First Camino

[Dax]

Hello!

I'll arrive to Bordeaux on November 13th and'll be in SJPDP the next day. First option to depart from Bordeaux is the morning train at 5:24 and arrival at SJPDP at 8:40. After that the office, and then my Camino officially starts
Second option is the train from Bordeaux 10:02 and arrival at SJPDP at 12:59, which would mean that I'll have to find a place to sleep in SJPDP and postpone the start for one day. Would you recomend the pre-booking in second option or there is any other option?

First or the second option?

Looking forward to see you on the road!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It won't be busy, so I don't think you need to reserve. Days are short, so an early arrival in SJPdP is probably best. There has been snow already, so be prepared for the weather. The Route Napolean is closed starting on November 1, so the Valcarlos route is recommended. You have a midpoint stopping opportunity in Valcarlos.

Have fun!!

 

[Dorpie]

Personally I'd say stay the night in SJPdP, rushing into what is a tough first day just doesn't seem ideal, though with the sun setting at around 6pm you would technically have time to do it. I've not done the Valcarlos so can't compare it with the Napoleon, though given the forecast for tomorrow views going that way may not be great anyway.

Accomodation won't be a problem I'm sure and St Jean is a nice enough little town. But the joy at this time of year is that you can probably stay pretty much wherever you like, so maybe just get there and see how you feel.

Buen camino,

Rob.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I agree. What's the rush to start? SJPdP is a beautiful village to explore!

 

[Daxzentzu]

Take the opportunity to let go and surrender by letting the Camino provide

 

[nycwalking]

Oh, have a blast.

Buen camino.

 

[roving_rufus]

I am one of those always champing at the bit to get going. I arrived to a bad weather warning for the next day when I originally planned to leave SJdP so I decided to head out after a quick look round town and then walk to Valcarlos. Lovely afternoon walk that was a nice short warm up day and then in the bad weather the following day I had a shorter walk in stormy conditions. To be honest after that on any camino (as I tend to walk in sections) I love to get started the day I arrive

 

[Deleted member 84269]

buen camino! You're about to have the best month of your life) if you got time get to st jean earlier. it's a beautiful town and you can spend the day getting supplies, checking weather for your walk over the mountain

 

[trecile]

The Route Napolean is closed starting on November 1, so the Valcarlos route is recommended.

Not just recommended, but your only choice.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Not just recommended, but your only choice.

Not to recommend being a scofflaw, but no one is there to prevent pilgrims from taking the Route Napolean, so there is a choice. One choice can be dangerous, and those who need to be rescued can expect a hefty cost. Snow has hit early, so I am expecting the first rescue in the near future. Not all foreign pilgrims respect the route closure, and Koreans have needed more rescues than any other nationality (in the last few years).

 

[Sixwheeler]

Bordeaux is lovely and worth a visit. Plenty of accommodation options and very easy to get round using the trams. Enjoy.