Yesterday I arrived in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay where I will begin the walking portion of my pilgrimage. After I settled in at my hotel, I conducted my first foray into the city. City plan in hand, I meandered my way through the medieval city center in a light rain to the the bottom of the steep street that leads to the steep steps of Cathedral Norte Dame du Puy. After conquering the slick cobblestone slope of the street, I triumphantly, and breathlessly, assented the stairs to be greeted by and incredible view of the city that was shrouded in grey. It will not be my only ascent to this august monument, for I make another ascent in the early morning of Monday where I will attend the pilgrim mass at 7 am. After which, I will then descend the steep slope and start the route, at least the start will be down hill.

Today I conducted a walking tour of the the town using a brochure from the city’s information bureau. The following are some of my photos.

STREET LEADING UP TO THE STEPS OF THE CATHEDRAL.

Looking up at bell tower of Cathedral

Looking up at Chapel of Saint Michael.

Looking up to Chapel of Saint Michael

Facade of Chapel de Saint Michael

View of Statue of Norte-Dame de France and Cathedral (just to right) from Chapel Saint Michael

A house

Looking up at Statue of Norte Dame de France

View of Chapel of Saint Saint Michael from Norte Dame de France

View of city from base of Statue of Norte Dame de France

View of Cathedral and City from inside the Statue itself.

Finally, after praying for several minutes in a very small chapel called the ‘Oratoire Saint Gabriel’ at the base of Chapel of Saint Michael, which I almost missed on the side as I came down the sharp steps, I saw on a wall of the chapel the words, “Je suis la servante du seigneur!” Which translates, “I am the servant of the Lord!”

I’ve decided this will be the phrase to which I will march on my walk.