CF - When do numbers reduce in September

[Rita Flower]

Hi all
For many years I have wanted to return to Camino Frances but have been put off by the numbers. Last year in late November in Santiago I met a number of people from the Frances who said the numbers were not so great at that time.
I have read that early Sept is a peak time. When does this peak time finish? I would start in SJPP.
Many thanks

 

[Ianinam]

The first three weeks of September were peaktime in Roncesvalles last year, full house nearly every day. In the bottleneck from SJPdP till Pamplona I'd advise you to reservate a bed.

 

[Rita Flower]

The first three weeks of September were peaktime in Roncesvalles last year, full house nearly every day. In the bottleneck from SJPdP till Pamplona I'd advise you to reservate a bed.

Thank you - my dates are completely flexible. Looks like it would be better to start in the last week of Sept at the earliest or early October.

 

[Lexicos]

Be aware that Pamplona can be fully booked at any time in Sep or Oct if there is a public holiday or long weekend. Not only albergues fill up quickly but even hotels can fill up. I suggest booking well ahead. It eases off the further you get after Pamplona. I was there last Oct in week one and I had to ask a local to find me a hotel room, which was about 3km from the centre and 90 euro per night! And that was the discounted price.

 

[markie6]

St Jean was jam packed last September when I was there. They were using the gymnasium IIRC to get some of the late comers somewhere to sleep. I'd guess that September will always be a busy month on the CF .. weather and end of the summer holidays for most

In the post covid world, the numbers IMHO will start to increase this year and I would guess those Albergues that didnt re open in '22 may well this year.

However, we never know for sure until we arrive. Only certainty is death , taxes and very busy from Saria to Santiago.

If you want peace of mind, book for the normal bottlenecks

 

[lt56ny]

If you start by mid October the crowds will definately be less. You can have lots of solitude when you walk if you so choose especially the later into the year you get. The other side is that more and more albergues close. I have walked different parts of the CF in mid and late November and although you will should never have a problem finding a bed the albergues are usually pretty crowded because there are far fewer choices.

 

[trecile]

Or you could start earlier - like mid August, before the September crush in SJPdP.

 

[Rita Flower]

Thanks for the updates everyone - some useful information to work with.

 

[Pelerina]

For many years I have wanted to return to Camino Frances but have been put off by the numbers.

Hi Rita same for me. . My last time on the Frances was April 2013 _ though have had the occasional days before or after other paths.

We are now planning to walk the Le Puy / Frances / Invierno in October November this year _ starting from Le Puy en Velay on 1 October and leaving SJPP in last few days of October.

@trecile recently posted a graph that showed departures from SJPP _ numbers have dropped dramatically by November. .

Looking forward to walking the Frances again.

 

[aidan macdhorcaidh]

Hi all
For many years I have wanted to return to Camino Frances but have been put off by the numbers. Last year in late November in Santiago I met a number of people from the Frances who said the numbers were not so great at that time.
I have read that early Sept is a peak time. When does this peak time finish? I would start in SJPP.
Many thanks

Try first two weeks of March or last two weeks of October should be ok too