Kevin Cassidy
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- I plan to walk the Camino this year (2016)
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Hi Kevin, I intend to do the same. Arriving in Lourdes 29 Aug, starting to walk 31 Aug to Asson, then Arudy, Oloron, L'Opital St Blaise, Mauleon, St Juste Ibarre and SJPdP, then onto SdC. Buen Camino!I am considering the Camino Frances and would like to start August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, from Lourdes France and tie into the Camino Frances. However, my searching has not yet led me to either adequate or reliable resources for such a venture. I would think that this would be a popular consideration for Pilgrims for a myriad of reasons. Can anyone illuminate my ignorance?
Various threads in this forum, but perhaps the main aid was the link Castilian mentioned above: http://vppyr.free.fr/vpp-index-etapes.phpHola NicMen, how did you determine your route?
I did: Lourdes-Betharram (many guides propose Asson)Thank you, Felipe, your route is precisely what I'm looking for. I will check out the Spanish guide you mentioned. What was your total trip length and how many days did you take?
I was curious about the distances because Google Maps show about 123-124kms only...I did: Lourdes-Betharram (many guides propose Asson)
Betharram-Arudy
Arudy-Oloron
Oloron-Hôpital Saint Blaise
Hôpital-Mauleon (this is a rather short stage, but the next is the toughest)
Mauleon-Saint Just Ibarre
Saint Juste- Saint Jean Pied de Port.
So, seven memorable days. Guides vary about distances, but the total is around 150 km. This does not seem as too much in average, but the terrain is hilly. I suppose it also depends on the weather, or rather, how muddy are the paths.
And as I mentioned, I am a rather slow walker (I was invariably the last one to arrive at albergues).
I think this is because some variants of this Camino take some detours, for scenic or historical reasons. Notoriously, in the Arudy-Oloron stage, instead of going all the way by the paved road, it goes left toward the Gave d'Ossau river and the Pont du Diable (the "Devil's Bridge"). Longer, but much more interesting. See here .I was curious about the distances because Google Maps show about 123-124kms only...
Gracias FelipeI think this is because some variants of this Camino takes some detours, for scenic or historical reasons. Notoriously, in the Arudy-Oloron stage, instead of going all the way by the paved road, it goes left toward the Gave d'Ossau river and the Pont du Diable (the "Devil's Bridge"). Longer, but much more interesting. See here .
If you stay in the Arudy parish albergue (one of my best Camino experiences), the good priest will give you his own guide for the stage, with the different options.
Other example: In the Oloron-L'Hôpital stage, the Camino goes by Aren and Prechac-Josbaig, so you can go by a beautiful forest until the end of the stage. See this map.
There are other cases. Google Maps is good, but can't take into consideration (still) little paths. And I suppose it always propose the easiest way.
Again, there are not "official" routes in the Piedmont way, although most guides recommend mostly (but only mostly) the same paths.
NicMen, I am in Lourdes as of now, and I was wondering if your above route is still your plan and if you have any other useful info? Thanks, KevinHi Kevin, I intend to do the same. Arriving in Lourdes 29 Aug, starting to walk 31 Aug to Asson, then Arudy, Oloron, L'Opital St Blaise, Mauleon, St Juste Ibarre and SJPdP, then onto SdC. Buen Camino!
I did: Lourdes-Betharram (many guides propose Asson)
Betharram-Arudy
Arudy-Oloron
Oloron-Hôpital Saint Blaise
Hôpital-Mauleon (this is a rather short stage, but the next is the toughest)
Mauleon-Saint Just Ibarre
Saint Juste- Saint Jean Pied de Port.
So, seven memorable days. Guides vary about distances, but the total is around 150 km. This does not seem as too much in average, but the terrain is hilly. I suppose it also depends on the weather, or rather, how muddy are the paths.
And as I mentioned, I am a rather slow walker (I was invariably the last one to arrive at albergues).
Felipe, did you call ahead for reservations at the gites? If so where did you get the phone numbers?
Thanks
Hi Kevin. Yes, I keep on looking for options, but I think I'll stick to that route unless I get lost and end up going a different way or someone along the way suggests something different.NicMen, I am in Lourdes as of now, and I was wondering if your above route is still your plan and if you have any other useful info? Thanks, Kevin
Great info Felipe. Thank you!! I'll be there in a couple of weeks!I always called the day before. I am not sure if some of them them really accept reservations (there are some municipal and parochial albergues) but I believe it is customary. Besides, I confess that as I was walking alone in a quite lonely road, I wanted to let a kind of clue about my daily whereabouts...just in case.
My albergues: Betharram, at the monastery (the entry is not obvious, it is a narrow passage just facing the old stone bridge).
Arudy (one of my best experiences in my Caminos), parochial presbytery, last rond point before the church.
Oloron Sainte Marie: Relais du Bastet (attention, many guides don't have the phone or the persons in charge right, it is currently managed by an association); try this. It is a city, there are many options and services. Leaving the city is a bit complicated, and there is also other (and most favored) route going to Somport; in the "Relais" the hospitaleros give you a map. If you are not sure, ask for the cathedral, and then follow the signposts.
Hôpital Saint Blaise, public. It is a tiny village.
Mauleon, municipal. Ask in the Tourism bureau or the city hall, main square. It is a city; also some hostals and hotels.
Saint Just Ibarre, I stayed at a farm-albergue 1 km before the village; it does not appear in guides and the stamp in my credencial is rather blurry. I will try to get it and post here. Also, other albergues in the village proper.
Saint Jean Pied de Port. Lots of options., as you know. I stayed in the parochial, the "Accueil Kaserna"
There are many list of albergues, all in French. For example, this one, with a lot of useful info.
Buen camino! Bon chemin!
Hi Kevin. Yes, I keep on looking for options, but I think I'll stick to that route unless I get lost and end up going a different way or someone along the way suggests something different.
Hope you have a great time!!
Yes, I saw his post after writing my reply to you. I might consider it as it is enticing! BonChemin Kevin!Have a great trip, man! I have done a little investigating and believe I will explore Felipe's route. Kinda like the idea of spending my first night in a monastery, lol! It's all good. And thanks, Felipe!
Betharram is an interesting place. It has its own story about the miraculous apparition of the Virgin to save a little girl from the waters (there is a sculpture of the girl on the river) and it is a pilgrimage place, too. The adjacent church is remarkable (you will notice a statue of Saint Roch as a pilgrim, in the atrium), and the Camino goes on climbing a steep hill, along a Via Crucis with impressive monuments, considered National Heritage; I did not specially like the style, but it is very worth seeingHave a great trip, man! I have done a little investigating and believe I will explore Felipe's route. Kinda like the idea of spending my first night in a monastery, lol! It's all good. And thanks, Felipe!
This is great info. Thanks Kevin! I'm interested in hearing how each day in the south of France goes. Where did you stay in Lourdes?Betharram is an interesting place. It has its own story about the miraculous apparition of the Virgin to save a little girl from the waters (there is a sculpture of the girl on the river) and it is a pilgrimage place, too. The adjacent church is remarkable (you will notice a statue of Saint Roch as a pilgrim, in the atrium), and the Camino goes on climbing a steep hill, along a Via Crucis with impressive monuments, considered National Heritage; I did not specially like the style, but it is very worth seeing
The congregation (I am not sure if it is formally a monastery) of Sacred Heart offers private or communal lodging (I choose the latter, and actually I was the only one in a very big room -it felt odd).
You will be invited to share the Mass with the community, in the chapel; it is optional.
Food can be bought in the little village of Lestelle, or dine in the monastery, as I did. The food was, uhm, healthy (with wine, as it is customay in France); an old religious, I believe the doyen of the little community, came to share diner with me, and we had a good and interesting talk about older France and his missional life and works. He was next day in the street, in a cold morning, waiting patiently for us to say "buen camino".
Did you get your pilgrim passpoert stamped? Where?At the Notre Dame de la Satre, which is on the River Pou just a 5 minute walk to the entry of the Shrine. WiFi and clean, fairly simple. The staff is very welcoming and helpful. I paid 340E for 7 nights. Booked through hotels.com. I suspect the price may be even lower as the Feast of the Assumption crowd likely will thin after today. I'll keep you posted on my meager progress, NicMen!
Thank you Felipe. Very interesting and very useful info, as always! Only 11 days to departure now... I hope I can be present and awake at every step if the way!I stamped -twice. Yes, I had a case of stamping greed. Well, I actually wanted both, for different reasons.
The Centre d'Information Jacquaire (remember, Saint James becomes Saint Jacques in France), boulevard de la Grotte, in a kind of rond point (you can't miss it, it is at the other end of the row of shops). See here its webpage.
The other place is the Lourdes pilgrim's bureau (I don't remember the name exactly) just before the sanctuary, at left. It is quite evident. You will be greeted warmly (I suppose that a pilgrim going to Compostela is not a so frequent sight in Lourdes).
Did you get your pilgrim passpoert stamped? Where?
I made a reservation in the Hotel Saint Etienne a couple of months ago. Hope it will be fine.As you walk intothe Lourdes pilgrimage site look for the Information Center on your right. Three Euros and your set, stamp and all. Ignore what I said about the cost of the hotel, I'll update that when I checkout tomorrow.
Fantastic information, I'm planning on walking this route in about a month's time, I was just wondering how much you paid for each place you stayed at. I'm also a little worried about calling ahead as my french is pretty much non existent, face to face I can get by using google transalate so do you think that just turning up would be fine.I always called the day before. I am not sure if some of them them really accept reservations (there are some municipal and parochial albergues) but I believe it is customary. Besides, I confess that as I was walking alone in a quite lonely road, I wanted to let a kind of clue about my daily whereabouts...just in case.
My albergues: Betharram, at the monastery (the entry is not obvious, it is a narrow passage just facing the old stone bridge).
Arudy (one of my best experiences in my Caminos), parochial presbytery, last rond point before the church.
Oloron Sainte Marie: Relais du Bastet (attention, many guides don't have the phone or the persons in charge right, it is currently managed by an association); try this. It is a city, there are many options and services. Leaving the city is a bit complicated, and there is also other (and most favored) route going to Somport; in the "Relais" the hospitaleros give you a map. If you are not sure, ask for the cathedral, and then follow the signposts.
Hôpital Saint Blaise, public. It is a tiny village.
Mauleon, municipal. Ask in the Tourism bureau or the city hall, main square. It is a city; also some hostals and hotels.
Saint Just Ibarre, I stayed at a farm-albergue 1 km before the village; it does not appear in guides and the stamp in my credencial is rather blurry. I will try to get it and post here. Also, other albergues in the village proper.
Saint Jean Pied de Port. Lots of options., as you know. I stayed in the parochial, the "Accueil Kaserna"
There are many list of albergues, all in French. For example, this one, with a lot of useful info.
Buen camino! Bon chemin!
Thank you so much, this information will be invaluableCosts were between 12-14 euros for bed. Only Arudy was "donativo".
Arudy gives a free diner (please give generously to support their effort) and breakfast.
Oloron (Relais du Bastet), Hôpital St Blaise and Mauleon have kitchens.
I don't remember shops in Hôpital (it is a minuscule place, actually there were more pilgrims than inhabitants). We bought diner in the only open restaurant of the village; they brought the food to a nice picnic area besides the albergue. It wa an unusual sunny day.
Diner is possible in Betharram (+ 9 euros, I remember).
I have added links to the gîtes (auberges) in my previous message.
There were many available bed (as for late September) in Betharram; the place is huge. I don't know if Arudy accept reservations (it is the presbitery), but certainly, the good priest will help you as much as he could.I'm also a little worried about calling ahead as my french is pretty much non existent, face to face I can get by using google transalate so do you think that just turning up would be fine.
Hi Kevin, good to hear from you! I was wondering how you managed with your shoes.NicMen, you are getting close! The heat and humidity have been brutal. They're forecasting a change Sunday or Monday. I did not find any stores in the villages on my route, so make sure that you have provisions for lunching and snacking. Also, not finding many places to replenish water. I've been carrying 2 liters a day and drinking all of it. Only see a few pilgrims in the gites. Only walked one afternoon with another pilgrim from France. I know your route is slightly different. I'm in Ordiarp and taking my time after some shoe problems. It's truly incredible. Southern France is magnificent. Bon chemin! Kevin.
Be careful in the Sants train station. One guy came up to ask me for directions while another grabbed one of my bags from behind. I lost my passport and 2 cards. But you probably don't have dumb tourist tattooed on your forehead, lol. Whole thing went down in under 10 seconds. The train trip is great! Have a great time!Hi Kevin, good to hear from you! I was wondering how you managed with your shoes.
Just checked into de hotel in Barcelona. I'll be catching a train to Lourdes on Monday and starting my walk Wednesday morning.
I saw that temperatures were quite high. It's 27C here past 10PM!
Thank you so much for the tips about food and water. Much appreciated. Take care.
I kept on walking 7km to Ordiarp and got picked up by Jaqueline from Albergue La Loja, a farm house 5km further in Garaibie (I had been walking from L'Hopital St Blaise and couldn't walk anymore...). Jaqueline and Martin are lovely people, they have lovely rooms in a big house, feed you and make you feel at home. All that for a donativo.Just a week before I fly out to Lourdes, @Felipe where did you stay in Mauleon as the only places I could find were in the 40 Euro range which is a bit over budget for me. Also looking at your google maps link for the place to stay in Arudy is it the door where all the people are outside?
@Kevin Cassidy & @NicMen if you have any tips please chip in as I'm getting a bit nervous now for this first leg between Lourdes and SJPP especially as my French is zero.
The Gite in Mauleon was behind the church but it was a Sunday and I would hava had to collect the key from Cafe Europa in the main boulevard in the centre of town. But I decided to continue walking to Ordiarp that day.Just a week before I fly out to Lourdes, @Felipe where did you stay in Mauleon as the only places I could find were in the 40 Euro range which is a bit over budget for me. Also looking at your google maps link for the place to stay in Arudy is it the door where all the people are outside?
@Kevin Cassidy & @NicMen if you have any tips please chip in as I'm getting a bit nervous now for this first leg between Lourdes and SJPP especially as my French is zero.
@NicMen thanks for the information, I can't find anything about the Gite in Mauleon or the Albergue La Loja. I tried emailing Cafe Europa but that came back as undelivered. I've got a busy night tonight sorting out other stuff so I suppose tomorrow morning will be spent using google and it's translate app. Also I haven't a clue what a ebanistery is as google translate just says it's a Galician word with no translation. Thanks again though
The phone number for Mme Jaqueline Althabe from Gite La Loja is 05 59 28 15 16 (plus France country code in front). I have their email address but can't find it at the moment. You can also ger to the main intersection in Ordiarb. There is a bar across the road from the old church attended by a nice Basque girl whose surname is Etcheverria (at leats when I crawled into the place). She speaks English and called Mme Althabe for me. Their add is pinned outside the bar (to the left of the entry door).@NicMen thanks for the information, I can't find anything about the Gite in Mauleon or the Albergue La Loja. I tried emailing Cafe Europa but that came back as undelivered. I've got a busy night tonight sorting out other stuff so I suppose tomorrow morning will be spent using google and it's translate app. Also I haven't a clue what a ebanistery is as google translate just says it's a Galician word with no translation. Thanks again though
NI'd just like to say that I'm in Lourdes at the moment and the nice gentleman at the Jacquaire information centre has been fantastic, looking forward to setting off in the morning now
Don't worry, never saw more than 3 of us along the way to SJPDP. Buen Camino!@Kevin Cassidy, I was just thinking I'd better pop out and get some food for tomorrow but I'm lay on the bed in the gîte listening to the owners daughter playing the piano upstairs, it's really relaxing. As for walking poles I brought some with me so should be good there. Just got to hope my legs and feet hold out now and I'm hoping that where I stay can phone ahead and book me the next night's bed at least to SJPdP
Just a week before I fly out to Lourdes, ]@Felipe where did you stay in Mauleon as the only places I could find were in the 40 Euro range which is a bit over budget for me. Also looking at your google maps link for the place to stay in Arudy is it the door where all
I stayed at Betharron, excellent place room dorm and I stayed for a plentiful breakfast. They serve evening meal but I had eaten early so didn't partake but heard it was excellent.Felipe, did you call ahead for reservations at the gites? If so where did you get the phone numbers?
Thanks
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