aeaxs and Barbdymond,
The fastest way to SJPP is to stand outside the aurport doors and ask everyone who comes out carrying a backpack if they are going there too. It will not take long to find three pilgrims willing to share a taxi. Individual cost will likely be in the 25 to 30 euro range and you will all be there in an hour.
If we get to St Jean at 2:15 or so... would you start your trek to Orrison or stay in St. Jean? We only have 3.5 weeks on the Camino.
Do you have reservations made at Orisson? If not, then staying there may not be possible because of its popularity. Folks make reservations weeks and months in advance.
If you do have reservations, Orisson has a time cut-off for keeping that reservation of 6:30 PM. So, a lot depends on how long it takes for you to leave out of St. Jean, how fast you are able to walk the 8 kilometers of the steepest gradient of the Napoleon ... which is the section from SJPdP to Orisson.
The other option is to arrange with Express Bouricott to take you from St Jean to Orisson.
Yes, we have reservations for the 3rd of June. They said they have openings on the 2nd and the 3rd. Not sure how long the hike will take. I think we want to hike it since that is why we are there. St Jean looks cute and probably fun to explore. Where did you stay there? Would you stay at a place that has room only and go to to eat versus a B and B style?
If there are openings and you want to stay on either of those dates, make your reservations ASAP; they can be completo within a short time since you last checked.
Last year I stayed at Chambres d'Hôtes Maison E. Bernat, which had a good breakfast. This September I will be at Gite Makila. I look at accomodations for sleeping and relaxing, and I don't worry about whether they serve meals. If they do, that's fine, but it isn't important to me.
If you have a choice, spend the night in St Jean, then enjoy a relaxed late morning leisurely departure to Orisson.
I assure you that dinner at Beilari is definitely not typical Camino fare. (not a french fry in sight. ) And it's a great chance to meet fellow pilgrims.Sounds good! We are thinking of staying at Beilari. They offer dinner, but I am thinking it might be fun to eat out since we will be eat camino food a lot. Not sure what to expect. Gite Makila looks very nice and reasonable.
I assure you that dinner at Beilari is definitely not typical Camino fare. (not a french fry in sight. ) And it's a great chance to meet fellow pilgrims.
I plan to start the day after arriving in saint Jean. I've heard the first stretch is quite tough.If we get to St Jean at 2:15 or so... would you start your trek to Orrison or stay in St. Jean? We only have 3.5 weeks on the Camino.
I plan to start the day after arriving in saint Jean. I've heard the first stretch is quite tough.[/QUOTE
When are you arriving?
I plan to start the day after arriving in saint Jean. I've heard the first stretch is quite tough.
As mentioned, Orisson may be fully booked as it is quite popular, However, there is an option. I took the Valcarlos Route and stayed in the Municipal Albergue with only three other ladies on May 7/18. It is a brand new renovation and the blankets were very warm on new beds. That first 12 km is not a rough walk at all, as it helps the body adjust to the work of daily walking. Their capacity is 12, (6 Bunkbeds). 10 euros gets a bed and a light breakfast.If we get to St Jean at 2:15 or so... would you start your trek to Orrison or stay in St. Jean? We only have 3.5 weeks on the Camino.
As mentioned, Orisson may be fully booked as it is quite popular, However, there is an option. I took the Valcarlos Route and stayed in the Municipal Albergue with only three other ladies on May 7/18. It is a brand new renovation and the blankets were very warm on new beds. That first 12 km is not a rough walk at all, as it helps the body adjust to the work of daily walking. Their capacity is 12, (6 Bunkbeds). 10 euros gets a bed and a light breakfast.
Other advantages are, Valcarlos is 12 km with 12 km the next day but with the last few km rather steep. It is still less of a climb than the Napoleon Route. So, overall climb is less to Roncesvalles. On Day 2, if the climb does not sap all your strength, another 6 km will get you to Espinal where there a number of albergue choices.
Do a search here for
Valcarlos
and see what comes up. I do recommend sticking with more recent posts. There is a process of stopping in to the local Bar to get the Lock Code to get into the Albergue. And someone comes in around 5 PM to collect the fees and to match payments with occupied beds.
I was not aware that there was a reservation at Orisson, sorry. But for anyone looking for a more solitary experience, Valcarlos seems to be able to off it, even now. I saw no one until I arrived in Valcarlos itselfm except for two young men on bicycles, that I passed, twice, lol.Since most people really like St. Jean and we have reservations at Orisson for the 3rd, I think will will stick to the plan and take our time. This site is very helpful!