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Planning for CF, starting June 4

VMalone

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
2017 Camino Frances
Hello
I'm planning my first camino. I aim to start on June 4 and complete Camino Frances and on to Finnisterre and Muxia by July 10. I'm 62 years old and am/will be reasonably fit by start date.
I have some questions for which perhaps I can obtain answers please.
1. Is language/communication an issue? My O and A-level French and Spanish are in the distant past.
2. I'm due to arrive in Biarritz at 9am on June 4. Is there much to be gained by trying to get beyond SJPP by the end of day 1? The earliest train post my arrival from Bayonne to SJJJ seems to be 14.55.
3. Considering the dates of my arrival and departure, apart from SJPP, is there much need to book accommodation before arriving? I intend to use a combination of municipal and other/private albergues (depending on my mood/physical state!!)
4. In reading up, I seem to come across quite a lot of albergues with 'bed bugs'! Is this overstated?

Thank you very much for any responses/help given.
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Hi VMalone - I'll be starting a couple weeks after you - I'm so excited! I'm looking forward to your language question being answered - not sure how much I need to brush up on my Spanish.
 
1. No. About half of pilgrims are non-Spanish. Having said that, learning some basic and useful phrases is always useful and will be well appreciated
2. Store your backpack in the "consigne" of Bayonne train station. You will have time enough for a pleasant stroll in old Bayonne, enjoy Basque gastronomy and catch your train to SJPP (the station is just 15 minutes from the cathedral)
3. June is already top season. I'd reserve my three first stages and then consider the situation. Reserving all your stages beforehand could seriously restrict your choices.
4. No personal experience, but If you have already decided to go to the Camino in summer, it will be with bedbugs as it will be. You can find in this forum many advices about how (more or less) avoid this nuisance. You see, nothing is free in this world. Sunny skies and nice weather come sometimes with a price.
You will do well -the generation of 1954/1955 was one of the best of last century and is incredibly resourceful!
 
Camino Preparation Guide
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
2024 edition: The Brierley Camino Frances Guide
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
My advise would be get to SJPdP. day 1 . Consider sharing a Taxi from A
Hi V. At 62 you just miss out on the younger group!!!. If you can manage a Hola, Adios, Por favor and Gracias you 'll be fine. Your tread is in Cycling forum so I think its best to boo particuarly Hotels /Pensions. if theres a problem you can always cancel. Don't pay in advance. I have stayed in Bayonne first not great accomodation and pricey. Next time got the connection direct to SJPdP. and enjoyed the athmosphere. Cycling from Airport is also a nice option.
You might pick up one or two tips from my YouTube Sorry thats another essential spanish phrase "Buen Camino" it's one you won't forget.
 
Folk,
Thank you to each and everyone for your responses. Looking forward to it.
As you say Felipe, 'it will be as it will be'
'Buen Camino' to all
 
I will probably cross paths with you as I will be starting around June 4. I land in Paris on June 2 (from USA). Then will take train to Bayonne and stay overnight, heading to SJPDP on June 3. Maybe stay the night there and hike to Orrison on the 4th. I plan to reserve a bed at Orisson for the 4th. Just want to take my time. Looking forward to meeting you!
 
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Hi Jen,

I am a first-timer and will be doing a similar trip to yours--arriving in Paris on May 21, taking a train to Bayonne and staying overnight and then heading to SJPDP on May 22. (I've also reserved a bed at Orisson for the 23rd). I, too, want to take my time. I'm really nervous about this trip so thought I didn't want to have to rush anywhere!

Anyway, I was wondering about the train from Paris to Bayonne. I read somewhere, but I can't find it anymore, that it's best to go to the French version of the website voyages-sncf because the prices are better in French than in English. Do you or does anyone know if this is correct? and is that the correct website?

I also read somewhere it's cheaper to book train ticket in advance. Again, is this correct information?

Thank you and to anyone who can help.

Renee
 

I too, am planning my first Camino. We may cross paths along the Way. I will arrive in Pamplona on the 5th and will begin walking from there to Santiago on the 6th. I plan to arrive in Santiago by the 10th as well. Buen Camino.
 
Liz Karr said:
I too, am planning my first Camino. We may cross paths along the Way. I will arrive in Pamplona on the 5th and will begin walking from there to Santiago on the 6th. I plan to arrive in Santiago by the 10th as well. Buen Camino.
Click to expand...
I will be arriving in Paris on June 2,then on to Bayonne. Bayonne to SJPDP on June 3. I begin the C.F. on June 4 staying at Orisson that night. Our paths will definitely cross.
Feeling anxious and excited at the same time! Buen Camino!
 
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