Need to get Pilgrim Passport stamp at SJPP before I start Camino?

[SafariGirl]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean and wondered if I needed to get my Pilgrim Passport (which I already have) stamped there before I set off? I won't be spending the night there but coming in early from Bayonne.

 

[wayfarer]

Not necessarily, but it is always nice to get your first stamp where you start and if you get it at the pilgrims office you will be added to this years statistics.
Buen Camino.

 

[Phillypilgrim]

I don't believe you will "need" to, but you surely will want to.

 

[Tincatinker]

Convention has it that the Pilgrim obtains a sello from the point at which they start their Camino. The Pilgrim Office in St Jean will oblige.

 

[Mark Lee]

They will stamp it for you in the tourist office as well.

 

[mspath]

Convention has it that the Pilgrim obtains a sello from the point at which they start their Camino. The Pilgrim Office in St Jean will oblige.

The Pilgrim Office in SJPdP is located on the camino at 55 rue de La Citadelle. The office is open every day and in season from early in the morning until late at night ie after the arrival of the last bus/train. The helpful volunteers can provide you with a Credential, stamp, list of albergues as well as current weather and trail conditions. It is a great spot to meet and greet other pilgrims.

 

[SafariGirl]

Thank you all for your helpful & informative replies. Yes, having a stamp to mark the start of my journey will be something that I will value and the opportunity to meet fellow pilgrims also starting their journey is an appealing reason to visit the Pilgrims' office in itself.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean and wondered if I needed to get my Pilgrim Passport (which I already have) stamped there before I set off? I won't be spending the night there but coming in early from Bayonne.

Hi, you don't need a stamp from the pilgrim office but it will be nice to have your first stamp in Sjpdp.
I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

 

[SafariGirl]

Hi, you don't need a stamp from the pilgrim office but it will be nice to have your first stamp in Sjpdp.
I wish you well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

Thank you Peter. I agree...and will be hot-footing it to the Pilgrim's Office...before I discover what 'hot-footing' really feels like!

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi,
I am starting my Camino in St Jean and wondered if I needed to get my Pilgrim Passport (which I already have) stamped there before I set off? I won't be spending the night there but coming in early from Bayonne.

You only need 'sellos' for the last 100 km and that only to get a compostela. The rest are merely 'necessary' mementos of your trip.

There are a couple of albergues that insist you will have walked a certain distance that day before you 'qualify' as a guest there and sellos are looked at for proof. Granon Parish being one.

 

[scruffy1]

You do not "have" to do anything but you should not turn down any positive experience on the Camino. Visiting the Pilgrims Office in SJPP is a wonderful experience and should not be missed, the warm welcome, the kind words, the encouragement will not be found in the tourist info office. Don't just stamp and run enjoy yourself!.

 

[camino-david]

You will need your credential to stay at many albergues, starting at Roncevalles, and at any donativo, municipal, parish, and at any Xunta albergues, the later being in Galacia. Besides, it is a great memento of your camino.

 

[SafariGirl]

You will need your credential to stay at many albergues, starting at Roncevalles, and at any donativo, municipal, parish, and at any Xunta albergues, the later being in Galacia. Besides, it is a great memento of your camino.

Thanks David, that was my understanding of the albergues.