Can I buy a guidebook in SJPP?

[LucySkyWalker]

Hi! Does anyone know if guidebooks are sold in SJPP? Perhaps at the Pilgrims Office?

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Definitely. Several places that know what pilgrims want will have them. Expect to give them money though.

 

[Tincatinker]

The Pilgrims Office in StJdPP will provide you with a list of Albergues and other resources and a handy map of the first days walking whether over the Napoleon or via Valcarlos. If you follow the yellow arrows that's about all you need. If you want a guidebook that will give you a little bit more background information then there are several shops in St Jean that stock various publications in an assortment of languages. Or you could just download a variety of apps, guides and stuff to your 'phone and save a tree from an unpleasant experience ;0)

 

[MichaelC]

I liked having a guide, but the handouts from the Pilgrim's Office are really all you need. Definitely get the map that Tincatinker mentioned (it has all the elevations, which I found invaluable), as well as the three-page handout with all the albergues.

 

[Tim Floyd]

Agree on the elevation map. All those in the guidebooks were misleading. The one I got at the pilgrim office was without question the most representative of the ups and downs.

 

[Saranger]

There’s an outdoor shop just down the street from the Pilgrim Office (opposite side of the street) with a good selection of guidebooks in English, French, Spanish, and German (maybe even Korean and others, I can’t recall). They also sell good quality gear if you realized you left something at home.

 

[LucySkyWalker]

Thank you all!! I just downloaded the TrekRight app which came highly reviewed. I'll plan to grab some handouts from the Pilgrim's Office too... sounds like I can probably pass on a guidebook but I'll check out the prices

 

[Rover]

Hi! Does anyone know if guidebooks are sold in SJPP? Perhaps at the Pilgrims Office?

In a word, yes! Everything you need you can buy in SJPP

 

[Saranger]

One more tip: you may find a guidebook left behind in an albergue by a Pilgrim not wanting the weight, of you want to carry it! Or make friends with a Pilgrim who has the book and take pictures on your phone of the pertinent pages.

Buen Camino!