You guys realize of course that the complications of starting in SJPdP are entirely self-inflicted. A minority of pilgrims, -mainly from english-speaking countries-, seems to believe that the camino has to start in this obscure village but there is no compelling reason, historical or other-, in doing so. "Starting in France and crossing the border" is a romantic, yet illogic and strange motive, as there is no such border and the few kilometers of walking are no different on either side. This said, the section from SJPdP to Roncesvalles is beautiful (in nice weather), albeit not suitable for untrained, jet-lagged, often overweight, elderly peregrinos, who would be far better off starting in easily reachable, well connected Pamplona, or, -for a REAL experience of "la douce France"-, in Le Puy.