What does Camino mean to you?

THE CAMINO de Santiago pilgrimage through France to the shrine of Saint James in north-west Spain has captured the imagination of millions over the years and Connexion is preparing a feature on its enduring appeal – and seeking readers’ experiences.

We will be looking at the historic importance of the Camino – in French Chemin de Saint-Jacques – which attracts about 200,000 pilgrims a year from destinations all over Europe but is especially associated with the four great routes from French cathedral cities which converge in the Pyrenees on the Camino Frances through northern Spain.

We will also be running an interview with Académie Française member Jean-Christophe Rufin, author of a popular book about his pilgrimage, Immortelle Randonée.

For people coming from France today a popular version is to follow the Camino Frances starting at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Pyrenees - about 800km and at least a month of daily walking to reach Santiago de Compostela. Some however opt to do it in sections, over a number of years.

For some the Catholic Christian link remains essential but the journey is also undertaken by many people of other faiths and of none.

If you have done all or part of the Camino, Connexion would like to talk to you about your experience – where you started, why you did it and what it meant to you.

Please email us at news@connexionfrance.com

Photo: José Antonio Gil Martínez/ flickr.com