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Norte vs Frances

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David Stockholm

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Norte or Frances in June 2016
Hi all! Me and a friend are doing a short hike (4-5 days) in early June and we are weighing our options between either the first legs of the Norte (probably Irun - Guernika) or the first legs of the Frances (SJPP to Logrono). Which one of these stretches should we choose? Subjective opinions are highly welcome, as are nuanced pro's and con's .
Beauty is far more important than convenience. We are both fairly strong walkers. Many thanks!
David
 
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I have not walked the Norte but I live nearby and I periodically walk from Biarritz to Hendaye, so accept this as an inexpert opinion.
Irun to Guernika will be days and days of many ups and downs as you walk near the Atlantic coast on the Bay of Biscay, sort fjord to fjord and on to the next fjord. (There has to be a Spanish word for this kind of landscape but I don't know it.)
If you do the CF from SJPdP you will be walking in the pristine Pyrenees mountains for a few days and on to Pamplona, it will be less urban but more crowded with pilgrims than the Norte.
 
I've walked both. Completely different experiences, both good. If you are after a soltary walk with beautiful landscape, interesting towns and good food, do the Norte. An experience rather similar to many other lovely places in the world.

If you are after a unique experience, do the CF. As you are considering the first section you will still get the beautiful landscape, but a whole lot of other things as well. It gets my vote.

Do a bit of reading about the history of the Camino before you go. There are traces of the medieval pilgrimage and the Roman road that still remain. Knowing a bit really does enrich the experience.

Btw I do thoroughly agree with your plan to walk the first section, whichever route you choose, and not to try and "hop" through the whole route.
 
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SJPDP to Logrono would most probably need more than 4-5 days for many pilgrims. But if you are really strong walkers and are prepared to do long days you might make it. What do others think?
 
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Maryimelda said:
SJPDP to Logrono would most probably need more than 4-5 days for many pilgrims. But if you are really strong walkers and are prepared to do long days you might make it. What do others think?
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Many thanks Maryimelda and others! I realize that Logrono might be optimistic; but we're flexible regarding where to end our walk, so that won't be a problem.
 
Thanks Kanga, for your nuanced response! Ah, the tough choices we face... Have already done a lot of reading. Research is half the fun!
 
I've walked the Frances and the Norte, then the Primitivo. The Frances will be more crowded , the Norte less so. As far as difficulty, the early stages of the Norte will, IMO be more challenging, especially the stretch through Guernica. The ambiance will be better in the Frances (more people, especially Americans) not as many people on the Norte, hardly any Americans. I did the Frances in October 2011 and there were almost no Americans then. But when I merged from the Primitivo in Arzu in October 2015 it suddenly was a stampede! Seems like the tour operators have been working overtime over the last 4 years. I think the film "The Way" had something to do with it.
 
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Hi David,
I haven't walked the del Norte so I can't comment on it, but here's my thoughts on the Francés:
Even though you say you are strong walkers, I doubt that you'll make it from St Jean to Logroño in 4-5 days. You can easily do Pamplona to Logrono in that time, though, and I'd have to say that the stretch between Pamplona and Logroño (and on to Burgos) was my favorite stretch of the Camino Francés. The terrain is varied, mostly rolling hills and with only one notable hill to climb -- and descend -- at the Alto de Perdón. Overall, I'd call it "pastoral" for lack of a better word. If you have time, you could walk on beyond Logroño to Nájera.
 
You're most probably right about us not being able to get to logrono in 4 days, but good to hear that the walk onwards from pamplona is nice, was a bit unsure about that stretch. Valuable info, mil gracias!
 
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