Le Puy to Santiago via Alternative Route(s)

[Chuck Cunningham]

I am taking the Le Puy route and would like to know where to connect to an alternate route to get to Santiago. I apologize in advance for my ignorance but I'm a real green horn newbie. I'm mainly trying to avoid the crowds/masses on the CF. Maybe the Del Norte route (?) I've looked at some maps and it looks like if I go directly into SJPP then it's rather awkward to get back up to the coast? So once again I lay my problem at the feet of you experienced pros, and it IS greatly appreciated. Y'all have already saved me a multitude of sins.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Le Puy route goes to the Camino Frances at SJPdP. You can take the train to Bayonne to start the Del Norte.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks Falcon

 

[peregrina2000]

If you think you will be in full walking mode, there is a marked path that connects the two. Look for posts here on Voi de la Nive, it's a three day walk from SJPP to Bayonne. I have not walked this, but several forum members have, and they use a lot of superlatives to describe it. Try @Kiwi-family for instance. Buen camino.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Just to share, I'm sure most of you have heard of Airbnb a booking company that puts people up in usually private rooms, studios, etc.
This is one example. It's a little studio I booked in Le Puy for $33 per day. Check out the photos while you are there.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15964514

 

[kayagee66]

You could walk to SJPdP, then do the great walk over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles. Walk another 2 days to Pamplona (nice walk nice city) You will then have had a taste of the CF. Next take a train from Pamplona to San Sebastián (another nice city, nice beach) i just looked on Rome2Rio and it said just under 2 hours travel. From there you are on the Norte.
I met a chap in Aire-sur-l'Adour who was leaving the GR65 to walk to Irun to start the Norte. But that way you'd miss the last bit of the lovely GR65.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

You could walk to SJPdP, then do the great walk over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles. Walk another 2 days to Pamplona (nice walk nice city) You will then have had a taste of the CF. Next take a train from Pamplona to San Sebastián (another nice city, nice beach) i just looked on Rome2Rio and it said just under 2 hours travel. From there you are on the Norte.
I met a chap in Aire-sur-l'Adour who was leaving the GR65 to walk to Irun to start the Norte. But that way you'd miss the last bit of the lovely GR65.

I like that thanks. Also like the idea of at least getting a taste of the CF. Very good sir.

 

[kayagee66]

The stretch from SJPDP to Pamplona isn't really representative of the camino in terms of the number of people. Many people start at SJPDP and Roncesvalles so naturally there will be many people. It does thin out as people find their own pace and places they want to stay at. If you were tempted to continue on the CF but thought it too busy, remember it does thin out. And even if it is busy you won't be able to see all the walkers at the same time. Some will be far in front and others far behind. I've walked on what i know are busy paths (because i've seen lots of people in the previous days and in the town the evening before) and yet i've walked the whole day virtually alone.

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

That is good to know, nothing is written in stone so I'll see once I get that far good Lord willing. There has to be a reason while some have hiked the CF 3-4 times. Thanks man. Good info indeed.

 

[LakeMcD]

There is a beautiful route from SJPDP to Irun that runs about 4-5 days along the Pyrenees to the coast, and from there you can start the Norte and finish in Santiago. Alternatively, you can connect to the Primitivo from the Norte as well. I will start this route in a couple of months.

Buen Camino

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Can I ask why you are going with the Primovito instead of just staying on the Norte?

 

[Chuck Cunningham]

Can I ask why you are going with the Primovito instead of just staying on the Norte?

 

[LakeMcD]

Good question, several reasons: the beauty of the route, inland travel to add variety as I introduce the camino to my girlfriend, and as it is a relatively short route, I doubt I would ever fly over just to do it alone. If you are interested I think there is a thread about the two routes over on the Norte page.