Like the walkers, spring is just around the corner.
In a few weeks, many of them will once again set off on the paths of Santiago de Compostela, partly classified by UNESCO.
In 2023, nearly 440,000 pilgrims were recorded at the pilgrim reception office in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the convergence point of the Paths, more than 57,000 pilgrims were welcomed.
“These figures demonstrate strong growth, up to 20% between 2019 and 2023, and real enthusiasm,”
analyzes John Palacin, regional advisor for the Occitanie region and president of the French Railways Agency,
in Le
Figaro
. of Compostela.
The Paths are so attractive that certain sections, like the one which starts from Puy-en-Velay and crosses Aubrac, experience some “overheating” in summer.
Last September, the press reported on a supply of accommodation under pressure on different sections.
But who are these walkers, ever more numerous on the roads?
In 2021, the French Agency for Chemins de Compostela drew up an identikit.
First surprise: the majority of the walkers were women (54%).
The pilgrims walked alone and came primarily from Paris, the departments of Rhône and Garonne.
There were as many retirees as there were active people.
The latter were mostly senior executives, liberal professionals and employees.
A portrait that is largely confirmed by the Via Compostela travel agency, 80% of whose clients take the paths to Santiago de Compostela.
“Indeed, there are a little more women than men, but that’s not surprising.
Whatever the hike chosen, there are often more women
,” explains Laurent Bourdenet, director of the agency.
And many wait until they are a certain age before getting started.
“People around the age of sixty – retired and active – remain in the majority, even if there is diversification in other age groups
,” explains John Palacin.
In Spain, the share of students is higher, some being obliged to make the pilgrimage as part of their diploma.
“One in ten pilgrims walks for reasons of faith”
In any case, taking the Paths is never a coincidence.
“Their attendance echoes the evolution of society.
We feel a great need to recharge our batteries.
There is a strong personal dimension
,” continues John Palacin.
Although there may be a spiritual aspect to the approach, religion does not occupy the first place of motivation, unlike in the past.
“One in ten pilgrims walk for reasons of faith.
In reality, many people are in a dimension of quest and self-reinvention
,” specifies the president of the French Agency for Chemins de Compostela.
A figure confirmed by Patrice Bernard, president of the French Society of Friends of Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, the oldest of the Jacquaire associations.
For secularists, some also see it as a sporting achievement.
Others may be attracted by the notoriety of these mythical itineraries, nourished by a thousand years of history, and the Compostela, this pilgrimage certificate given to Santiago de Compostela.
But for the majority, religious or not, taking the path to Compostela comes at a pivotal moment in one's life, whether it be during a romantic or professional breakup, an illness or a bereavement.
“We are out of time.
These are places where we think a lot and at the same time, where we think of nothing
,” analyzes Patrice Bernard.
“Once, I was able to meet a Portuguese woman who was wondering if she was going to divorce her husband,”
he continues.
There are many personal motivations.”
On the Paths, an unspoken rule seems to reign: you never ask other walkers why they are there.
“Tangues always end up being loosened around a meal or after several days of walking together
,” explains Patrice Bernard.
28 days of walking on average
This personal quest is spread over time: on average, the trip takes place over nearly 28 days, with average distances of 26 kilometers.
“It’s not a vacation when you go on the road to Santiago de Compostela.
The motivation is not the same as for other types of hiking
,” indicates Laurent Bourdenet.
Consequently, you have to plan a certain budget.
During the study carried out in 2021, this amounted to 45.40 euros per person per day and 1154 euros for the entire journey, with accommodation and food constituting the bulk of the costs.
“The French part is often a little more expensive than the Spanish part
,” explains Patrice Bernard.
On the route side, the route from Puy-en-Velay (Haute-Loire) remains the most popular, with more than 20,000 people using it each year.
“The Aubrac plateau has a mysterious aspect, which appeals to many people, not to mention the importance of certain stages like Conques
,” presents John Palacin.
Other trails also delight walkers, such as the Chemin du Piémont Pyrénées, a route which connects Montpellier to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
It is possible to discover superb Romanesque buildings there, such as in Vals or the Hôpital-Saint-Blaise.
So many places to find yourself and meet others.
IN VIDEO - Chemins de Compostela: a heritage revealed