The Books Between them, these fascinating books cover France, Italy, Austria, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Czech Republic, and provide details of guest rooms and amenities in hundreds of religious establishments. The sheer variety of facilities available makes staying in these welcoming guesthouses an attractive alternative. They provide cheap, safe and clean accommodation, and many are in stunning locations. Hospitality has long been a tradition of religious orders but in recent years a steady decline in the number of vocations has unlocked doors once tightly closed to the public. Unused monks’ and nuns’ cells have been refurbished, some with added en suites, and are now opening up as travellers’ accommodation. Once-dour refectories, where simple repasts were eaten either in silence or to the sombre tones of a monk or nun reading from the scriptures, have become places of lively conversation – and some surprisingly good dining.
NEW BOOK In 2012 Trish Clark’s comprehensive Guide to the Camino will be released. Based on Trish’s first-hand experience of completing the walk from St-Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this step-by-step guide provides a wealth of invaluable information for those about to undertake the journey themselves, as well as for those contemplating it. Trish has tips aplenty when it comes to hotel/monastery/convent accommodation, places to eat and drink, and memorable sights along the way. There are up-to-date details of religious services and festivals. And Trish also includes some fascinating local legends along with personal anecdotes about her Camino adventures. The Guide to the Camino – St-Jean to Santiago will be available as an App, a paperback and an e-book. For more information contact trish@guidetothecamino.com
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People of all faiths and none are welcome in these guesthouses. A few have gender restrictions, but most welcome individuals, married couples, children and groups. Any exceptions are noted in the entries. More religious accommodations are listed on this website.