May 29 start date (Lourdes)

[emilyfoubert]

Hi all! Very excited to start my first camino from Lourdes, along the piedmont. Then I’ll turn south toward argones. Then onto the main Frances. Has anyone ever done this route? Any advice for the first week before getting into Somport?

 

[Kathy F.]

I did my second Camino in 2015 from Lourdes, to SJPdP, then onto SdC. I plan to do my next, in the Fall, from Lourdes through the Somport Pass, onto Puenta De la Reina, etc.

My second, from Lourdes, was very quiet. I also started in May. There were VERY few pilgrims - I usually had entire albergues to myself. Some of the locals were a bit, shall I say, quirky? I traveled solo. It was a great adventure, very different from the Frances. I am glad it wasn't my first Camino and that my first was the Frances (also solo) because I had a better idea of what to expect, how to arrange my time, my efforts, etc.

I know that doesn't make sense.

Anyway, my experience was that I was much more on my own if problems arose - when problems arose - because there simply weren't as many pilgrims along that route and there weren't as many services. It was challenging but quite doable. Just be prepared. The route was more rustic in many places and I depended often on my common sense and ability to read maps in French (YIKES!) rather than on signs and symbols. Be on your toes. I'm sure much has changed since 2015 and the route has become more pilgrim friendly - most of the people couldn't have been nicer!!

I'm very excited for you!! Buen Camino!!

 

[Ronald Boivin]

Hi all! Very excited to start my first camino from Lourdes, along the piedmont. Then I’ll turn south toward argones. Then onto the main Frances. Has anyone ever done this route? Any advice for the first week before getting into Somport?

We did this route in Fall 2018. Beautiful terrain and hilly-walkable. Two pieces of advice : 1) book accommodations 3-4 days ahead because they can be hard to find. 2) check the weather forecast to clear Somport pass. Snow or rain will make it miserable.

 

[Bert45]

I walked from Lescar to the Somport Pass, then Jaca. But there is another route from Lourdes that does not go through Somport. Check out Charl Durand's camino: http://charldurand.blogspot.com/2015/07/camino-de-santiago-day-one-lourdes-to.html

 

[mark connolly]

If you are looking for a place to stay, here is an albergue that is donotivo. There also is an office in Lourdes dedicated to walkers to Santiago, definitely stop by there. Info via attached photos.

Good luck.

Mark