Napoleon Route in October

[Goatfarm]

I am planning to leave SJPdP between October 10 to 15 this fall. I realize that weather is unpredictable, but what is the likelihood that the Napoleon Route and Refuge Orisson will be open. I much prefer climbing the Pyrenees than taking the Valcarlos route.

 

[C clearly]

There is a good likelihood that it will be open. I've crossed 2 out of 2 times that I've been there in October.

 

[Kathar1na]

what is the likelihood that the Napoleon Route and Refuge Orisson will be open

Looking at Refuge Orisson's revamped booking webpage, it appears that they are open and accept bookings until October 31, 2023. This will not tell you anything about the conditions of the trail, of course. If it is too bad (I would not expect it, though), they will transport overnight guests to Valcarlos - at least that used to be their policy throughout the years.

See:
https://book.octorate.com/octobook/site/reservation/calendar.xhtml?codice=457597&lang=EN&room=540418

 

[André Walker]

Taking the Napoleon route? I'd think twice: look at how Napoleon ended.

 

[Lexicos]

I did the Napoleon route at that time last year. Orisson was open but I didn’t stay. Stopped there for a coffee. It rained all day and it was quite cold. It was foggy too. Not an easy walk but doable. If you want to stop though, try BORDA. I hear that’s quite good, though I’ve not stayed there.

 

[LTfit]

One never knows but I had a wonderful day crossing October 2018, in fact we had much better weather (blue clear sky) than the first time I went mid July when I could barely see in front of me due to the heavy mist.

 

[Richmond Gardner]

FYI, Orisson closed on Oct 15 last year, which was the day I went from SJPP to Roncevalles. So, last night was the 14th. I am not sure if that indicates anything about this year, although as the very knowledgeable @Katar1na says- they are taking reservations through the end of the month.

 

[lt56ny]

Check with the pilgrim office the day before and the day you walk. If it is raining or stormy looking in St. Jean you can take it to the bank conditions will be much worse up on the mountain. I would say that if the office says anything except there will be blue skies all day I would think twice about the Napolean.

 

[Rex]

In early October, 2013, starting my first Camino, the Pilgrim Office in SJPDP (where it was cloudy but dry), suggested that it was going to be foggy with light drizzle up on the Napoleon route. Before Orison, it started to rain, gently, and continued for a couple of hours. Then the fog rolled in and one had to watch the road closely. Eventually, the fog lifted a bit and then it started to rain very hard. The trail over the very top was 6-8" of muddy muck and the trail (not the road) down the mountain was very slick (mud and wet leaves). Made it safely to Roncevalles, but like weather everywhere, take forecasts with a grain of salt and be prepared for the worst. If in doubt, wait a day, or head up the Valcarlos route.
The only other rainy days during October that year were three days of pouring rain on the meseta and the last day into Santiago. It was a "grand trek" that set the tone for all the wonderful trips that have followed.
Buen Camino.

 

[Goatfarm]

Thanks everyone. I have flexibility to move the start date to early October which I will do. I hadn't heard of "Borda Refuge", and it looks quite nice and smaller than Orisson on the internet. Bob

 

[WalkinRon]

Check with the pilgrim office the day before and the day you walk. If it is raining or stormy looking in St. Jean you can take it to the bank conditions will be much worse up on the mountain.

I agree with @lt56ny. I also agree with @C clearly that it is likely that the Napoleon Route will be open. However, it's important to check with the pilgrims office because they may advise against taking the Napoleon Route--even if open--beyond Orrison and Borda due to rain, wind, and/or low visibility.

I walked from SJPP on the 28th of September 2022. I really recommend spending a night at Borda! Their accommodations, services, and communal dinner were among the best I experienced on the Camino Frances. The only drawback of Borda is that it's usually booked up in advance and you need to reserve as early as possible. (I made my reservation in April for my September stay.)

I wish you clear, sunny weather but just be prepared in case the pilgrims office advises otherwise. It may be possible to walk to Borda to spend the night but if the weather is not good the next morning you can always arrange for a taxi to take you back down and around to Roncesvalles.

Buen Camino!