St. Vincent de Paul, Gascogne, France 8/13
Gascony in southwestern France no longer offers any tourist facilities like we had experienced all the way from Switzerland. This is farm country where they grow mostly sunflowers, wheat and corn. Signs advertised Foie de Gras (goose liver pâté) and Armagnac, a type of brandy distilled from wine made from a blend of grapes.
Stopping for the night in a park along a murky river and the deserted town Saint-Jean-Poutge, the only pleasing thing was the shady trees and the bridge reflection in the water.
We have had a really great time in France but now we were looking forward to exploring Spain. Spotting the name St. Vincent de Paul at a highway exit, Monika remembered second hand stores in Canada with its namesake. It was enough to spark our curiosity so we drove to the nearby sanctuary, a peaceful place.
St. Vincent was born in Gascony in 1581 and died in 1660. We learned that he is the patron of all works of charity. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a charitable organization dedicated to the service of the poor and is today present in 132 countries. Wikipedia is a good source for more information.
Off to Spain!
Camp for the night in St. Jean Poutge.
This sign announces the birthplace of St. Vincent de Paul.
St. Vincent de Paul was born in this house and later lived here.
This sign announces St. Vincent de Paul’s home and year of birth.
The St. Vincent de Paul sanctuary is a peaceful place to linger.
The interior of St. Vincent de Paul’s sanctuary is very unpretentious.
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