First Night

Michael James

New Member

Time of past OR future Camino

"2014"

• Jan 4, 2014

• #1

I arrive at Biarritz Airport 2130hrs can anyone advise about onward travel to St. Jean. I see the airport coach to Bayonne rail station is every half-hour but the journey time to St. Jean is one and a half hours. Should I find overnight accommodation on route and travel to St. Jean next morning? Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

Olivares

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

May 1997 (Leon to Santiago); Sections Camino Frances: May 2011, May 2012, May 2013, October 2013, June-July 2014 (Sahagun to Santiago).

• Jan 4, 2014

• #2

What time of the year would you be traveling? Daylight hours is a factor to consider. Regardless, I would secure lodging at Biarritz and leave rested early morning on to SJPDP. Upon arrival to SJPDP check-in and get stamp at the Pilgrim's office (ask about weather ahead) and walk if winter/Springtime to Orisson. Secure lodging at Orisson. If summertime and good weather, then consider early train arrival to SJPDP and get on your way; shoot for Roncesvalles.

Keep us posted of your plans.

Buen Camino!

 

Tumbleweed

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino Frances (2013)

• Jan 4, 2014

• #3

Welcome to the forum Michael! I'm so excited for your Camino, it's going to be a blessed experience.

2130 is pretty late and if traveling on a Monday then I would definitely advice getting a room in Biarritz or Bayonne. From my own experience the last train out of Bayonne on a Monday is 18:06. Getting to St. Jean is always the hardest part but no matter how you plan it, it will be the right plan for you.

I had to give up my bed at one of the alburgues because I didn't arrive on time for dinner and that was a requirement for staying there. Anyway, my first night on the Camino in SJPdP was in an attick of an alburgue that was full. I shared the space with another pilgrim, he was from Ireland, a complete stranger. It was the best first night anyone could ask for. An amazing experience.

Buen Camino and may the Lord guide your steps.

 

Last edited: Feb 9, 2014

Michael James

New Member

Time of past OR future Camino

"2014"

• Jan 4, 2014

• #4

Olivares said:

What time of the year would you be traveling? Daylight hours is a factor to consider. Regardless, I would secure lodging at Biarritz and leave rested early morning on to SJPDP. Upon arrival to SJPDP check-in and get stamp at the Pilgrim's office (ask about weather ahead) and walk if winter/Springtime to Orisson. Secure lodging at Orisson. If summertime and good weather, then consider early train arrival to SJPDP and get on your way; shoot for Roncesvalles.

Keep us posted of your plans.

Buen Camino!

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Many thanks. I fly from London 4th September 2014.

 

Olivares

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

May 1997 (Leon to Santiago); Sections Camino Frances: May 2011, May 2012, May 2013, October 2013, June-July 2014 (Sahagun to Santiago).

• Jan 4, 2014

• #5

September/October is a beautiful time of the year to do the Camino (French Way)! Make sure to inquire on the Harvest Festivals in la Rioja Region. Have an amazing time! Buen Camino!

 

pilgrim b

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Caminos Frances 2013-Ingles 2014-Frances 2015
St Cuthbert's Way 2017-Via Francigena 2018 & 2019

• Jan 4, 2014

• #6

Michael James said:

Many thanks. I fly from London 4th September 2014.

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Welcome Michael you are joining a great forum for advice by September you should just about have any of your questions answered by someone.

Buen Camino Pilgrim.

 

cecelia

Wandering for the love and growth of it

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2013

• Jan 5, 2014

• #7

Michael James said:

I arrive at Biarritz Airport 2130hrs can anyone advise about onward travel to St. Jean. I see the airport coach to Bayonne rail station is every half-hour but the journey time to St. Jean is one and a half hours. Should I find overnight accommodation on route and travel to St. Jean next morning? Any advice will be much appreciated.

Click to expand...

Hello Michael and welcome to the forum. I agree with the others - definitely stay overnight in Biarritz. If you stay in the historic part of town you are fairly close to the train station. Trains leave several times a day for Bayonne with a quick switch for the train to SJPP. I have stayed in several 2 star hotels in Biarritz which were perfectly clean and adequate. There are also 2 youth hostels (one is almost at the train station). They are very welcoming of older 'youth". Early in September you may want to make a reservation ahead of time as the tourist season is not really over yet. Buen camino.