Refuse Orisson Closing?

[Julia Mumford]

I’m leaving St Jean on 20th October and I’m hoping to stay at the Orisson on my first night. (I’ve stayed before and loved it).

My problem is that they don’t respond to my emails, and I don’t speak French. Websites, guides and apps say that they are open from April to Oct. but is that the beginning of October or the end?

Any help appreciated.

 

[SYates]

Typically they close mid-October BUT with pilgrim numbers still being high, they might close later (also depending on the weather). Alternatively you can always walk the Valcarlos route if you arrive in SJPdP and Orisson is already closed. Buen camino, SY

 

[Walton]

Orrison took about three weeks to reply to my email booking two beds
That was last year though.
Maybe you will receive word from them in due course.

 

[Former member 62607]

I’m leaving St Jean on 20th October and I’m hoping to stay at the Orisson on my first night. (I’ve stayed before and loved it).

My problem is that they don’t respond to my emails, and I don’t speak French. Websites, guides and apps say that they are open from April to Oct. but is that the beginning of October or the end?

Any help appreciated.

We stayed there last year and I'm pretty sure they were closing about 14/15th oct, about three days after we stayed. They responded to my e mail within 24 hours of asking about booking, their English was excellent. There was an albergue open I think a shortish distance BEFORE orison but I'm afraid I can't remember what it was called but it might be an alternative and be at least part way up the Pyrenees.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

I’m leaving St Jean on 20th October and I’m hoping to stay at the Orisson on my first night. (I’ve stayed before and loved it).

My problem is that they don’t respond to my emails, and I don’t speak French. Websites, guides and apps say that they are open from April to Oct. but is that the beginning of October or the end?

Any help appreciated.

Hi Julia,

When you arrive at SJPdP and visit the Pilgrims' Office, I do expect they will know if Orisson is open or not. Then you will know. Contact from Orisson direct is a waiting game. But as you have been there before, you know all that work there are Angels, living in Heaven.

Also, "evansci," mentioned an albergue before Orisson. That would be Huunto, about 4 or 5 km out of SJPdP. Depending on the time leaving there, that would leave about 24 km, most of the climb up and all of the climb down to Roncesvalles next day.

There is another, maybe less agreeable possibility. I hesitate as I really do not wish to have hellfire rain down on me, but a taxi can be hired to take you up to the Cross at the Road. This is where the path leaves the road and climbs into the the mountain trails. From that point, it is 10 km to Roncesvalles.

The weather in the Pyrenees can be unpredictable in October, but if you are going up there to see Les Cheveaux / Caballos, and the way is clear, I would go too.

Enjoy, but be safe.

 

[Edward Reardon]

I have a confirmed booking for October 13. I found their replies to my emails in my spam folder, might be worth checking that.

 

[Julia Mumford]

Thank you for your replies. I’ll wait and see if I get a response to my email and will keep an eye on my junk folder.

I never thought about asking at the Pilgrims office (I wasn’t going to go there as I already have my pilgrims passport), but that’s a great idea.

If it’s closed, I’ll simply carry on until Roncesvalles. I just didn’t want to miss the Pilgrim Mass (which I probably will as my train does not get into St Jean until later in the day). My alternative is to stay overnight at St Jean and leave early the next day.

Good for thought. Thank you as always.

 

[domigee]

I never thought about asking at the Pilgrims office (I wasn’t going to go there as I already have my pilgrims passport), but that’s a great idea.
.

I think it is always a good idea to pass through the Pilgrim's office, they'll have the latest information on the weather and can inform accordingly.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I never thought about asking at the Pilgrims office (I wasn’t going to go there as I already have my pilgrims passport), but that’s a great idea.

Instead of asking at the Pilgrims office when you get there email the Pilgrims office now and explain the unanswered email. Not only might they be able to answer the closure question they might be able to get your query to the right people.

 

[Julia Mumford]

Instead of asking at the Pilgrims office when you get there email the Pilgrims office now and explain the unanswered email. Not only might they be able to answer the closure question they might be able to get your query to the right people.

Good thinking! I’ll do that right now!

 

[trecile]

Thank you for your replies. I’ll wait and see if I get a response to my email and will keep an eye on my junk folder.

I never thought about asking at the Pilgrims office (I wasn’t going to go there as I already have my pilgrims passport), but that’s a great idea.

If it’s closed, I’ll simply carry on until Roncesvalles. I just didn’t want to miss the Pilgrim Mass (which I probably will as my train does not get into St Jean until later in the day). My alternative is to stay overnight at St Jean and leave early the next day.

Good for thought. Thank you as always.

I wouldn't set out for Roncesvalles later in the day, especially later in the year! If you don't have a confirmed reservation at Orisson spend the in St Jean.

 

[Julia Mumford]

I wouldn't set out for Roncesvalles later in the day, especially later in the year! If you don't have a confirmed reservation at Orisson spend the in St Jean.

I think that is what I will do. I will stay at St Jean and start out early the next day.

 

[Julia Mumford]

Good news! The Orisson is now staying open so they have booked me a bed on 20th October. Result!!

 

[domigee]

Good news! The Orisson is now staying open so they have booked me a bed on 20th October. Result!!

Glad it's all working out