At the gates of Santiago, on the steps of the Spanish cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a group of people applaud two pilgrims who are unlike any others: Cyprien, 48, and his daughter, Philippine, 14.
What makes this duo so special? In 2019, they set themselves the challenge of walking the 900 miles from Paris to Santiago de Compostela in several stages to raise awareness of Down syndrome. Their six-year adventure came to an end on July 24, the eve of the feast day of St. James the Greater, who is buried there in Santiago.
Setting off for an average of two weeks each year, father and daughter covered seven stages: the first from Paris to Vézelay, then from Vézelay to Bénévent L'Abbaye; the second from Bénévent L'Abbaye to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande; the third from Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to Roncesvalles; then from Roncesvalles to Nàjera in Spain, where they had to stop prematurely last summer when their adapted stroller had a break down.
They traveled 186 miles in the summer of 2024 between Ventosa and León, and this summer they finally completed the journey to Santiago de Compostela. It was a journey filled with encounters along the way, opportunities, joys, and hardships.
Supported by loved ones and fellow pilgrims
"I had wanted to walk the Camino de Santiago for a very long time, but like many people, I was waiting for the day when I would have time. Then everything changed when Philippine was born 14 years ago," Cyprien tells Aleteia.
The news of his daughter's disability and heart condition, for which she underwent surgery at the age of 3, turned this father's life upside down.
“It changed the relationship I had with myself, my wife, and my children. It was then, over time, that the idea of making this journey with Philippine emerged in me. Despite — or rather because of — her disability, we set off on June 30, 2019, from Notre-Dame de Paris,” explains the coach and consultant.
In order to finance their pilgrimage and the special cart to transport Philippine, Cyprien appealed to people's generosity. Their project touched many people’s hearts and they were able to raise slightly more than they had hoped for.
This gave Cyprien the idea of making a documentary about this adventure, which should be released soon. “I want to show people what we were able to experience thanks to them,” notes Cyprien.
Throughout their journey, he published a journal on his Facebook page Compostelle Père Fille.
Practical challenges
At the time, he never imagined that this project would actually come to fruition.
"When we first set out, we didn't know if we would make it. I didn't know if I would be able to push the 155-lb cart or if it would be too difficult for Philippine, who was 8 years old at the time."
Physically, it was hard. In addition to dealing with rain and extreme heat, they had to navigate areas that were difficult to access with a stroller.
“The total elevation gain is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest four times. I remember at the top of Cruz del Fierro, where there are a lot of rocks, I had trouble getting through with the cart and Philippine had tears in her eyes. I wondered, ‘How are we going to manage?’” recalls Cyprien.
Philippine is a fighter; she has the ability to set a goal and do everything she can to achieve it. It's very inspiring!
Solidarity
In these difficult moments, the father-daughter duo could count on the solidarity of fellow pilgrims. Some walked with them for a few minutes, others for a few days. And then there were those who became their friends; people they met on the trail year after year.
"Our project makes an impression on people. They stop and talk to us. They are amazed. It was an opportunity to talk about disability, about the strength it gives to loved ones, parents, brothers and sisters, without denying the difficulties that are proportionate to the happiness and power that Philippine gives us in our daily lives," says Cyprien, who is also the father of Timothé, 22, Dimitri, 20, and Agathe, 17.
The duo was also supported by internet users, as well as their friends and members of their parish. Not to mention the prayers of their parish priest, Father Étienne Givelet, who came especially to support them along the last miles and walk alongside them.
"Every year, we publish their itinerary on the parish website. I’m very happy to share this adventure with them, it's a joy!“ he tells Aleteia.
Philippine's energy gives wings
And then there was also the “Philippine effect.” Year after year, the little girl enjoyed going on trips with her father.
“She doesn't have the ability to express her emotions easily. It's complicated; she feels a lot of things. I learn a lot from her about following your heart,” notes Cyprien.
He admits, “It was her energy that gave me strength and courage throughout those 1,370 miles. It's an energy she knows how to transmit. Philippine is a fighter; she has the ability to set a goal and do everything she can to achieve it. It's very inspiring!”
While this adventure strengthened their father-daughter relationship, it also nourished their faith.
“There’s something redemptive about walking. We say we walk in the footsteps of Christ. It's about bringing the body, heart, and mind into harmony. Walking is conducive to contemplation and meditation,” says Cyprien, who also says that his faith has evolved in terms of “embodying” and “living” it.
Six years later, after completing seven sections and walking 1,370 miles in France and Spain, Cyprien and Philippine are proud to have risen to their challenge. “We’ve proven that disability doesn’t have to be a barrier,” says Cyprien, surrounded by his family on the steps of the Spanish cathedral.
It is an experience that these two adventurers hope to repeat soon on a cargo bike. This time, they plan to conquer the roads of Europe, which they intend to cross from north to south.
