Is SJPP safe at night?

[Stellere]

If we were to arrive in SJPP by train at 10:30 at night, would we be tempting fate? We'd obviously be carrying everything we own on our backs - I'm wondering if petty thieves target the SJPP train station, seeing as how so many foreign pilgrims start their camino there. Any tips?

edited to add: I realize that SJPP is a tiny place and this might seem like a silly question, but I figure that it's best to be informed and prepared. We're hoping to stay two nights, giving us a full day to get organized, visit the town, and rest before walking.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The train station is on the edge of the main part of the city, and it is uphill to get to the tourist area. You would be walking on a well-lighted main street. For convenience and peace of mind, taking a taxi might be best.

This is an affordable hostal in the central area with easy access to the train station and the city: http://www.espritduchemin.org/en

 

[Stellere]

Thanks for the reply! SJPP is listed on the tourist office site as having a population of 1500, which I figured was pretty small. I live in a village of 1800, and I wouldn't consider it to be a city by any means - I can walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes. We don't even have a taxi! But there are parts of my village that I wouldn't walk in at night if I weren't familiar with the area. I appreciate your comment that it might seem a bit intimidating in the dark…that's the kind of thing that I need to know before organizing my stay.

Thanks also for the link - I'll check it out.

I might decide to overnight in Bayonne and head to SJPP early the next day instead. Either way, I arrive in France on March 16th and won't start walking until the 18th. (And I'll probably be reading this forum *every single day* between now and then. Haha!)

 

[whariwharangi]

I arrived at around 8PM. It left barely enough time to find my prearranged accomodation and then find a restaurant. The whole town closed up at around 10 PM.

Your issue isn't going to be petty thieves.

 

[nreyn12]

Arriving on the train at 10:30pm in SJPP, it's possible you will not be alone. It is very likely that you will be one of at least a few pilgrims also arriving to start their walks. Even if it's just you, though, SJPP feels really safe, even perhaps a bit sleepy.

The Pilgrim's Office may still be open when you arrive, as they usually stick around long enough to greet those who arrive on the last train of the day, and to be sure they all have someplace to sleep (although in March, I'm not sure). If the Office is still open when you arrive, they will know who still has beds and rooms; however, if it were me, I'd book something in advance and head straight for my hotel from the train, then visit the Pilgrim's Office in the morning.

 

[piogaw]

Thanks for the reply! SJPP is listed on the tourist office site as having a population of 1500, which I figured was pretty small. I live in a village of 1800, and I wouldn't consider it to be a city by any means - I can walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes. We don't even have a taxi! But there are parts of my village that I wouldn't walk in at night if I weren't familiar with the area. I appreciate your comment that it might seem a bit intimidating in the dark…that's the kind of thing that I need to know before organizing my stay.

Thanks also for the link - I'll check it out.

I might decide to overnight in Bayonne and head to SJPP early the next day instead. Either way, I arrive in France on March 16th and won't start walking until the 18th. (And I'll probably be reading this forum *every single day* between now and then. Haha!)

Hello stellere,

Sjpp is a very small town. I would say practically everyone knows everybody. It is safe place whether you arrive during the day or night time.

As mentined previously your biggest problem is to find accommondation at that late a time. Best that you reserve accommodation in advanve.

Good luck and buen camino.

 

[Stellere]

Thanks for the tips and suggestions! I think that we're leaning towards staying overnight in Bayonne first, and then heading to SJPP the following morning.

 

[t2andreo]

I recall that, as a general rule, the pilgrim office at #39 rue de la Cittadelle remains open past the last train arrival so pilgrims can register. But I recommend you check ahead. You can obtain information here: http://www.aucoeurduchemin.org/spip/spip.php?rubrique515

It is in French so you will need a translator. I use Google Translate. However, just FYI, it states under "Helpful Advice" that the office is open until 22:00, or until after the last train arrives.

Also, the local taxi service should have a car at the station, as they know to expect pilgrims arriving on the last train, whenever it arrives.

In addition, I have stayed at the Hotel Ramuntcho and heartily endorse the recommendation mentioned above. I am planning to stay there again for two nights just before the start my next Camino in late April. However, after 10:00 pm the door is typically locked and registered guests use a key provided by the owner to let themselves in.

As a personal note, and if it were me, I would consider staying opposite the Bayonne train station the first night and coming up on the first morning train. It would reduce your stress level considerably. One hotel frequently used by pilgrims is: http://hotel-montecarlo.allcommerces.com/ It is literally across street from the train station.

I hope this helps.

 

[ericdouglas]

If we were to arrive in SJPP by train at 10:30 at night, would we be tempting fate? We'd obviously be carrying everything we own on our backs - I'm wondering if petty thieves target the SJPP train station, seeing as how so many foreign pilgrims start their camino there. Any tips?

edited to add: I realize that SJPP is a tiny place and this might seem like a silly question, but I figure that it's best to be informed and prepared. We're hoping to stay two nights, giving us a full day to get organized, visit the town, and rest before walking.

I'll be staying in Bayonne for the first night as I reckon the train to SJPP would be nice in the daylight, then an overnight stay in SJPP before commencing the walk the next day.

 

[Kanga]

In a word; yes. It will probably be very quiet and dark, but quite safe. I stayed there for a couple of weeks, frequently walked around alone at night, and met friends off the late train. Just make sure you know where you are going as there may be no-one around - print yourself a google map or something similar. Pilgrims mostly stay in the old town which is a bit of a walk from the station.

 

[whariwharangi]

If you plan to arrive late its worth doing a virtual walk using google earth.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I would not be afraid at all to walk in SJPP at night.

 

[Thornley]

A very, very, very safe town even late at night
There will be others on the train .
Whilst the alberques require in bed by 10pm hotels wil stilll be up no doubt.

 

[jl]

I walked to the pilgrim office from the last train last night. I was greeted by 2 very charming and friendly people at the office and cheerfully escorted to the albergue by one of them. He then proceeded to show me around the albergue, introduced me to Janine the hospitalera and departed. I had no thought at all about being unsafe, it was a cold winters night and the cinema was just coming out (a children's show I suspect), but at all times I felt very safe. Janet

 

[Thornley]

Safe walk and Feliz Navidad Janet,

Santo Domingo for Christmas ?
Don't eat the rooster .
Keep well, David