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Buying Walking Poles in Bayonne?

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RosaCaminando

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Time of past OR future Camino
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Hello Camino Forum,
I have been lurking here for a while, because I have been preparing for my Camino. But now that it is starting in 4 days and I'm too excited to even sleep well, I finally had to create an account and ask a question about buying Walking Poles. I can't fly with my own because of the airlines safety regulations. But I would like to buy a very similar pair in Bayonne.

I googled that a Decathlon, Go Sport and Intersport are on the way from Biarritz airport to the city. So chances are that they have walking poles too. But if anyone here knows and has been to one of the shops maybe they could confirm? I'm looking for a pair of (non-telescopic) one size sticks, that have a "glove" for the hand which allows much better grip than the ones with string, and preferably I also want to buy the rubber tips to cover the spikes when walking on alphalt. Are these kinf of walking poles available in Bayonne?
 
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Hi @RosaCaminando, here's a photograph of a very good sports/outdoor store in Bayonne. I'm sure it will sell walking poles, as it seemed to have all kinds of hiking supplies.


It's one one of the main shopping street - on two streets actually, as it has a front and rear entrance. Quite close to the cathedral, where you can pick up a credential if you need one.

My husband laughed at me for taking this photo - but I'm glad that it proved useful!
 
RosaCaminando said:
one size sticks, that have a "glove" for the hand
Click to expand...
I don't think that I have ever seen them in shops in France and Spain. I have had a couple of pair, but I think they have fallen out of favor over the years as telescoping poles have dominated the market.
 
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Is there a specific and compelling reason that you need the ' glove ' type hand grip ?
They are particularly comfortable but I find them very restrictive for steep descent work . I use telescopic poles on most of my extreme bush walks the adjustable feature is useful so that the length can be shortened for ascents and lengthened for descents . The strap and simple handgrip allows you to easily flip the poles forward down hill and backwards uphill . A glove grip may increase the risk of carpal tunnel complications . Most sticks have rubber tips and sand baskets supplied with them , otherwise any old hardware shop can supply all manner of rubber chair and walking stick tips that are bound to suit .
 
There is a very comprehensive stock list at the peregrino shop in SJPDP.
I have seen the email address given on this site.
Perhaps if one of the regular walkers see this they will be able to supply it.
That would save you carrying the poles from Bayonne
 
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St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
In addition to the pilgrim shop mentioned above, there is in SJPP a full-on sporting goods shop. It is called Maya, and it is located just out of the center next to the large Carrefour supermarket. Here is a map showing where it is located relative to the Pilgrim's Office, a 600 meter walk away. There hours seem a little unpredictable, but their selection is worth a look.
 
RosaCaminando said:
But if anyone here knows and has been to one of the shops maybe they could confirm?
Click to expand...

I bought a pair of walking poles in Decathlon on the way from Biarritz airport to Bayonne (in fact the store is in Anglet, the same neighbourhood where the airport is). They have a whole range of walking poles, available in every Decathlon store in Europe. Here is the link to the google map:

Decathlon in Anglet

As for the types of poles available there, click this link: www.decathlon.fr - then click "Mon Magasin" at the top of the page and enter the location of your store (Region: Aquitaine, town: Anglet) and you will see if they have the kind of poles you are looking for in stock (the French word for a walking pole is BATON)
Buen Camino!
 
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Specifically "batons de marche" otherwise you could be talking about ski poles.
I'm pleased to see some affordable ones at Decathalon. Since I may leave them behind when I return home. Vs. ditching my good $80 REI ones.
Here is the general link for trekking poles (set of 2) on their site for an idea of what the store in Bayonne may have.
Don't forget the little rubber boots for the tips called "embouts" for the concrete walking. They are freaking adorable.
 
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