Lodging on first few days

[joecamino]

In a week I start walking. I'm feeling a bit intimidated by The Pyrenees, but have decided to start at St Jean anyway, and take the Valcarlos route.

1. Do the municipal albergues in Valcarlos / Roncesvalles accept reservations? Are there other lodging options there that do?
2. Is Valcarlos the only stop on the way to Roncesvalles? It'd be good to know my options if the climb is tougher/slower than I think.
3. Any recommendations on stops between Roncesvalles and Zubiri?

Thanks!

 

[kardisa]

Read this: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...imit-number-of-beds-to-183-from-monday.47560/

You can (and arguably should) pre-book via http://www.alberguederoncesvalles.com

 

[ratherbefollowingflechas]

Hello Joe,
We stopped in Viscarret at the La Posada Nueva. It is about 13k past Roncevalles and was a lovely rest as we recovered from jet lag and 2 months of battling tendonitis before the trip. From there, we went to Zurain, which was about 21k. On our 3rd day, we had a nice jaunt into Pamplona and after that, we were finally ready to start some 25-30k legs. It was a slow start, but considering that one of us could not walk more that a few miles a day merely a month before we left, it was reassuring. There are a lot of wonderful little places along the way that really do provide unique experiences. Do NOT feel that you must walk a certain distance every day. And if it allows you to feel less stressed, then by all means book places in advance. If you do not feel rushed to reach your destination, then you will feel more relaxed to enjoy the journey.

Buen Camino!!!

 

[Pat Beals]

I would suggest you speak with the ladies at expressbourricot.com. They assisted me going the Route Napoleon a couple of years ago. Last time, I did it (St Jean to Roncesvalles) in two days with a layover at Orisson, this year I am going to do it as a three day stage (going a bit beyond) and they are assisting me returning each night to St Jean. They are very open to assisting people with creative options.

I am not sure what they do with the Valcalos route, but would like to know as that may well be my next adventure

 

[JillGat]

Get the WisePilgrim app on your phone. It will show all the places to stay and allow you to make reservations via Booking.com in many cases. It's a very up-to-date app. Apparently they have a new guidebook too, available on this site.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Is Valcarlos the only stop on the way to Roncesvalles? It'd be good to know my options if the climb is tougher/slower than I think.

You should have no difficulty getting to Valcarlos from SJPdP but there are no lodgings between Valcarlos and Roncevalles, the steeper portion. There may not be any food or water available on the second part either. Ask at St. Jean.

 

[Deleted member 43985]

You have a smart plan to overnight in Valcarlos as it's an easy 13kms walk from SJPDP so if you have a reservation you can let the huge crowds leave ahead of you and enjoy a leisurely breakfast and cafe au lait or two. If you get a decently early start from Valcarlos in the morning and take it easy up the steep parts you should be in position to push past Roncesvalles and go the further 3kms to Burgete (about 19kms total walk on day 2). Some nice places to stay there including one of Hemingway's old haunts and the added benefit of good breakfast options unlike Roncesvalles.
Buen Camino!!

 

[JulieandPeter]

We stayed in Viscarret at the La Posada Nueva as well. Very nice. Then walked to Larrasoana (about 9 miles) and stayed at Pension El Camino. There is an albergue there, too. From Larrasoana to Pamplona (again about 9 miles). After Pamplona, we started going longer distances as we became used to carrying our packs and got into the rhythm of walking all day. Buen Camino!