New hostel between SJDPP and Roncesvalles after Orisson

[Monasp]

Hostel BORDA,
900m of altitude located 900m AFTER the Orisson hut.

Former shepherd's hut and its sheepfold refurbished as a shelter for pilgrims of St Jacques.

The idea is to propose a moment "out of time" to make "a break" to find oneself in a small structure with the charm of the shepherd's huts.

The Borda Inn is energy self-sufficient with a solar photovoltaic system that meets the needs of the site.
Connection to spring water (tested water) in responsible use to limit its impact on the environment. (same system as my neighbor in Orisson)

12 places in dormitory = 3 dormitories of 4 places. that beds on the ground, individualized box, One sanitary by dormitory. living room space with sight on the peak of Orisson.40 euros DP/pers

1 double bedroom with bathroom and private living room: 48 euros DP/pers.

Community meal, possibility of leaving with the lunch snack.
WIFI access, washing machine and dryer available for rent.

More informations by mail

aubergeborda@gmail.com

 

[Robo]

Sounds great. What do the owner's of Orisson Refuge think?

 

[Tincatinker]

Given they're booked out most of the time pretty relieved I would think. Will save them all those arguments about tents in the garden & mattresses on the porch. 14 Beds. Might have an impact on Express Bourricot's mountain shuttle - 1 less bus-load.

 

[Anhalter]

Bit mixed feelings on my side. Seems pricy, just like Orisson, for what you get compared to the way in spain where there is more competition (assuming that its going to be more or less like Orisson). On the other hand, theres not much beds to be had on the route and for people that have trouble making it in a day to Roncesvalles i guess every additional facility is a benefit.
So lets see what it will be like. Anyways i wish them well.

(personally i plan to staying in Orisson just for the morning view the next time around, screw the few extra bucks)

 

[Lexicos]

Best news I’ve heard in a long time about the French Way. An alternative, another option and some choice for the thousands who pass that way.

 

[Kathar1na]

Hostel BORDA, 900m of altitude located 900m AFTER the Orisson hut.

Thank you for this information, @Monasp. I am sure this will be welcome news for numerous pilgrims. I see that the new Auberge Borda is already listed on gronze.com: https://www.gronze.com/francia/pirineos-atlanticos/albergue-borda/auberge-borda.

The Borda Inn is energy self-sufficient with a solar photovoltaic system that meets the needs of the site. Connection to spring water (tested water) in responsible use to limit its impact on the environment.

That's very good to hear.

And although I noticed that the double room with half-pension will be 96 €, I didn't focus on economics ... neither on the micro level (my purse) nor on the macro level (competition) ... . My only thought was ... the more facilities there are, the more the demand increases ...

 

[Monasp]

For 2021 the price at Orisson will be 40€ DP/pers.
For the bedroom it's the same price as Hunto

 

[John R McLean]

Great news. Thank you for your efforts. Best of luck, I wish you much success.

 

[kay lee]

Bit mixed feelings on my side. Seems pricy, just like Orisson, for what you get compared to the way in spain where there is more competition (assuming that its going to be more or less like Orisson). On the other hand, theres not much beds to be had on the route and for people that have trouble making it in a day to Roncesvalles i guess every additional facility is a benefit.
So lets see what it will be like. Anyways i wish them well.

(personally i plan to staying in Orisson just for the morning view the next time around, screw the few extra bucks)

My guess is that the days of inexpensive beds will be gone post-Covid. Fewer beds per room and more privacy mean more money per bed.

 

[caminoresearcher]

My guess is that the days of inexpensive beds will be gone post-Covid. Fewer beds per room and more privacy mean more money per bed.

This will be very sad if this is the case. Pricing certain pilgrims out of the experience will only continue to push the Camino toward more of a “tourigrino” setting.

 

[grayland]

The price is very much in line with Orisson...which has always been much more expensive than the rest of the CF.
However...we will have to see what will happen to the prices on the CF when the disaster is over.

 

[Kathar1na]

Pricing certain pilgrims out of the experience will only continue to push the Camino toward more of a “tourigrino” setting.

Aren't tourigrinos those who like comfort and pay high prices for their meals and their accommodation as well as those who are cheapskates and stay in the cheapest albergues and just want a cheap holiday?

Prices are higher in France than in Spain, full stop. Until 2004, there was no accommodation to be had on the mountain for love or money after Huntto.

In 2021:

• Orisson will cost 40 € per dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast.
• The new place called Borda with cost 40 € per dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast.
• The Roncesvalles albergue will cost 14 € for bed only, or 28.50 € for dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast. Includes disposable bottom sheet and cushion. Sleeping bag required. Many jobs are done by unpaid volunteers and not by paid employees.

The overwhelming majority of pilgrims will not stop to sleep in either Orisson or Borda and will walk the whole way from SJPP to Roncesvalles in one go or take the shuttle bus to the Croix Thibault (price unknown) and walk from there.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

If you insist on climbing a steep mountain on your first day out, you gotta pay a steep price to sleep up there. It's your choice.

 

[Annette london]

This will be very sad if this is the case. Pricing certain pilgrims out of the experience will only continue to push the Camino toward more of a “tourigrino” setting.

Ye it does seem a bit expensive for many who walk the Camino but for some others it will be in line for many parts of Europe

However there has always been an element of some who walk the Camino who have heard that the Camino is "cheap, cheap, cheap" ...as in we can sleep in a bed for 5 euros or indeed for free because for some "donativo" means free!!

For those who cannot afford Hostals etc, the albergues are a lifesaver and the means to do their pilgrimages but for those who can afford the prices, then a hostal is a good way of supporting the local community

On a few occasions, in Spain, France and Italy I have observed that some "pilgrims", dressed in the latest gear and who have gone to the best restaurant have not donated a penny in the box!!!
Perhaps I was wrong to judge at the time but my blood did boil a bit!

 

[Annette london]

Aren't tourigrinos those who like comfort and pay high prices for their meals and their accommodation as well as those who are cheapskates and stay in the cheapest albergues and just want a cheap holiday?

Prices are higher in France than in Spain, full stop. Until 2004, there was no accommodation to be had on the mountain for love or money after Huntto.

In 2021:

• Orisson will cost 40 € per dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast.
• The new place called Borda with cost 40 € per dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast.
• The Roncesvalles albergue will cost 14 € for bed only, or 28.50 € for dormitory bed, dinner and breakfast. Includes disposable bottom sheet and cushion. Sleeping bag required. Many jobs are done by unpaid volunteers and not by paid employees.

The overwhelming majority of pilgrims will not stop to sleep in either Orisson or Borda and will walk the whole way from SJPP to Roncesvalles in one go or take the shuttle bus to the Croix Thibault (price unknown) and walk from there.

Seemed like we were saying much the same thing and at the same time!!

 

[Pelegrin]

Borda is a Basque word means shepherd' s hut.

 

[Walton]

I hope the albergue is able to offer rest room facilities to passing pilgrims.

There doesn't seem to be a public restroom between Orrison and Roncevelles and that is something that is desperately needed in my opinion.

The French side of the path is either fenced in with barbed wire on both sides or is very open with no cover to go in privacy if one has to go.

The Spanish side offers more relief spots for want of a better word, but really there is a business opportunity for someone to place mobile coin operated portaloos on the French part of the route.

Our memory of the trek from Orrison to Roncevelles is mostly that of lovely views, holding on, is there a rest room nearby - no, and holding on, more views and holding on, repeated endlessly until the Spanish side. Oh joy oh joy!

Talking to others as we did later we discovered that this memory is very common with older pilgrims.

 

[grayland]

I don't think that the new Hostel BORDA will be of much help in the bathroom stop problem. It is only about 2 km past Orisson so could not provide much more coverage.

Hostel Borda also advises that it has a spring fed water system and is limited by conservation observation.
I doubt if it could stand up to servicing the bathroom needs of the hundreds of daily pilgrims who pass by each day in the busy season.

 

[grayland]

What is the best estimate of the number of pilgrims who walk over the Route Napoléon (with or without stop) daily during the busy season? I think I once know a number...but am drawing a blank.

 

[AlwynWellington]

restroom

I don't want to rest, not one little bit. I do want a lie down I will look for a hostel.

Do you mean toilet?

From Wilkipedia:
A toilet [n] is a piece of sanitary hardware used for the collection or disposal of human urine and feces. etc, etc, etc.

I am quite sure the Victorian era has long past and we now recognise human waste quite directly.

And if a crap box (a product of Thomas Crapper) can be shown in a stained glass window in the Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (in the chapel on the north side of the chancel) then I think we can now be more direct in our language.

Cheers

 

[Theatregal]

Restroom or Washroom are the common terms in Canada. Or in my part of Canada anyway

 

[JabbaPapa]

... the Camino is "cheap, cheap, cheap" ...as in we can sleep in a bed for 5 euros or indeed for free because for some "donativo" means free!!

Good post -- and of course it should be "free" (i.e. paid for by other people) in a donativo only to those few who are genuinely incapable of paying, but as for free as such -- it's called an inflatable mattress, a sleeping bag, and maybe a tent.

 

[RJM]

I don't want to rest, not one little bit. I do want a lie down I will look for a hostel.

Do you mean toilet?

From Wilkipedia:
A toilet [n] is a piece of sanitary hardware used for the collection or disposal of human urine and feces. etc, etc, etc.

I am quite sure the Victorian era has long past and we now recognise human waste quite directly.

And if a crap box (a product of Thomas Crapper) can be shown in a stained glass window in the Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (in the chapel on the north side of the chancel) then I think we can now be more direct in our language.

Cheers

The term "restroom" is quite common. I have heard it in a few parts of the world. Of course there's also the terms of toilet, loo, outhouse, crapper, sh*thouse, men's room, lady's room, powder room, bathroom, lavatory, latrine, head, potty, washroom, water closet, john, can, commode, privy...to name just a few I am sure.
The term that stands out to me the most is "sh*tter". Because I remember when I was in the military we all took turns in the field burning "sh*tters". To the uninitiated that is a term for a 55 gallon steel drum cut in half and placed under a field toilet hole. When they reach capacity they require diesel or JP fuel poured in them and the contents set ablaze. When finished they are placed back in under the hole. Nasty duty, but has to be done. A humbling experience indeed, but one that keeps one grounded and aware that none of us are above anything.

 

[Marbe2]

Hostel BORDA,
900m of altitude located 900m AFTER the Orisson hut.

Former shepherd's hut and its sheepfold refurbished as a shelter for pilgrims of St Jacques.

The idea is to propose a moment "out of time" to make "a break" to find oneself in a small structure with the charm of the shepherd's huts.

The Borda Inn is energy self-sufficient with a solar photovoltaic system that meets the needs of the site.
Connection to spring water (tested water) in responsible use to limit its impact on the environment. (same system as my neighbor in Orisson)

12 places in dormitory = 3 dormitories of 4 places. that beds on the ground, individualized box, One sanitary by dormitory. living room space with sight on the peak of Orisson.40 euros DP/pers

1 double bedroom with bathroom and private living room: 48 euros DP/pers.

Community meal, possibility of leaving with the lunch snack.
WIFI access, washing machine and dryer available for rent.

More informations by mail

aubergeborda@gmail.com

Thank You! A nice alternative! Can you eventually post pictures.

 

[Marbe2]

The term "restroom" is quite common. I have heard it in a few parts of the world. Of course there's also the terms of toilet, loo, outhouse, crapper, sh*thouse, men's room, lady's room, powder room, bathroom, lavatory, latrine, head, potty, washroom, water closet, john, can, commode, privy...to name just a few I am sure.
The term that stands out to me the most is "sh*tter". Because I remember when I was in the military we all took turns in the field burning "sh*tters". To the uninitiated that is a term for a 55 gallon steel drum cut in half and placed under a field toilet hole. When they reach capacity they require diesel or JP fuel poured in them and the contents set ablaze. When finished they are placed back in under the hole. Nasty duty, but has to be done. A humbling experience indeed, but one that keeps one grounded and aware that none of us are above anything.

Saw this when I watched the movie “platoon”....but I am always amazed at potential tidbits one can pick up on this this forum!

 

[Walton]

I don't want to rest, not one little bit. I do want a lie down I will look for a hostel.

Do you mean toilet?

From Wilkipedia:
A toilet [n] is a piece of sanitary hardware used for the collection or disposal of human urine and feces. etc, etc, etc.

I am quite sure the Victorian era has long past and we now recognise human waste quite directly.

And if a crap box (a product of Thomas Crapper) can be shown in a stained glass window in the Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford (in the chapel on the north side of the chancel) then I think we can now be more direct in our language.

Cheers

I do apologise for my obvious indirect choice of words here earlier.

I think there is still a place in this world where someone writes a missive of a delicate subject such as the one I wrote, that the writer should be very mindful of using words that do not cause unintended offence to others.

This is especially important where the missive is written for an International audience.

I would like to think that your somewhat academical response Alwyn, is meant to be tongue in cheek however, if I were to misinterpret what you wrote, I could now be inclined to refrain from posting my thoughts on this forum in the future.

There is a fine line sometimes between humour and ridicule.

Respectfully

Graham

FYI, where I live restroom signs are quite common.

 

[Kathar1na]

What is the best estimate of the number of pilgrims who walk over the Route Napoléon (with or without stop) daily during the busy season? I think I once know a number...but am drawing a blank.

Several hundred pilgrims a day in May and in September. Daily arrivals in Roncesvalles can be 300 and more.

Can you eventually post pictures

The new Auberge Borda has a Facebook page with a few photos: https://www.facebook.com/Auberge-Borda-100773578406887/ . They will open in April 2021 for the first time. The location is just after Orisson, at a distance of less than 1 km, and on the left. The building is a bit off the road, I’m not certain that one can see it from the road.

Gronze.com shows the location of Auberge Borda on a map and also has their geographic coordinates. According to Gronze, their opening times are 14:30-21:00 so I doubt that they have an interest in providing services to non-guests.

I’ve never seen solitary loos in the mountains in Europe, whether on the Alps or in the Pyrenees. But why not ... a sign of the arrival of mass tourism for me, I’m afraid to say .

 

[RJM]

Saw this when I watched the movie “platoon”....but I am always amazed at potential tidbits one can pick up on this this forum!

That movie did hit the old proverbial nail on the head in regards to doing that unenviable chore, but the director Oliver Stone did a tour in Vietnam.
I just remember green Jerry can full of JP fuel, leather gloves, black smoke and all the combined smells. In the desert of the middle East.

 

[Monasp]

Thank You! A nice alternative! Can you eventually post pictures.

 

[stinmd]

This will be very sad if this is the case. Pricing certain pilgrims out of the experience will only continue to push the Camino toward more of a “tourigrino” setting.

Nonetheless, the Camino still offers one of the least expensive vacations in Europe.

 

[4 Eyes]

I have crossed that mountain twice without stopping. I can imagine the time will come when I will join others who cannot cross over in a day. Borda, because it meets a need, is good news. Thanks for the share.

The concept of turisgrino is so undefined I think either all of us are turisgrinos, or none of us is. I have heard the term used, by local people as well as fellow pilgrims, to refer variously to those who ship packs rather than carry them, to those who frequent cafes on the way, to those who start walking from Sarria, to those who take the train/bus/taxi to skip parts of the route, to those who "party" in the evenings till late hours, to those who use expensive gear, to those who sleep in relatively more pricey accommodations, to those who put on makeup/hair-gel to walk, to those who don't attend mass, to those of the French who demand that all those who serve them must speak French, to Americans generally, etc.

In my experience, the locals seem most bothered by the pack shippers, Sarria starters, and cafe stoppers. They don't seem at all bothered by the ones who sleep in pricey accommodations or use expensive gear.

 

[Lexicos]

Looks terrific to me.
That's where I'll be staying.
No-one should have a monopoly on that route, not on day one and especially not on that first part of the crossing.

 

[grayland]

Orisson has 28 beds. Hostel Borda will add 12. Honto has about 10
that will mean about 50 beds available on Napoleon RoUte.
200 to 300 (estimated) pilgrims per day on route means the vast majority will walk the distance....or do some sort of taxi arrangement.

 

[trecile]

In my experience, the locals seem most bothered by the pack shippers, Sarria starters, and cafe stoppers. They don't seem at all bothered by the ones who sleep in pricey accommodations or use expensive gear.

I don't know why the locals would mind pack shippers and cafe stoppers - both provide jobs to the local economy.

 

[C clearly]

No-one should have a monopoly on that route, not on day one and especially not on that first part of the crossing.

I expect various zoning laws apply, and I hope that the local authorities don't allow lodgings to pop up willy nilly. It is only "day one" for those who choose to make it so, knowing that there are few services in that section.

 

[Tony Bobcat]

Hostel BORDA,
900m of altitude located 900m AFTER the Orisson hut.

Former shepherd's hut and its sheepfold refurbished as a shelter for pilgrims of St Jacques.

The idea is to propose a moment "out of time" to make "a break" to find oneself in a small structure with the charm of the shepherd's huts.

The Borda Inn is energy self-sufficient with a solar photovoltaic system that meets the needs of the site.
Connection to spring water (tested water) in responsible use to limit its impact on the environment. (same system as my neighbor in Orisson)

12 places in dormitory = 3 dormitories of 4 places. that beds on the ground, individualized box, One sanitary by dormitory. living room space with sight on the peak of Orisson.40 euros DP/pers

1 double bedroom with bathroom and private living room: 48 euros DP/pers.

Community meal, possibility of leaving with the lunch snack.
WIFI access, washing machine and dryer available for rent.

More informations by mail

aubergeborda@gmail.com

I always look forward to stopping over night at Orrison, great way to start your Camino.

 

[Lexicos]

Oh please ...... spare me. I’m doing all that I can to withhold my opinion of Orisson. It really is best we keep that door shut. But spare me, please.......

 

[bib]

Lovely news - especially for us 'slowies' who wouldn't even contemplate walking over the Pyrenees in one day! Yay, looks gorgeous, thanks for the photos Monasp, will definitely keep this option in the back of my mind if another Camino calls in the future

 

[Allyson Hughes]

I have done this camino twice and gone all the way to Roncesvailles. I don't book Orisson since you have to book it months in advance and I am not sure when I will be crossing the mountain. If it is pouring, I am not going. If I feel like staying in SJPP a few more days, I can. Last year I did the Le Puy before going on the Frances and had no idea when I would get to SJPP. Yes, it is quite the journey, but I really love the auberge in Roncesvailles. What bothers the most on the camino is those who reserve places before getting there. I have adjusted to it, but some times I want to go to the interesting hostels, but I am not willing to reserve to get them. I really like walking as a pilgrim and stopping and going however I want, so I just deal with it.

 

[Paul J W]

A tough first leg (SJPP to Roncesvalles), yes, the key to which is get out early - 5am at latest. (Mindful of season and weather forecast.)
Road initially easy to follow in dark; cooler temp when climbing; views of dawn breaking are impressive; avoid paying exorbitant overnight charge after only a few km. Plus, of course, ability to walk at a more leisure pace!

 

[AlwynWellington]

I would like to think that your somewhat academical response Alwyn, is meant to be tongue in cheek however, if I were to misinterpret what you wrote, I could now be inclined to refrain from posting my thoughts on this forum in the future.

Yes, tongue in cheek. The point I was making, somewhat forcefully, is that we are a very international community and what some might see as skirting around a topic with delicacies, can make us wonder what is being talked about. From the comments that have come I do not see the need for extremes of crudeness or delicacy in what is a fundamental activity for all of us.

And, yes, there really is an image of a crap(per) box in a window at Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford: it was pointed out to my tour group by our guide. Some four years on my guess it was in the Burne-Jones window.

What I now look for now is the universally recognised wordless images for a toilet: here are two examples:


Quite often I see the first image on the door to all cubicles: in other words gender neutrality.

@Walton, I say to you kia kaha, kia maia, kia mana'wa'nui (be strong, confident and patient) and get going when you can.

 

[Kerry May]

On 1st Sept2018 I stayed with a friend in a small hut on side of the Pyrenees mountains, approximately 700mts down from Orisson. I am wondering if this is the same hut. It had 4 single beds & 3 set of bunks upstairs & a bedroom downstairs

In memory it was called Kayola and the views were stunning. The diverse group of people we spent our first night together we very often met along the whole journey and it was so lovely to catch up with each other. In fact we have kept in contact with 4 of those pilgrims.

 

[Anhalter]

On 1st Sept2018 I stayed with a friend in a small hut on side of the Pyrenees mountains, approximately 700mts down from Orisson. I am wondering if this is the same hut. It had 4 single beds & 3 set of bunks upstairs & a bedroom downstairs

In memory it was called Kayola and the views were stunning. The diverse group of people we spent our first night together we very often met along the whole journey and it was so lovely to catch up with each other. In fact we have kept in contact with 4 of those pilgrims.

The albergue of Kayola is the "sister" of the albergue Orisson. Either they belong to the same person or are under mutual management.
The mentioned NEW albergue is... a NEW one It is after Orisson. So where there have been 2 (3 if you count Huntto), there are now 3 (4)

 

[Kerry May]

The albergue of Kayola is the "sister" of the albergue Orisson. Either they belong to the same person or are under mutual management.
The mentioned NEW albergue is... a NEW one It is after Orisson. So where there have been 2 (3 if you count Huntto), there are now 3 (4)

Thanks, that's great another place to stay. thankyou

 

[malingerer]

The term "restroom" is quite common. I have heard it in a few parts of the world. Of course there's also the terms of toilet, loo, outhouse, crapper, sh*thouse, men's room, lady's room, powder room, bathroom, lavatory, latrine, head, potty, washroom, water closet, john, can, commode, privy...to name just a few I am sure.
The term that stands out to me the most is "sh*tter". Because I remember when I was in the military we all took turns in the field burning "sh*tters". To the uninitiated that is a term for a 55 gallon steel drum cut in half and placed under a field toilet hole. When they reach capacity they require diesel or JP fuel poured in them and the contents set ablaze. When finished they are placed back in under the hole. Nasty duty, but has to be done. A humbling experience indeed, but one that keeps one grounded and aware that none of us are above anything.

In this case I wouldn't like to be below anything either!

samarkand.

likewise ex forces!

 

[Kanga]

In the days before Orisson was built, I used to dream that if I ever won the lottery I would build an albergue half way between SJPDP and Roncesvalles. In my imagination it always had a hot spa, set on a verandah with a magnificent view.... I thought it would be such a wonderful gift to pilgrims after that long climb.

But not to take away from the news. I think it is great that there is another alternative.

 

[Anthony18]

Best news I’ve heard in a long time about the French Way. An alternative, another option and some choice for the thousands who pass that way.

I couldn't agree more.