Gréalou

The commune is located in the department of Gréalou Lot in the Midi -Pyrenees. The 258 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) counting place is in the territory of the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy. By Gréalou the GR 65 which largely with historic French Road to Santiago ( Via Podiensis ) results follows.

Location

Gréalou is located on the southwestern edge of the Massif Central in the territory of the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy, a limestone plateau, on the watershed between the River Lot and its right tributary Cele. The nearest large towns are Figeac ( 15 km east ) and Cahors ( 36 km west ).

History

The municipal area of Gréalou several well preserved partially Dolmen find. Also, from the Gallo -Roman period settlement traces have been found.

1293 Gréalou is first mentioned. It belonged to the dominion of Men Barasc from Béduer. During the Hundred Years' War, the village was destroyed.

Way of St. James ( Via Podiensis )

In addition to a stage hostel (French: Gîte d' étape ) for pilgrims, there are limited accommodation options. Before Cajarc there is in the hamlet of bad luck garnet further tourist accommodation. This variant of the pilgrim route continues across the barren landscape of the Causses, past Dolmen and secluded hamlets. It is marked with GR 65, crossed at Cajarc the Lot valley and then continues over Limogne -en- Quercy to Cahors. As a road connecting the D19 leads to Cajarc.

Attractions

• In the region of Gréalou there are numerous megalithic tombs ( dolmens ) of the megalithic culture. Two of them are in the municipality of Gréalou on the hill pitch Laglaire ( 389 m ) within sight of the pilgrimage. There, a stone cross was erected, which is believed that it dates from the Middle Ages. Because of this connection between prehistoric and Christian culture, the two dolmens were recognized in 1998 as part of world heritage by UNESCO " Camino de Santiago in France." In the early years of the 20th century excavations have been made to the dolmen. The grave goods found are kept in the museum of Cahors.
• The Romanesque parish church ( Notre- Dame de l' Assomption ) dates from the 12th century; In the 16th century it was part of a monastery in the 19th century it was enlarged. The choir of the church nave is barrel- vaulted; the two bays of the nave have groined vault. A peasant, yet expressive Pietà ( Notre Dame de la Pitié ) from the 16th century is located in the nave. The Stoup (French bénitier ) at the entrance dates from the year 1684th The church was classified as a monument historique in 1959.