Le Puy

January 11, 2014

            Today we explore!  Got up early, packed an overnight bag, and off we went.  First we went to the chateau to meet up with the rest of our group, and then off to the bus stop.  Sometimes easier said than done.  The closest stop is on the other side of the town, and we didn’t know exactly how to get there, asked a few people, hustled our stride and away we went.  We finally made it to the bus stop about thirty minutes later.  Bought our tickets and sat down for the journey; down the highway, through the mountains and around a couple roundabouts. 

            Forty minutes later we arrived at our destination, Le Puy.  Kristina got a little motion sick due to all the mountains, that we separated from the group and went our own way.  (This was my “payback” after all the times I’ve been sick on many different outings, including traveling abroad).  We took it slow, which was really nice after all the constant walking and quick motions since arriving.  We checked out the center of the town, which included a clothing market, fruit and vegetable market, and many patisseries.  We also found a cute café to grab a sandwich for lunch.  Mine was a tomato baguette with butter, some type of soft cheese, mixed greens, and prosciutto. 

            After lunch we continued touring the city.  We came across the famous cathedral, Notre-Dame of Puy Cathedral.  Made our way up to the top, approximately 50 steps of stones up a steep hill that leads to the 60 steps to the cathedral.  Inside we found gorgeous architecture, stained glass, wooden pews, many statues and paintings on the wall.  We walked all throughout the cathedral, and made our way back outside.  A little ways past the cathedral is the statue of Notre-Dame.  We didn’t see it in person; a picture was enough, as it was a ways down and up another steep hill. We found a stream that runs under a bridge in Le Puy.  Next to the stream were benches, which were calling our names, so we took a chance and sat down for a bit, enjoying the calming sounds of the water.

            We continued to wonder through the town.  We found an amazing painted wall on the side of a building.  We came across a grocery store and decided to go shopping.  Picked up some needed food, and loaded it into our backpacks.  Coincidentally ran into the rest of our group, which was located near a specialty store, and I found some soy milk (successful trip).  Together we found a crepe shop and some of us got crepes, I got one with Nutella…YUM!  After, we randomly found a park, which had a small zoo, including goats, geese, ducks, a peacock, rabbits, and deer.  After seeing the animals it was time to head back to the bus station and go home.  Once back, we trekked home.  A friend and I made a slight detour for a vegan pizza (delish).   All in all a wonderful and successful day!

painted wall in Le Puy