THERE are only a few of them, but they do it every year: every Good Friday, a group of worshippers from Lyon Anglican Church (diocese of Europe) meets in Rontalon, in the Monts du Lyonnais, east of Lyon, for a five-mile walk. They stop along the way at the pilgrim crosses to read a passage from the Bible, sing a hymn, and pray.

The walk ends - as it should in France - with a meal in the village, in the Café de la Place.

It is, they say: "A time of peace, friendship, and worship. Away from the rush of the city and everyday life, we at last have time to talk quietly to one another, or meditate in silence. And what better scenery to celebrate the hope and joy of the resurrection than the orchards in full bloom?"