The “route de Vézelay”in Creuse, according to the “Guide du Pèlerin” of the 12th century, entered our department at Crozant. The pilgrims then joined La Souterraine, the Grand-Bourg and Bénévent l’Abbaye. A secondary route from Bénévent l’Abbaye went to Bourganeuf. In Creuse, many traces of the pilgrims’ history can be discovered on these routes.
1st stage: Crozant – La Souterraine
Taking the Way of Saint James in Creuse will allow you to discover a great palette of landscapes!Start from Crozant on the banks of the Creuse River, nicknamed the Valley of the Painters because the impressionists came to set their easels here, this area offers incredible colors.
Continue south to La Souterraine , long marked by the Chemin de Saint Jacques, medieval town where scallop shells mark your route to the Porte St Jean and the Church of Our Lady. To see more precisely:
- very ancient carved tombs of pilgrims who died in La Souterraine, in the cemetery,
- a white stone on the clocher of the Church which served as a landmark,
- a vitrail of the Church representing Saint Jacques (the cantonal parish is named after this holy man).
L'éperon Rocheux De Crozant©j. Damase
