Way of Saint James Along the Via Domitia: A Travel Guide and a Journey of Love from Oulx to Arles

The Via Domitia was the first road built by the Romans in Gaul, linking Rome to Spain, across southern France. The path that follows close to the ancient road now links the St James Way network and the via Francigena, allowing pilgrims to walk between Santiago de Compostela and Rome. The stretch going from the Italian-French border, starting from the city of Montgenèvre down to the city of Arles, is officially coded as GR653D (with the acronym GR meaning "Sentier de Grande Randonnée," or long-distance hiking trail). It is a difficult and demanding route, with hard climbs over the Alps, extending for almost 500 kilometres. However, it offers some outstanding scenery and it is full of historical and spiritual symbolism. This is the real chronicle of my walk along this way, starting from the Italian city of Oulx and finally arriving in Arles. It is told as a story, a story of love and spiritual rebirth. At the same time, it is also a travel guide, which includes practical information such as detailed description of the route followed, elevation, and whether you can find bars, food, and water fountains in each village or town crossed. The reader who has never attempted to walk the Way of Saint James may find some inspiration in the personal stories and events described in this guide. Those who are more experienced and are more interested in practical information may instead find some useful insights on what this particular section of the Way of Saint James entails.