The first impression of the France countryside is how picturesque it is, undulating and relatively how many paddocks are in crops compared with the number of animals that seem to be farmed. The other, almost overwhelming feature is how green the pastures are; it is in the middle of summer.

As an aside, Bernd did discretely mention that we were traveling in German style, a Mercedes Benz mini bus, but was shocked, as we all were when the sliding door opened automatically as we were travelling down the motorway.

The walk to the Cathedral at Le Puy is something to undertake with care. The narrow cobble-stoned roadway and pavement, if a distinction can be made, makes it easy to turn an ankle on. And then of course there’s the occasional vehicle. It’s however a path well trod by the many of tourists and pilgrims to visit both the Cathedral and Mary’s statue on the top of one of the hills.

Paul Pidcock and Edwin McCallion chat during the picnic.

The first feature of the cathedral that struck most of us was the entrance, lots of steps, but they deliver you within 15 rows to the altar! A good design and a way to promote the congregation to the front of the Church.

There are many styles of architecture in this Cathedral, reflecting the various periods of and influences in its development. A highlight for most was to see the black Madonna and Child and perhaps the statue of St Anne teaching Mary. We joined together with the local people for an 11am Mass and were made very welcome. After Mass there was time for a little bit of shopping in the Cathedral shop and we then made our way to the “Grey” Sisters backyard and enjoyed a picnic lunch. As well as being responsible for the liturgy at the Cathedral, the sisters, a semi-enclosed congregation, also staff the Cathedral shop. In case some may be concerned that it might be “cash only”, believe me, there’s no problem using your credit card here.

Statue on top of the hill at Le Puy

Immediately after lunch we joined with many others to walk up the hill to the 16m high statue of Mary made from Russian cannons used in the Crimean war. This vantage point also provides great views of the whole area, as far as the eye can see. Because we had to pay to climb the hill, we were each given some pocket money to get by on.

Initially the climb look daunting, but really it’s a bit of a dawdle. Mind you, we each had to pay 2 Euro or something for the privilege. Paying to visit the statue leads me to yet another surprise of the day, we were all given some pocket money, “to help us live.” While tired at the end of the day, several members of the group immediately perked up at the site of another statue.

There was a couple of hours spare before we departed and so it was an opportunity to walk around the streets of Le Puy, have a cup of coffee or a cool drink, soak in the atmosphere. It was time well spent.

All the group were surprised at what we’d experienced, the Cathedral, the architecture and it’s many styles, the magnificent views from the top of the hill. However it would seem that the groups’ pre-visit impression of Le Puy was very different from its post-visit view. Le Puy is a significant place to visit both in its size and even in “these” days, for faith reasons.

A really enjoyable day and just when we thought the surprises of the day were over, we arrived home to be greeted with the news that the Internet connection was now working. Joy all round and thanks to Paul Loubaresse and Jean-Bernard Jolly and their friend.