‘In the Path of the Pilgrims’

Episode Four

Parador Villafranca del Bierzo; this was one of those stops we somehow didn’t photograph, it was decorated in the Castilian style. As the village was one of the overnight stops used by the pilgrims we made this one of our stops – but in great comfort. From the village there are wonderful views of the Ancares mountain range but we were enchanted by the storks nesting in the village. And we were delighted that we had a stork nesting right outside our bedroom window. Again the restaurant had a splendid menu including trout and a fantastic veal stew. It has been closed for the summer but is due to reopen fully refurbished by the end of November.

Parador ‘Hostel San Marcos’ Leon.

This was probable the best Parador stop. Not on our itinerary but we sort of wandered into it! was originally a ‘monastery’ of the twelfth century giving lodgings to the pilgrims. It was rebuilt in the sixteenth century and is now a Parador, it was great and is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Spain. The restaurant was very, very good.

'Matilda’ under police escort was driven by a very obliging doorman to the garages... hilarious.

All the local sights were wonderful. And the stained glass windows in the Cathedral magnificent.

Outside the Casa Botines in Leon is the Guadi Bench with one seated gentleman and pigeon, when we were there it was two gentlemen as can be seen in the photo.

The last stop in Spain was the Parador ‘Santa Domingo de la Calzada.

The best Parador of all for us, and we have repeated our visit to this. We always ask for room number eight. Is it special – no but we like it, so we have the same room each time. The Parador receptionists always seems to be happy that we want this particular room; possibly it was the clock tower by the window where the bell rings on the hour and quarter hour very loudly.

And then back through France to -

Monet’s Gardens at Giverny – but that’s another blog!