Albergues - Need to book in September 2024?

[Waka]

Hi experts
I will be starting my CF in September 2024. I last did this Camino in 2017 (seems a lifetime away) and have also completed a couple of weeks of the VDLP 4 years ago.
When I did the CF I never booked any accommodation for the whole length, now seven years later will that still be possible?

Waka

 

[markie6]

I'd book the first 2 nights, presuming you will be staying in SJPDP & Roncesvalles , then play the rest by ear. If you are carrying your pack you have a little more freedom as to whether to book or not but yes, possible in Sept 22 and Sept 19...

 

[J Willhaus]

Hi experts
I will be starting my CF in September 2024. I last did this Camino in 2017 (seems a lifetime away) and have also completed a couple of weeks of the VDLP 4 years ago.
When I did the CF I never booked any accommodation for the whole length, now seven years later will that still be possible?

Waka

Yes and no. I think it depends on where you are starting and what kind of accommodation you want. Are going to carry your own pack? September is one of the busiest times, but you are an experienced pilgrim. If you are starting in SJPDP maybe book until Pamplona, then see how it goes. If not knowing makes you anxious to know where you will sleep then book ahead. If you are shipping your bag, make reservations. There are still many non-reservable albergues, so I would say you can walk without booking ahead most days.

 

[Waka]

Thanks for the response J Willhaus.
I will be starting in SJPP, carrying my own pack, which does give me flexibility, I think not knowing whether its a park bench or comfy bed adds to the pilgrimage, having said that I'd rather have a roof over my head.
regarding Pamplona, I stayed there last time and found it too busy for me, not a city person.

Buen Camino

 

[DoughnutANZ]

regarding Pamplona, I stayed there last time and found it too busy for me, not a city person.

I recommend staying at Zabaldika, just north of Pamplona. It is a donativo albergue run by really nice Nuns. They offer a shared evening meal and request assistance in cleaning up afterwards. There is not much else to do in the tiny village except visit the attached church and bell tower and so it can be a nice place to meet fellow pilgrims.

 

[C clearly]

This certainly is a frequently asked question, but an important one! Two threads that present a good overview of the situation are this thread about two distinct impressions of the Camino Frances, and this one that outlines some useful strategies that will be important for you in September. Those threads will help you figure out an approach that suits you best.

 

[MileHighPair]

I would suggest you monitor the Camino Frances activity on the forum in May 2024. September and May have similar numbers leaving St. Jean each year. This would give you a very good idea what September will be like.

 

[Liam55]

If ever doing Camino Francés again I would walk from SJPDP on Day 1 to overnight in Orisson for two reasons; it shortens that long long climb and gives one great chance to meet people at the communal meal. And away you go then.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'd book the following:
SJPP
BORDA/Orisson
Roncesvalles
Zubiri

Those are the most difficult places to find room and it's going to be BUSY next year, imo.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

My wife and I have hiked Camino Frances four times, from SJPDP to Santiago, each camino starting in mid-September. First time, few reservations and mostly stayed in municipal albergues. Second time, we hiked with my brother and his wife. A good blend of private albergues, several with private rooms two two bunks or four beds and a private bath plus several municipal albergues. Our last two caminos, we had advance reservations with private rooms every night and we used backpack transport service (jakotrans) the full camino. September is a heavy camino month for pilgrims. Since we were familiar with the camino, we were confident of what towns to stay and where to stay. Several towns we walked through were "completo" by early afternoon and we were glad we had reserved rooms. A bit more expensive, but the quiet nights and privacy in the rooms and bathrooms were well worth it! Bob

 

[williamlittig]

Hi experts
I will be starting my CF in September 2024. I last did this Camino in 2017 (seems a lifetime away) and have also completed a couple of weeks of the VDLP 4 years ago.
When I did the CF I never booked any accommodation for the whole length, now seven years later will that still be possible?

Waka

Ten year ago I walked the French Camino by myself. This year with four associates we booked it all in advance "MISTAKE". unless you are with a group I would not do it. Private albergues can be contacted daily, public albergues are generally more interesting. You can adjust your mileage, stop where you want and ten years later "77 yo" I wish we were more flexible.

 

[Waka]

Ten year ago I walked the French Camino by myself. This year with four associates we booked it all in advance "MISTAKE". unless you are with a group I would not do it. Private albergues can be contacted daily, public albergues are generally more interesting. You can adjust your mileage, stop where you want and ten years later "77 yo" I wish we were more flexible.

Yes I think you’re right, flexibility is the key. And municipal Albergues C are a lot more interesting.
Burn Camino
Waka