I followed in the footsteps of Saint-Martin
Nature escape
©Thomas JELINEK - Agence Zebrelle « Walking wears out your shoes », as the famous ditty that any self-respecting hiker has, at least once, intoned. Foot shoes, loaded backpack, map and guide in hand, here I am on this itinerary of which I recently discovered the existence: the Path of Ligugé.
Itinerary of a great traveler: Saint Martin
This is departure from Ligugé let my itinerary begin. This charming town, South of Poitiers, is home to the very first abbey in the West, founded in 361 by a certain Saint Martin.
Before following in his footsteps, I discover, as I read, that this man was one of the first great travelers. That's what I like. During his travels, he is credited with many actions of sharing in favor of the poorest. If he founded theabbey of Ligugé, it did not however stop in such a good way.
And this route, which crosses the Vienne, is punctuated by stages recalling episodes in his life.
For me, who is keen on heritage, the path is a godsend.
Over the 170 km, between theabbey of Ligugé and the collegiate church of Candes-Saint-Martin in Indre-et-Loire, many treasures are to be discovered. Churches dedicated to Saint Martin, the Gallo-Roman site of Mirandes Towers of Saint-Martin-la-Pallu, the historic center of Loudun and above all, an abbey that I have dreamed of visiting for a long time: Fontevraud Abbey where rests Eleanor of Aquitaine. But before getting there, the road is still long.
©ACAPTo follow the path, trust the stone markers
Impossible to be wrong, presence of stone markers carved with cardinal points and a "D" and an "M" meaning Doyenné Saint-Martin, confirms that I am on the right track. No particular difficulties to report on the way, enough to allow me to get in shape while taking full advantage of everything around me!
A big breath of fresh air in the heart of the forests punctuated by the crossing of charming villages and the visits to be made, would that be luxury? In any case, it's mine and I intend to savor it. Between moments of calm inviting meditative walking and periods of cultural discovery, the day flies by at full speed. Here I am already ready to put down the backpack to stay with the locals.
Mileage for the day respected, it is good to be able to take off your shoes to enjoy a well-deserved dinner. It's time to go rest, tomorrow, a new stage awaits me! Direction the Upper Poitou and its landscapes of vineyards. I'm eager to !
This hike will undoubtedly remain a superb experience with magnificent encounters, to be repeated!
And if you feel like it, we offer two other hikes: