I would recommend the Napoleon Route
Poor old Napoleon was never there Mark
I couldn't imagine not doing the Napoleon Route and I think I would regret it after getting home
Many Europeans commence at their front door in country France , Germany, Italy, Switzerland etc and walk via Samport which makes the walk via Roncesvalles " a walk in the park "
Also think about the bragging rights when you get home !
When you walk with 70 year olds from Le Puy . that's 800 km before STJPP , knowing well that they started in their mountain villages near Mount Blanc you quickly learn that bragging about where you commence is fraught with danger.
. I've sent an email, but I understand they are closed now so I'll try again in March 2018.
Keep sending e'mails , September is the busiest month , they will reply ,
and finally Kate ,
If its hot , and August can be very hot indeed , the plans you are now making go out the window.
You start early and finish early.
Orisson is reachable by mid morning .
Thats why the ones we accompanied from Geneva went via Valcarlos, in the forrest and on the valley floor before climbing . We have been over the top twice and the Valcarlos route three times. The village has wonderful accommodation , good restaurants and you get to Burguete the next day where there are not 100's of snorers
.
Regardless you will have a great time, avoid the trap of staying in the same group as there are 20-30 plus nationalities you will encounter and take your time.
When we get home we wish we had taken longer.