CONQUES, FRANCE: THE MEDIEVAL VILLAGE...

 Conques, Occitania, France…

Asp-like, a twisting road curled sumptuously

Towards the unseen summit of a steep hill,

Until, bags lugged in tow, a surprise slowed

The advance, for quite suddenly Conques became visible.

Beneath low cloud, lurking contemptuously,

The village evoked fascination and a sense of historical thrill, 

For like a medieval film set, its square glowed

With a myriad buildings, at first seemingly implausible…

Accommodated in the Place d’Eglise above a shop,

The view from the window was unforgettable,

As pilgrims passed by day and night through the open door

Of the Abbey Church dedicated to a martyred young girl, Sainte Foy.

Curious roof tiles, towers and unusual chimneys atop

The hillside residences and constructions were irresistible

To the gaze, their beautiful peace augmenting their awe.

And St Faith sat inside her church, majestic, yet coy…     

  

The Majesty of St Faith,

Clad, regaled and lusciously daubed

With precious stones and gems,

Heaped exaggeration upon a simple truth,

Of turning St Foy into an idol uncouth…

Arms welcoming, hands quite bereft 

But the reflection of my unexpected surprise 

Was tangible in her dull, transfixed, enamel eyes…

A glorious reliquary, statuesque, revered,

Glittering, graven, awesome to view.

Yet I saw through the gilding to the true Martyr, 

Carefully constructed out of ancient yew... 

Pete Ray

22nd January 2023

August 2013 and being driven to Conques to stay overnight and see St Faith’s reliquary.

Arriving there was another of the sights I shall never forget, for I had no clue that the village was high on a hillside and was basically medieval, mostly unchanged, so that it looked at first like a film set.

Incredible place…