St. Jean & Orisson accommodation.

[geordie63]

Hi there.

In just over 3 weeks time I'll be starting my Camino & very much looking forward to the experience although it is with a feeling of a wee bit of trepidation mixed in.

I'll be arriving at Biarritz airport on Moday 26th Marcg & have booked the Express Bourricot taxi service to take me directly to St. Jean. From the wealth of knowledge I have gained from this website I was hoping to stay at Esprit du Chemin on my first night in St. Jean & perhaps Orisson as a stop off point on my way to Roncesvalles.

Two possible minor problems I have encountered are firstly it appears Esprit du Chemin doesn't open for the season until a few days after I arrive & I would be grateful for any suggestions as to where best to stay that night in St. Jean. Any recommendations for other albergues there?

Secondly, I emailed Orisson regarding staying there on the 27th March & received a reply advising they didn't know if they would be open or not & I could phone them the day before. I'd love to try & walk through the mountains rather than take the lower route but I'm not sure my legs would make the 26km all in one day. Any ideas to help me out of this minor quandry would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

 

[zammy]

I suggest you inquire before whether the pass is passable and there is no snow or any other risks.
i suggest you stay at Hounto, 6 km up the hill, from there on it'll be much easier the day after. if you decide to take the road because of weather Isuggest you skip the pass and take a taxi straight to Roncevalles and start from there.

 

[sillydoll]

The Pilgrim's Office will find you a place to stay in St Jean.
If Orisson is not open you could still walk as far as there and get a taxi back to St Jean. Then the next day the taxi takes you back to Orisson and you continue walking.
It will all depend on the weather conditions - please, listen to the locals. More people have died crossing the Route Napoleon than has been reported and we don't need another one this early in the year!

 

[geordie63]

Thanks for your suggestions. Rest assured I wouldn't take any chances crossing the mountains if the weather is bad. Hopefully by the end of March it'll be ok but I'll check it out when I get there in 3 weeks time.