Hi Lindsay,
I have walked the Camino twice now, in 2007 and 2009, both from St Jean. I have 2 most favorite places (in no particular order ;-) ):
- The (reservable, which is necessary to get you a place) refugio L'esprit du Chemin in St Jean; these are the most fantastic people, they not only take good care of you and have a fantastic sort of shrine/meditation shack ;-), but they also make the most fantastic luch you will ever eat... Imagine the Pyrenees in a quite icy cold wind, your first day with a backpack and a steep uphill climb for the last 3 hours, and then you get to eat this sandwich from heaven...
But to be fair to the rest of them, every albergue houses one or more angels who are there especially for you, wheter they/you know it or not...
- Between I believe Sarria and Triacastella (from my head, so I might have this wrong), there are two routes. Take the one that passes Samos! It has the most beautiful view of the entire Camino, and that is saying something... I will not tell you where exactly, but go to Samos, and when you get to this viewpoint, you will know... And thank you for asking the question, because it made me be there now... I will go and see it again next year, unless I choose to take another Camino, which I am not yet sure of...
Buen Camino,
Martin