as good a time as any to announce that we have two new members of our family. Gord and I recently adopted two much younger Bike Fridays.  Grandma Friday and Larry Friday have been joined by Boy and Girl Friday, both yet to be named. After around 12,000 kms Grandma Friday will be sitting this trip out. She is looking forward to enjoying a relaxing Victoria Spring and following along on our blog. 

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16 Comments

  1. Lyle and Darla on April 28, 2026 at 2:17 pm

    Can’t wait to hear all about your escapades! Have a great time!

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 28, 2026 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks guys!

      Reply
  2. Karen on April 28, 2026 at 2:31 pm

    Safe travels, Ruth and Gord! I look forward to travelling this route through your blog and photos and paintings! Enjoy!

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 28, 2026 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks Karen!

      Reply
  3. Neil Hansen on April 28, 2026 at 6:07 pm

    Bon chance, mes amis. Another fantastic hiking trip to add to the list of fantastic hiking trips that I will never do. But I can dream….

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 28, 2026 at 6:18 pm

      You are very funny!

      Reply
  4. Ewa on April 28, 2026 at 8:39 pm

    Oh, I love the way you write about your bicycles! So Grandma Friday has retired. Happy retirement!

    I am so happy you will be in Europe soon. Have fun and many beautiful moments on the Way.

    Hugs,

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 29, 2026 at 4:37 am

      Thank you Ewa! 🥰

      Reply
  5. John Hopewell on April 28, 2026 at 8:59 pm

    Have a great adventure.

    Reply
    • Maud on April 28, 2026 at 9:14 pm

      Bon chemin ! Je pense toujours à vous !
      Peut-être un jour tenterez vous le gr 34 qui fait le tour de la Bretagne…et alors nous nous reverrons !

      Reply
      • Ruth McDonald on April 29, 2026 at 4:36 am

        Bonjour Maud ! Ravie d’avoir de tes nouvelles. Oui, nous aimerions beaucoup venir en Bretagne un jour et faire cette randonnée.

        Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 29, 2026 at 4:37 am

      Thanks John!

      Reply
  6. Kathy on April 29, 2026 at 3:45 am

    Hey Ruth, have a great adventure. Looking forward to connecting with you and Gord when you return.

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 29, 2026 at 4:34 am

      Thanks Kathy

      Reply
  7. France T. on April 29, 2026 at 5:42 am

    Bonne Aventure Ruth & Gord et bonne pratique de français ahah

    Reply
    • Ruth McDonald on April 29, 2026 at 7:11 am

      Merci mon amie!

      Reply

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