Chasing After Jess

We struggled to say goodbye to our B&B owners at Ailleurs in Miradoux this morning, and enjoyed a long breakfast with them before we left, knowing we only had just under 17km ahead of us today. We hoped somehow this would not be goodbye but ‘see you later’ so departed with ‘à bientôt’ and a hug. This way has given us so many wonderful memories to treasure.

The sky was very blue and the sun was well up by the time we left – the start of another day on this special track. The walk to Lectoure was pretty effortless.

The track was still a bit muddy and there was dew in the long grass making it very slippery in places. Unfortunately, this meant that I took my first tumble! I slipped on the grass walking down a hill and ended up with a big egg/bruise on my shin. I’m pretty impressed I didn’t have my first fall until Day 22 and thankfully I am not injured!

Like yesterday, the path meandered between farms with locals seen working the fields manually and using farm machinery. Our biggest challenges were staying hydrated and finding shade in the baking sun.

After about 8kms we stopped at the little town of Castet-Arrouy to replenish our water and have a coffee.

The remaining 10kms through small sleepy towns and across farm fields seemed to drag in the heat. There were some other hikers along the way, very spread out now, and mostly in for the long haul like us, either finishing this leg at the Pyrenees in St Jean Pied de Port, or continuing on the Camino Frances, another 800kms through Spain, to Santiago to get their Compostela (certificate).

By noon it was 28 degrees and the last kilometre, the steep climb into Lectoure, was very hot – so we were grateful for the reward of arriving into an absolutely stunning town.

Lectoure, was absolutely beautiful, with a mall galleries and boutique shops lining the narrow streets. After a quick visit to the Saint-Gervais Cathedral, we checked into the beautiful College des Doctrinaires Hotel.

After checking in, I had a quick shower and then headed out into town, visiting the cathedral and stopping every 200m at a store and walking out with a treat haha! Of note, I had an amazing pitaschio tarte, some gelato and an ice block! I walked about 1.5km to a larger intermarche and stocked up on some much needed food and snacks.

This hotel was a splurge (although not at all overpriced – about €120 for us both!). The rooms were so comfortable, the aircon worked, and we got free access to the spa. We also had a microwave with a kitchonette in the room, meaning we could make our own dinner! I would truly rate this place a 10/10!

We had an afternoon of sheer luxury, relaxing in the thermal pools with hydro jets and jacuzzi, followed by a relaxing massage with fragrant oils. We figured we deserved it with nearly 500kms under the belt. After one of my favourite afternoons, in my favourite accomodation so far, I fell asleep in the most luxurious bed – excited for the next day, but also hoping it wouldn’t come too soon.

Jess x