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Belairi, across from the Pilgrim's Office, run by friendly Basque couple. Nice albergue, fun communal meal. I volunteered there for two weeks in the spring of 2012 and also stayed as a guest in 2014. Both times, I met guests at dinner who became lifelong friends. It makes a wonderful start to the walk.
Sorry to hijack the thread, , but does one need to book the albergues in St. Jean? I'm planning to stay one or two nights (depending on what time I can arrive) in St Jean before heading out. I like the thought of arriving, getting my Credential and finding a room - basically starting my Camino with trust that I will have somewhere to sleep. I am planning to fly from Canada on the 1st of July and then arriving around the 2nd or 3rd in St. Jean, depending on travel arrangements. Thanks!
You do need to book ahead at Beilari (correct spelling this time!) - and the dinner is part of the price and is part of the whole experience (http://www.beilari.info/en). Also you need to reserve ahead at Orisson (www.refuge-orisson.com/en/), only 8km up the steep road at the beginning of the Pyrenees.
If 8km (~3hrs walk) seems too short, on your second day, you could explore St. Jean in the morning, have a light lunch, then head up the mountain to Orisson and enjoy the rest of the afternoon on the deck overlooking the valley with your favourite beverage and meet more new friends. I was happy to spend the extra time at Orisson because I felt like I was really in the Pyrenees for a while.
Walking from St. Jean to Roncesvalles on your first day is difficult and you are more prone to injuries from walking too far, too fast with a heavy pack. Accommodations at the beginning and at the end of the Camino Frances are much more expensive than the other 95% of it, but I think you get good value for your money.[/QUOTE
Great tip. I was wondering how you can walk through the Pyrenees in a day. This is a great way to saviour the place and really take it in by stopping and being still for a decent amount of time before heading out the next day
Unfortunately my barge pole is in excess of the dimensions accepted by arlines!Try bringing your barge pole next time to prod the snorer.
Still of interest perhaps to new pilgrims and things can change in 2 years.This OP is from 2016.
Because they chop them up to power the AC.Fly Ryan air no extra charge for barge poles .