Avoiding the strikes/cancelled train

[california smith]

Hey guys due to the recent train strikes in France decided to cancel my board from Toulouse to SJPP in May and go by bus instead. There is not a strike planned for the day I had reserved but I want to avoid any unprecedented complications that could happen. I was originally going to keep both tickets and give the bus ride away if possible but if the bus is a sure fire way why not get a refund for the train. Do you think it was a good idea?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I would have not cancelled the train. Chances are far better that they will run then that they will strike that particular run. If the improbable does happen, you can get a bus ticket that same day.

 

[california smith]

Thanks Dave. I'd just hate to miss the booking I have in SJPP because the day before is a strike day and who knows what could happen from here to then . I think I may double book a bus and train from Bayonne to SJPP I would not mind paying the extra for the security..

 

[StephenChad]

I believe you can walk from Toulouse and cross the Pyrenees at Somport and onto the Arogenesse Way, although May may be a bit early

 

[Kanga]

Not a bad idea - Toulouse is on the Arles route. We walked it in 2011 but stopped at Pau.

If there is a bus from Toulouse to Pau (further along the Arles route) it is very close, as the crow flies, from Pau to the Le Puy route which goes through SJPDP. You could catch a taxi, and then walk the last few days of the Le Puy into SJPDP. Which is what I did in 2012 after waving goodbye to my husband in Pau.

 

[Irenek]

I would have not cancelled the train. Chances are far better that they will run then that they will strike that particular run. If the improbable does happen, you can get a bus ticket that same day.

The day we arrived in Bayonne, in May 2016,there was also a strike. We were afraid we would miss the communal dinner at the albergue in SJPP, so we called them. They were very nice, and said not to worry, that they would wait for us. We had to spend the day at the train station. That evening, a bus was provided for the many pilgrims that needed to get to SJPP. All this to say you don’t need to worry. You can keep your train reservations, then buy a bus ticket there if needed.

 

[GraemeHall]

I was due to travel from Paris to Logroño yesterday to resume my Camino. But the strike stopped me! I had an extra day in Paris, my hotel accommodated me another night, the albergue I had booked in Logroño was happy to change my date, and here I am writing this on the bus as we pass by Pamplona. No harm done ....the Camino provides.

 

[california smith]

Hey guys. I decided to get a bus from Toulouse to Bayonne and then train from there to SJPP. The two stations are only a 10 minute walk from each other. Things are looking good. I feel a lot better. Those strikes are a potential blunder for the ill informed!

 

[california smith]

I was due to travel from Paris to Logroño yesterday to resume my Camino. But the strike stopped me! I had an extra day in Paris, my hotel accommodated me another night, the albergue I had booked in Logroño was happy to change my date, and here I am writing this on the bus as we pass by Pamplona. No harm done ....the Camino provides.

How was your arrival into Logrono?

 

[StephenChad]

There are currently no trains running to SJPDP because of a landslide, should be back running in a day or so
http://www.sudouest.fr/2018/03/28/p...e-et-saint-jean-pied-de-port-4322477-4018.php
A replacement bus service will be used

 

[Black and the Red]

Thanks for this heads up guys. I'm traveling into St Jean by train from Bayonne. Lucky for me they are striking the day after I get into St Jean. Wouldn't have checked if I hadn't have seen this thread.