One or two stages before St Jean Pied de Port to "warm up"?

Phillypilgrim · May 13, 2013

I read on one of these posts a suggestion that has stuck with me. To start walking one or two French stages BEFORE entering St Jean, in order to "warm up" so to speak. Has anyone tried this? Possibly on Le Puy, maybe starting in Ostabat-Asme France? I believe that would be one day walking. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Pam

zammy · May 13, 2013

If you have the time, walk at at least 90 km before SJP or 4-5 days. By the time you reach the crossing you'll be much fitter.

Larazet · May 13, 2013

One or two stages before St Jean Pied de Port to "warm up"?

Doing it now.... Arzacq tomorrow!

Karin

Phillypilgrim · May 13, 2013

Interesting. Guess I need a new Guide Book!
"Larazet" are you on Le Puy? (Sorry, don't know where "Arzacq" is). I am trying to find Camino maps on the French routes online, for some reason it is not successful in any detail that is.
Thanks again, Pam

colinPeter · May 14, 2013

Hola Pam,

Phillypilgrim said:
I read on one of these posts a suggestion that has stuck with me. To start walking one or two French stages BEFORE entering St Jean, in order to "warm up" so to speak. Has anyone tried this? Possibly on Le Puy, maybe starting in Ostabat-Asme France? I believe that would be one day walking. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Pam

On our first Camino, my wife and I stayed 2 nights in SJPP, spent the first day going for a walk around the countryside and town. We did this to get the "travelling" out of our system, and found it very worthwhile as SJPP is very beautiful, then we felt fresh to head up the hill the next morning.
Buen Camino
Colin

Larazet · May 14, 2013

One or two stages before St Jean Pied de Port to "warm up"?

Phillypilgrim , yes I am, just about to start the day! Spent the night in Miramont Sensaq where the gite looked wonderful, and I am sorry I stayed in the very 'average' hotel. Arzacq is only 15 kms from here, but taking a slow day as this is only day 5 for me. Have you bought Miam Miam Dodo Guidebook?

Karin

mspath · May 14, 2013

Phillypilgrim said:
... I am trying to find Camino maps on the French routes online, for some reason it is not successful in any detail that is.
Thanks again, Pam

Pam,

Try either this Google map link >> http://goo.gl/maps/LuTRi or the maps listed by fellow Forum member Peter Robins in his comprehensive site the Walking Pilgrim. >> http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/routes ... s/puy.html.
You can easily download these onto your computer.

Bon Chemin,

Margaret Meredith

Office girl · May 14, 2013

My husband and I have arrived in St Jean Pied de Port and we commence our Camino tomorrow morning. Hopefully we will meet some forum members on the way. Excited and looking forward to the journey and all the adventures that come our way, but at the same time feeling a little apprehensive. We are staying at a beautiful chambres d'Hotes and received the special pilgrim blessing at Mass last night at the Notre-Dame du-Bout-du-pont church. A great start!

robertt · May 14, 2013

It's a great idea to walk through some nice Basque country first, along the Chemin du Puy. Some find the rolling hills of the Bearn before the Pays Pasque to be a lesser attraction of the Chemin, but I loved the Bearn. It's not just for steak sauce!