In the footsteps of Saint James
Classified as a UNESCO world heritage site and traveled for several centuries by Christians, curious people, sportsmen stopping off in monasteries or lodges, thehe pilgrimage of Saint James, an apostle famous for having contributed to evangelizing the West, is a multiple itinerary where people meet each year hundreds of thousands of walkers.
While all roads lead in Galicia at the gates of the great cathedral of Compostela where the Evangelist rests, there are very many routes that make it possible…including sections on the Bassin in Arcachon!
So, from Biganos to Teich, Marie, Julie and little Louis preferred comfort from two wheels to the famous stick to explore the ecclesiastical heritage of the Leyre Delta and slip away for a day, in the shoes of pilgrims.
Arrivals by train in Biganos, these two friends from the region benefit from the sdelivery service offered by a bike rental company in the town, to collect their electric bikes directly on the station square.
Once the bikes are in hand and the little baby is comfortably seated, thanks to “Bassin by bike”, they provide their itinerary and with one pedal stroke join the magnificent network of cycle paths which take them towards the port of Tuiles.
Bordered by greenery, rue du Prieuré, old religious building which served as a stopover on the way to Saint James leads to this pretty port with wild charm which faces the beautiful expanse of salt meadows of the Ile de Malprat. A symbolic stop where you can take advantage of the surrounding calm to observe the rich and discreet ecosystem, nestled in the reeds!
Just a few meters from the House of Nature, the two cyclists stop to recover maps and documentation before resuming their journey through thea forest track which goes down to the typical port of Biganos.
Known as theunmissable charming stopover in the city, the two friends stroll along the shore and take advantage of their stroll to chat with the locals, these “old” locals, who bring to life the memory of these iconic colorful cabins. Relaxation and contemplation, the place is ideal for rest, enjoy your picnic or breastfeed your baby!
Without looking at their map any further, Marie and Julie, more aware than at the start, can now find their bearings on the slopes thanks to the emblematic yellow and blue shell, which, recognizable among all, marks the routes of Saint Jacques from France to Spain.
Also, if at the time the shells were collected on the road and proudly carried on the return from the pilgrimage as proof of its execution, today, without abandoning this tradition that they embody, they mark the passage of all the tracks which lead to Compostela.
Continuing their route up to Teich this time, it is near the old Lamothe station that the two friends leave the track to get closer of the legendary fountain of Saint John.
Miraculous, if for years it was an immutable stage thanks to its curative properties, now dried up, these are the fresh flowers and candles which still testify to the interest that we attribute to it today.
Hidden in the woods, secret and mystical, its accessibility is deserved but is undoubtedly worth abandoning bicycles to put your foot down and approach it closely.
Minor, secondary path of this world-famous Catholic pilgrimage, sometimes forgotten this portion of the journey does not, however, lack assets to seduce the curiosity of the Jacquets from one day to the most seasoned.
Mixed with the richness of our environment, punctuated by historical remains, it leaves those who borrow it all the leisure to enjoy nature while soaking up a true cultural heritage which today still vibrates close to 200,000 walkers from the four corners of the globe.
So as it is common to say among pilgrims: have a good trip!
✏️ Article by Mélanny RODRIGUES, @_studiohibou
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