As nice as it is to be away, I just can’t stay here forever. Besides, I’m only down the road, so I can get away easily enough whenever I want. My last visit, again in the morning to avoid the heat, was to Parthenay. Surrounded on two sides by the River Thouet, this ancient fortified town is in the bend of the river. A lot of the economic wealth of Parthenay came from it being a main centre on one of the branches of the mediaeval pilgrimage route, the Way of St James (Camino de Santiago). One of the four city gates, the porte Saint-Jacques still stands welcoming modern day pilgrims and visitors to the town. The ‘marker’ and symbol of the Way of Saint James is the scallop shell which is seen throughout the area.

The scallop shell symbol at the porte Saint-Jacques

Once inside the gate the main street stretches away passing beautiful old houses.

It’s just like a film set, isn’t it? Only needs costumed actors to set the scene!

I bet those pilgrims would have loved to have rested their weary bodies outside this bar!

Looking back towards the old porte Saint-Jacques

View towards the new town

So, just a quick and brief visit to Parthenay. It’ll be time to pack away the awning and clear all my things ready for the hop, jump and skip home. It won’t be long and I’ll be on my travels again soon. Come back soon 🙂

A Bientot!