March 9th 2016 start for Camino Frances

[Equalisist]

Hi All,
My son Nico and I (Noel) are walking the canmino in March for sure now, so a few questions, hope there ok here
We will be arriving Biarritz airport 0n Wednesday 09/03/16 @17:30 so any advice on getting to st jean or transport share would be great?
We've just been told that the Napoleon route is closed until end of March, is this always the case?
Also what is best advised a poncho or waterproof jacket, our packs have rain covers?

Many thanks
Noel & Nico

 

[J F Gregory]

The Napoleon route is closed due to snow. Apparently someone died of exposure in the past. It will be open supposedly April 1, 16. As far as raingear is concerned The light weight jacket and pants purchased through an outfitting sports store would be sufficient. We are training in similar weather where we live. layering is the best way to keep warm. I carry a poncho for emergency shelter. I have eaten my lunch under it several times, but I don't normally wear it for rain, I prefer rain suits. We are starting our Camino on March 19, 16.
Buen Camino

 

[ANCA]

Hi All,
My son Nico and I (Noel) are walking the canmino in March for sure now, so a few questions, hope there ok here
We will be arriving Biarritz airport 0n Wednesday 09/03/16 @17:30 so any advice on getting to st jean or transport share would be great?
We've just been told that the Napoleon route is closed until end of March, is this always the case?
Also what is best advised a poncho or waterproof jacket, our packs have rain covers?

Many thanks
Noel & Nico

There are few possibilities to get from Biarritz to SJPP. I will get to Biarritz on March 31st and I am wondering what to choose.
There are buses from the Airport to Bayonne. These end at Bayonne Gare and from there you can get a train to St Jean-Pied-de-Port, and there is another option, more convenient I would say... check it on: http://www.expressbourricot.com/persons-transport/

Buen Camino!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi All,
My son Nico and I (Noel) are walking the canmino in March for sure now, so a few questions, hope there ok here
We will be arriving Biarritz airport 0n Wednesday 09/03/16 @17:30 so any advice on getting to st jean or transport share would be great?
We've just been told that the Napoleon route is closed until end of March, is this always the case?
Also what is best advised a poncho or waterproof jacket, our packs have rain covers?

Many thanks
Noel & Nico

Hi, after the first of April the Napoleon route will be open when it is safe to walk. Otherwise you have to walk the Valcarlos route.
Wish you both well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[Dzyduck87]

Hi Noel! How old is Nico? The Napoleon route can be quite intense. I honestly felt it to be one of the hardest days of my entire camino.

 

[Equalisist]

Hi Noel! How old is Nico? The Napoleon route can be quite intense. I honestly felt it to be one of the hardest days of my entire camino.

Hi Des,
Nico will have his 9th B-day on our walk, he was really looking forward to the first day and the mountain pass. He was born in the Pyrenees so loves the mountains, I have yet to tell him the pass is closed ;(

 

[mspath]

Hi Des,
Nico will have his 9th B-day on our walk, he was really looking forward to the first day and the mountain pass. He was born in the Pyrenees so loves the mountains, I have yet to tell him the pass is closed ;(

But you might tell him the route that is open, the Valcarlos route, is the original one!

Here is a modern print depicting Charlemagne mounted finding Roland dead in August 778 on the Valcarlos route near Roncevalles. (For a further description of this scene see this Roncevalles monastery history page) Hence the village of Valcarlos was named in honor of Carlos ie. Charlemagne.

It may come as a surprise but the Valcarlos route was THE original medieval pilgrims' path through the mountains and pass to Roncevalles; the present Napoleon camino over the mountains to Roncevalles is later
It dates from c. 1814.

Whatever the season always ask for advice at the SJPdP Pilgrim office before setting out!

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Mark Lee]

Hi Des,
Nico will have his 9th B-day on our walk, he was really looking forward to the first day and the mountain pass. He was born in the Pyrenees so loves the mountains, I have yet to tell him the pass is closed ;(

Having walked both routes I can attest that the ValCarlos is beautiful as well.