Paris to SJPDP

[Sigrid KH]

Hello
First of all thank you so much for this great forum, it has already help me a lot.
I am planning my very first Camino this september. Both very excited but also a bit nervous.
My main concern is getting to SJPDP.
I have booked a flight to Paris the 22 september. From here I imagine to travel by train to Bayonne and from here to Cambo Les Bains and then from here finally arrive at SJPDP.
So i wonder if anyone has any experience with this trip or better/easier suggestion.
Also with this train journey I would arrive rather late around 8/9 pm. Would this be a problem, I mean, would the Pilgrims' office still be open at this time and so?

 

[mspath]

Sigrid KH,

Welcome to the Forum!

In Saint-Jean the pilgrim office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle usually stays open for the arrival of the last train/bus. Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. In season the office is open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. They can provide you with a Credential and on site lodging assistance. Their volunteers help run the albergue at 55 rue de la Citadelle. If their albergue is full they will help you find other pilgrim lodgings when you are on site. They keep up to the minute lists of available space throughout the SJPdP area.

However you might also consider stopping for the first night in Bayonne and then continuing early next morning to SJPdP via train and bus. One popular simple place to stay in Bayonne located directly opposite the train station is the Monte Carlo.

Bon voyage and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Ice]

When I was there in May, the train from Bayonne to SJPP was out of commission. I didn't know that since I had bought my tickets in french, which I don't speak - long story but my tickets were cheaper. Anyway, there's a bus running between the two, and I just showed my printout from my tickets, and it wasn't a problem. I'm sure you could also buy bus tickets at the station (especially if you can navigate the process in french). However, the bus was packed with pilgrims so I'd recommend buying in advance. If you ever get even the slightest hint of motion sickness, I would recommend taking something for the bus trip (and double this message if you plan to take the bus from Finnisterre back to Santiago).

Bayonne looked pretty neat, so it wouldn't be bad to stay the night there as well.

 

[whariwharangi]

2100. Paris

2101 This section discusses transportation services in Paris.

Index 2100
2102 Paris Airports
2103 Getting around in Paris
2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport
2105 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz
2106 Charles de Gaulle Airport to TGV Massey
2107 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare Montparnasse
2120 Trains in France
2121 Paris Train Stations
2125 Paris to London by Eurostar
2135 Paris to Barcelona by train
2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2102 Paris Airports

Paris has two major airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is known as Roissy and is located NE of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is located to the South of Paris.

CDG and Orly:
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/

2103 Getting around in Paris

Paris Transit Network
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

Paris RER/Metro route planner - SNCF Transilien
http://www.transilien.com/itineraire/rechercheitineraire/init

Air France Shuttle Bus with service from CDG to Orly airport (#3) and to Gare Montparnasse (#4)
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/...97348c-aerolis_deplianttakeoneBD_Mars2013.pdf

2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport

There are two transit options from CDG Airport to Orly Airport.

a. RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Station Antony. Take Orly Val (name of train) from Station Antony to Orly airport Terminal Sud and Terminal Ouest. Allow 1:30 hours.

b. Air France bus from CDG airport direct to Paris Orly airport. Allow 1:15 hours.

2105 CDG Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Saint Michel Notre Dame RER station. Walk from RER station to Metro. Take Metro line 10 from Cluny la Sorbonne to Gare Austerlitz. Allow 1 hour.

2106 CDG Airport to TGV Massy

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Massy-Palaiseau RER station. The Massy TGV station is located next to the RER station.

2107 CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse.

There are two transit options from CDG airport to Gare Montparnasse:

a. RER Line B (destination B2 Robinson or B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Gare du Nord. Paris Metro Line 4 from Gare du Nord to Metro Station Montparnasse Bienvenue. Allow 1:00 hour. Allow an additional 15 minutes to walk from the Metro station to Gare Montparnasse.

~Note there are 3 points where it is possible to transfer from RER B to Metro line 4. A transfer at St Michel may be preferable as Gare du Nord is a large station and will require orientation time.

b. Air France operates a bus service from CDG direct to Gare Montparnasse. Allow 1:15 hours.

2120 Trains in France

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

SNCF Railway Map
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/sncf-map-large.htm

2121 Paris Train Stations

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2 train station
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frmlw/accueil/

Gare de Massy TGV
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frdju/accueil/

Note in additon to CDG 2 and Massy there are 6 major train stations in Paris:

Paris Gare d'Austerlitz
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpaz/accueil/

Gare Paris Bercy
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpbe/accueil/

Gare Paris Est
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpst/accueil/

Paris Gare de Lyon
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frply/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpmo/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse Map
http://www.railteam.eu/en/files/2011/11/MAP_Paris-Montparnasse_En.pdf

Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpno/accueil/

Map of TGV train network in Paris:
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/images/tgv-map-paris.jpg

2125. Paris to London by Eurostar

Eurostar trains operate between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International Station
http://www.eurostar.com

2135 Paris to Barcelona by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate high speed trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Barcelona Sants.

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2151 This section discusses how to get from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Index 2150
2152 Executive Summary
2153 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP
2154 Train from Paris to SJPdP
2155 Train stations between Paris and Bayonne
2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port
2157 Author's Pick

2152 Executive Summary

There are at least two viable options for getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPdP):

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz and take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

b. Take the train from Paris to Bayonne and transfer to another train from Bayonne to SJPdP. Stations in Paris with trains to Bayonne include: CDG 2, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Massy.

Note: at time of writing the tracks to SJPdP are washed out April 2014. The train carries from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers transfer to an SNCF operated bus. The schedule for TER 62 is changing often so check again just prior to travel.

2153. ~Option 1 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP

a. Fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ). Easy Jet provides service; or,

b. Fly from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) Air France provides service.

The Chronoplus urban bus #14 leaves from the doors of Biarritz Airport and goes to Gare de Bayonne. Allow 40 minutes.

The SNCF TER train #62 travels from Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2154 ~Option 2 - Train from Paris to SJPdP.

TGV trains travel towards Bayonne from three train stations in Paris.

a. There is a TGV station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2.

b. There is a TGV station located at Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse than from CDG 2.

c. The tracks from CDG 2 and Gare Montparnasse converge and TGV trains from both stations stop at Gare Massy.

SNCF TGV trains leave from Paris enroute to Bordeaux or Irun. Often there is a transfer required at Bordeaux. TGV trains from Bordeaux terminate in Irun. TER trains from Bordeaux terminate in Pau or Hendaye. If your train is bound for Pau another transfer is required at Dax. Trains bound for Hendaye or Irun stop in Bayonne.

SNCF Intercites night trains travel from Paris Gare Austerlitz to Hendaye and stop in Bayonne.

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP

You will get limited results if you try to find a schedule for a train from Paris to SJPdP. I'd suggest planning your trip from Paris to Bayonne then Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2155 Train Stations between Paris and Bayonne

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean (Saint Jean is name of main station in Bordeaux)
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/en/frboj/accueil/

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bordeaux-Saint-Jean

Gare de Dax
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/fracg/accueil/

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx

2157 Author's pick

If I were traveling to SJPdP by way of Paris I would:

a. Determine if it was cost effective and time effective to fly from Paris to Biarritz. Time effective means arriving in time to catch a train from Bayonne to SJPdP on the same day.

b. If arriving at CDG and taking the train is the better option ... take the train from CDG 2 if the schedule is viable.

c. If CDG 2 schedule doesn't work ... Take the RER train from CDG to Massy and catch the TGV train originating from Montparnasse ... Massy is easier to access than Montparnasse because there are no transit transfers required.

d. If arriving at Orly ... take the Orly Val to station Antony and RER train to Massy. Tracks from CDG2 and Montparnasse converge before Massy.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Good Lord! That would overwhelm me! lol!

 

[whariwharangi]

Good Lord! That would overwhelm me! lol!

I'm not sure if this is the best way to present the information. I suppose it could be written showing one path ignoring all other options. I'm all ears for ideas on making this simple.

 

[Mark Lee]

When I did my first Camino last year I flew in to Paris (CDG) and took a morning train from the station at CDG airport to SJPDP, with a change of trains in Bourdeaux and Bayonne. I got my tickets that morning, but would recommend booking in advance if possible as I have heard it is cheaper and guarantees you a seat. I have heard that the train is not currently running from Bayonne to SJPDP and you get there via bus or taxi.
Bayonne looked like a nice town. I imagine would be a nice place to spend the night if you want to catch a morning bus to SJPDP. It makes for a long day to go all the way down to SJPDP.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm not sure if this is the best way to present the information. I suppose it could be written showing one path ignoring all other options. I'm all ears for ideas on making this simple.

Well, the information is excellent.
It would just be overwhelming to me.
I'm not sure how you could make it better, honestly.

 

[Icacos]

Welcome to the Forum, Sigrid KH. I agree with Mark Lee that Bayonne is a lovely town; I spent two nights there last year on my way to SJPP. Can't recall if I stayed in the Monte Carlo that Margaret Meredith mentioned, but my hotel was adjacent to the train station (I think there were two, maybe three hotels in the immediate vicinity) and just a five minute walk across the bridge to the older part of town, where there are restaurants alongside the tidal river, interesting alleyways and a great old cathedral. I also found a well-supplied grocery near my hotel so I stocked up on supplies before I headed to SJPP. Buen Camino.

 

[Sushi1]

When I did my first Camino last year I flew in to Paris (CDG) and took a morning train from the station at CDG airport to SJPDP, with a change of trains in Bourdeaux and Bayonne. I got my tickets that morning, but would recommend booking in advance if possible as I have heard it is cheaper and guarantees you a seat. I have heard that the train is not currently running from Bayonne to SJPDP and you get there via bus or taxi.
Bayonne looked like a nice town. I imagine would be a nice place to spend the night if you want to catch a morning bus to SJPDP. It makes for a long day to go all the way down to SJPDP.

Mark, I have tried to find information about the train from Bayonne to SJPDP and haven't found anything about it not running? Does anyone have solid information on this, because I will be heading there next week. Thank you.

 

[mspath]

Mark, I have tried to find information about the train from Bayonne to SJPDP and haven't found anything about it not running? Does anyone have solid information on this, because I will be heading there next week. Thank you.

Sushi,

August 7, 2014 the TER ligne 62 train from Bayonne to SJPdP posted this current 25 August to 23 November 2014 TRAIN/BUS SCHEDULE. Trains will depart Bayonne and connect with a rr provided bus at Cambo le Bains to continue to SJPdP. Total travel time is roughly 1 1/2 hours; cost roughly 10 euros. From 24 November through 14 December only rr provided buses will leave from Bayonne rr station for the complete journey.

Bon voyage,

Margaret Meredith

 

[whariwharangi]

Mark, I have tried to find information about the train from Bayonne to SJPDP and haven't found anything about it not running? Does anyone have solid information on this, because I will be heading there next week. Thank you.

To follow up on Margaret's post, the reason for the train and bus is because the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in April 2014.

The new schedule should have no effect on your travel plans ... SNCF is providing service via train and bus from Gare Bayonne to SJPdP.

 

[Sushi1]

Sushi,

August 7, 2014 the TER ligne 62 train from Bayonne to SJPdP posted this current 25 August to 23 November 2014 TRAIN/BUS SCHEDULE. Trains will depart Bayonne and connect with a rr provided bus at Cambo le Bains to continue to SJPdP. Total travel time is roughly 1 1/2 hours; cost roughly 10 euros. From 24 November through 14 December only rr provided buses will leave from Bayonne rr station for the complete journey.

Bon voyage,

Margaret Meredith

Margaret, thank you again...your Camino knowledge and help has been appreciated by this pilgrim. Troy

 

[Sushi1]

To follow up on Margaret's post, the reason for the train and bus is because the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in April 2014.

The new schedule should have no effect on your travel plans ... SNCF is providing service via train and bus from Gare Bayonne to SJPdP.

Whariwharangi...that's a long one...lol. Thank you for your follow-up posting.

 

[Evergreen]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for all the information you have provided on this forum. I'm a new 61yo (young) solo pilgrim and just now booked my flight from Seattle to Paris arriving in Paris at 1:00PM on April 9. I plan to travel from CDG to Bayonne and stay one night there then on to SJPDP on the 10th.

My question is what train(s) should I take to Bayonne. A hotel suggestion would be appreciated. Nothing too fancy just comfortable near the train station and then where do I catch the bus to SJPDP. I'm open to sharing a taxi as well ;-)

I'm so excited to be making this trip and have been spending hours and hours researching, planning and training. Experiencing pure joy in the process and now that my flight is purchased it officially real!

Thanks again for your help.

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for all the information you have provided on this forum. I'm a new 61yo (young) solo pilgrim and just now booked my flight from Seattle to Paris arriving in Paris at 1:00PM on April 9. I plan to travel from CDG to Bayonne and stay one night there then on to SJPDP on the 10th.

My question is what train(s) should I take to Bayonne. A hotel suggestion would be appreciated. Nothing too fancy just comfortable near the train station and then where do I catch the bus to SJPDP. I'm open to sharing a taxi as well ;-)

I'm so excited to be making this trip and have been spending hours and hours researching, planning and training. Experiencing pure joy in the process and now that my flight is purchased it officially real!

Thanks again for your help.

There are SNCF TGV trains from CDG 2 to Bordeaux with connections to Irun. Some trains are direct CDG 2 to Irun/Hendaye. Gare Bayonne is a stop on this route. You can also catch TGV trains from Gare Montparnasse. Trains from both CDG and Montparnasse make a stop at TGV Gare Massy ... so if you cannot connect to a train from CDG it might be best to take the RER B train to RER Gare Massy ... the TGV station is located next to the RER station.

Another alternative is the SNCF Intercites night train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Irun. It too makes a stop at Gare Bayonne.

Its all dependent on your timings. I'd allow at least an hour after arrival at CDG and at least an hour more to get from CDG to Massy.

You catch the SNCF TER train from Gare Bayonne to Cambo les Bains where you transfer to an SNCF operated bus to SJPdP. This is done on one ticket. (and it is possible tracks are repaired by April in which case the train goes to SJPdP).

Transports64 operates buses from Gare Bayonne to SJPdP. Bus 811 to St Palais and 810 to SJPdP. The SNCF service is more efficient.

See details posted earlier in this thread.

 

[Mark Lee]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for all the information you have provided on this forum. I'm a new 61yo (young) solo pilgrim and just now booked my flight from Seattle to Paris arriving in Paris at 1:00PM on April 9. I plan to travel from CDG to Bayonne and stay one night there then on to SJPDP on the 10th.

My question is what train(s) should I take to Bayonne. A hotel suggestion would be appreciated. Nothing too fancy just comfortable near the train station and then where do I catch the bus to SJPDP. I'm open to sharing a taxi as well ;-)

I'm so excited to be making this trip and have been spending hours and hours researching, planning and training. Experiencing pure joy in the process and now that my flight is purchased it officially real!

Thanks again for your help.

Last year when I walked the Camino I flew in and flew out of Paris CDG and took the train from the station at CDG down to Bayonne and SJPDP. I arrived in Paris late in the day and spent the night at a small hotel about two miles from the airport. The hotel was Hotel F1 Roissy Pn2. I booked it on booking.com. It was inexpensive and there was a free shuttle to it from the airport. The same shuttle took me back to the airport the next morning to catch the train to Bayonne. I booked the hotel for my return trip to Paris as well.

 

[Evergreen]

Oh.... No wonder I feel overwhelmed! Your information is wonderful. I was up well after midnight studying my options. This forum is the only reason I have been able to make my own Camino journey come together. I am so grateful!

 

[Felipe]

I've been a couple of times at Ibis Paris CDG Airport (don't mistake with Ibis Roissy). A budget hotel, with the basic, but everything needed. Reason of preference: I cross a parking lot and I am in CDG. So, I forget about the uncertainties of shuttles and I can sleep half an hour more. And no check out, you just drop your key.
Better fare if you reserve with some anticipation.
Buen camino!

 

[Evergreen]

Thank you so much!

 

[Evergreen]

Thank you Mark!

 

[Mark Lee]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for all the information you have provided on this forum. I'm a new 61yo (young) solo pilgrim and just now booked my flight from Seattle to Paris arriving in Paris at 1:00PM on April 9. I plan to travel from CDG to Bayonne and stay one night there then on to SJPDP on the 10th.

My question is what train(s) should I take to Bayonne. A hotel suggestion would be appreciated. Nothing too fancy just comfortable near the train station and then where do I catch the bus to SJPDP. I'm open to sharing a taxi as well ;-)

I'm so excited to be making this trip and have been spending hours and hours researching, planning and training. Experiencing pure joy in the process and now that my flight is purchased it officially real!

Thanks again for your help.

Also if you are arriving in Paris at CDG at 1:00 pm, I don't believe there are anymore trains that depart from CDG that late. I think the last one departs around 10:00 pm in the morning. You can look up the schedules online as well as make reservations in advance, which are probably cheaper that way.
Another option may be to take a flight down to Bayonne, actually Biarritz. I know one of the smaller airlines makes flights there and is cheaper than the train, I believe. Also when going back to Paris upon completion of the Camino you can fly back via Vueling airlines which flies out of the airport in Santiago.

 

[Evergreen]

Yes, when I looked at all the schedules I decided to stay the night in Paris. I'm still deciding whether or not to take the train or fly to Barritz and stay one night near the Sea. I'm leaning towards the train as I haven't been to that part of France and would love to see the countryside. From there hopefully I may find a bus or a Taxi share to SJPdP. Maybe the train will be running by April. I plan to start my walk on April 12. Hopefully the weather will be similar to Seattle at that time of year. ;-) I will definitely check out Vueling for my trip back to Paris.

Thank you Mark!

 

[Mark Lee]

Yes, when I looked at all the schedules I decided to stay the night in Paris. I'm still deciding whether or not to take the train or fly to Barritz and stay one night near the Sea. I'm leaning towards the train as I haven't been to that part of France and would love to see the countryside. From there hopefully I may find a bus or a Taxi share to SJPdP. Maybe the train will be running by April. I plan to start my walk on April 12. Hopefully the weather will be similar to Seattle at that time of year. ;-) I will definitely check out Vueling for my trip back to Paris.

Thank you Mark!

My train info (schedules, etc) is not concrete, and you definitely got to do some research as your Camino gets closer. It all may change by then. Either way, if you left from Paris after 1:00 pm you would get to Bayonne pretty late in the day.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Currently there are trains from Montparnasse to Bayonne until 1728. The schedule for next April is not out yet. Trains are very rarely full, so an early train reservation probably is not necessary. They can be nonrefundable, so you might want to wait until you get to the station to buy the ticket.

 

[Evergreen]

Currently there are trains from Montparnasse to Bayonne until 1728. The schedule for next April is not out yet. Trains are very rarely full, so an early train reservation probably is not necessary. They can be nonrefundable, so you might want to wait until you get to the station to buy the ticket.

Thanks Falcon, that is exactly what I've decided to do. I will stay the night in Paris near Montparnasse and take the train to Bayonne/Biarritz the next day with one nights stay then on to SJPDP. I'm really happy to know I'm on the right "track" so to speak. I really enjoy the planning of my trip, it's like a giant puzzle with a huge prize awaiting me in Santiago! I would be able to do this without this forum!

Rene

 

[Deleted member 3000]

it's like a giant puzzle with a huge prize awaiting me in Santiago!

To complete that puzzle, be sure to take care of your feet! You can't leave them behind, so pressing on when you should stop and take care of them can make the journey very painful. Feeling rushed is the prime cause of ignoring hot spots. Right behind that is not knowing where your footwear rubs before you leave home. Wear shoes/boots enough to know the tight spots, and do something about it, hopefully months before you head for the trail. Buen camino.

 

[Evergreen]

I have a pair of Asolo boots I bought 10 years ago and wore only twice. I think they may be too heavy but they are leather and waterproof. I also have Keen trail shoes and keen sandals both I purchased used but in great shape and a size larger than the boots. I guess I will decide whether to bring the boots the day before I leave Seattle depending on the weather forecast in the Pyrenees. I have 1000 mile socks as well as tape for my toes. Like you said, I am planning on taking each day as it comes. There will be no rushing to Santiago for me. My Camino is all about the journey itself for me. The people, my surroundings and the memories made along the way.

It's pouring down rain here so I guess it's a good day for a long test walk in the boots!

Thank you Falcon!!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

It's pouring down rain here so I guess it's a good day for a long test walk in the boots!

Walk for a week in the rain! That will give you a reading on the boot fit. Too many pilgrims dabble in footwear fit before leaving. Three hours up the hill toward Roncesvalles, they discover their mistake. That is TOO late to learn!

 

[Evergreen]

Oh, I will have lots of rainy days to practice in my footwear here in Seattle! Also with and without a poncho vs rain jacket. I have to say I feel all the research, planning and asking of questions is for me, all a part of the journey. Making new friends before I even get on the plane is the best part so far. ;-)

 

[joe g texas aggies]

Hi everyone,
Thank you all for all the information you have provided on this forum. I'm a new 61yo (young) solo pilgrim and just now booked my flight from Seattle to Paris arriving in Paris at 1:00PM on April 9. I plan to travel from CDG to Bayonne and stay one night there then on to SJPDP on the 10th.

My question is what train(s) should I take to Bayonne. A hotel suggestion would be appreciated. Nothing too fancy just comfortable near the train station and then where do I catch the bus to SJPDP. I'm open to sharing a taxi as well ;-)

I'm so excited to be making this trip and have been spending hours and hours researching, planning and training. Experiencing pure joy in the process and now that my flight is purchased it officially real!

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Shering. I am flying to CDG arriving about the same day you are next year and meeting my son who is flying to CDG from Tokyo. He will walk part of the Camino with me.
He will arrive later in the day than I will, so I have looked at all the options to get out of Paris without having to spend the night there. Suggest you look at taking an easyJet flight from CDG to Birarritz. It is about the same cost as the train ride. If you want to start a private conversation, I will be happy to share my research with you.
For sure, hope to see you on the Camino.

 

[joe g texas aggies]

Shering. One other item regarding footwear. There is a very good 55 page blog on footwear. Gregdedman made the first post with lots of good advice. Here is the link:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/anyone-need-footwear-foot-advice.17776/

 

[joe g texas aggies]

One other item regarding footwear. There is a very good 55 page blog on footwear. Gregdedman made the first post with lots of good advice

 

[Evergreen]

Hi Shering. I am flying to CDG arriving about the same day you are next year and meeting my son who is flying to CDG from Tokyo. He will walk part of the Camino with me.
He will arrive later in the day than I will, so I have looked at all the options to get out of Paris without having to spend the night there. Suggest you look at taking an easyJet flight from CDG to Birarritz. It is about the same cost as the train ride. If you want to start a private conversation, I will be happy to share my research with you.
For sure, hope to see you on the Camino.

Hi Joe, how do I contact you? Always interested in more research! I decided to stay one night in Paris near Montparnasse and take the train to Biarritz and on to SJPDP the next day (4/10) spend the night there and start my journey on 4/11. I'm sure we will cross paths. I wish my son could come with me. This will be a great experience for you both!