Maubourguet Friday 15th October.

I had heard from a cyclist that the Chambre d’hōtes-Villa Imaginaire in Maubourguet was legendary. Apparently the hosts were exceptional, delicious meals were served for guests who all ate together around a huge dining room table. As I had just stayed two nights in Marciac at the “Tower Gîte” I felt I would be undeservedly spoiling myself and too costly to stay at Villa Imaginaire where the minimum price to stay was 35€. Demi-pension (dinner and breakfast included) was the only option. When I attempted to make a booking for the cheaper option I was informed that it was closed. I phoned the number given in the guide for Villa Imaginaire and got Maximilien, the owner on the line and asked him if I could just have a bed without the meals being included. Although he didn’t say it outright I gathered he wasn’t too keen on the idea and suggested, “Just come, don’t worry, you can pay whatever you want.” From the moment I stepped in the door I felt very welcome, was taken to the garden, offered tea, soft drinks, wine or beer for refreshment and got chatting to the other guests. Later on that evening I was introduced to other Camino walkers, François and Erhard and a couple from the States who had previously completed other Camino routes. I soon began to understand that a stay at Villa Imaginaire was not just for food and a bed it was geared for guests to have a wonderful experience. An opportunity to meet people with fascinating stories, to be royally fed and be provided with cozy lodgings. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast I felt paying 35€ was a pittance for all that had been provided. To cap it all the stamp given in my credential was a real wax impression of the Camino symbol, a scallop shell. François, Erhard and myself set off in high spirits. I was so grateful that the place I had originally wanted to stay was closed. François opted to stop at a Gîte in the early afternoon, Erhard and myself continued on to our next stop in Anoye, 23kms from Maubourguet.

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