Planning questions - Comparisons. Need some expert help!

[Bob from L.A. !]

I am just starting my planning for my next Camino in July 2018. I have 3 Frances' behind me and want to venture onto somewhere new, especially because Frances is always so crowded.
My thoughts are to do the Norte coastal route. My questions are about the comparisons between Norte and Frances. I know they are about the same distance to Santiago and by reading here in the past I know the Norte route can also be crowded during these summer months as well.

First question: How do the 2 routes compare to one another in terms of terrain, distance(s) and hills?
Second question; How different or similar are they in overall costs using hostels and hotels once a week or so?
Third question: I know the Frances is well marked. How well marked is the Norte?
Fourth question: I know Frances is well dotted with alburges and hostels along the way. How frequent are they along the Norte?

Any help and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Bob in L.A.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Since you have sime time to plan, I would refer you to the Eroski and Gronze sites that show albergues, distances, elevations. Also have a look at recent threads in the Norte subforum as this question is being asked about once a week lately because, as you've said, the Frances is getting to be a bit of a conga line.

 

[Kitsambler]

I ...want to venture onto somewhere new...

Have you thought about walking the route from Le Puy in France? It meets all your stated requirements.

 

[notion900]

The main difference I noticed was that pilgrims are not the focus of attention on a lot of the coastal sections of the North way. Tourists are. That's not a problem, but if does give a very different feel to it. I heard pilgrims describe it as 'not very camino-like'. I was lured into a lot of swimming and some bus-catching. It's also somehow more painfully horrid when it rains on the coast. Shades of bad seaside hols.

 

[Ahhhs]

Most of the things you have heard or read are true. The Norte is less well traveled by Pilgrims so you can often be alone. You rarely hear "buen Camino" like you do on the Frances. The Norte infrastructure is much less developed than the Frances so there are far fewer places to rest or refuel and longer distances between them. It is hilly and there is also much road walking. Waymarking is mostly good but there are a few exceptions. But that said, there are really spectacular coastline views. And stunning descents into picturesque seaside villages. It all depends on what you're looking for.

 

[Kieran Kenneally]

I found the Norte to be far quieter in late August than the Frances. The first week was quiet hilly also, which made going over the Pyrenees seem a doddle in comparison,especially the section called 'Calvary' very aptly named in my opinion.It flattens out after Bilbao. Very different but enjoyable