Albergues along the Camino Frances still open in November...

[RJM]

I know that there is still a fair amount of pilgrims on the Camino Frances during the month of October, and that most of the albergues are still open then, but what about November? From what I have seen the pilgrim numbers drop considerably by then. Has anyone walked the Camino Frances during November, and if so what was their experience with albergues still being open? I have no problems with paying for private accommodations from time to time, but I really liked the albergue experience for several reasons.
If I walk it next month, it will be mostly during October, but 10-12 days would be during November. I walked it before several years ago during late spring from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago, so I'm familiar with the Camino itself, but thought an autumn one would be nice.
Thank you.

 

[C clearly]

Has anyone walked the Camino Frances during November, and if so what was their experience with albergues still being open?

There are plenty of beds available for the number of people walking, and they are spaced out at good intervals. There shouldn't be any problem, as long as you don't arrival at the only albergue in a small village, without checking in advance. If you are stopping at the towns that are commonly used as stopping points, there will be an albergue open. The list of albergues handed out at the pilgrim office in SJPP indicates the expected closure dates. However, these dates can change, and at any time of year, an albergue can close unexpectedly.

So... there's no particular problem. Just look at the stage you have planned for the day, and check by phone if you want to stop "in-between stages."

 

[mspath]

For more on walking the camino in late autumn see this earlier forum thread filled with helpful links/tips including gear lists.
Many private albergues start to close mid October for a well-earned rest after the crowds of summer have left; hospitaleros usually know who is open on the next stage. Municipal and Xunta albergues usually stay open throughout the year.

Happy planning and Buen camino!

 

[nycwalking]

I walked mid-November. On CF there should be an albergue at least every 25kms or so. You can ask hospitaleros to give you a heads up on which albergues are open as you walk along.
Buen camino.