Route Napoleon France/Spain border - Farmer's van selling hot drinks

[jonarv]

Last year we had heard rumours of the marvellous man with his van selling hot coffee just before the border on the napoleon route (about 8km after Orisson, according to another thread). And he *was* there - a godsend on a cold morning selling hot chocolate, coffee, hard boiled eggs and delicious cheese among other things.

We will be walking this section on a Sunday this year. Does anyone know if he is there every day? I'd hate to promise ourselves some hot sustenance then find out he takes Sundays off!

 

[Jo Jo]

We saw him the first time we walked. But the second time (Sunday in mid-September 2016) we saw him driving down the road before we got to him (there was only egg shells by the side of the road to mark the spot). And we had foregone lunch at Orisson because we thought he had better food. A very hungry day before reaching Roncevalles.

The first time was in a driving rain (July 2014), the second time was much clearer (for the Pyrenees), so I don't think it was the weather. Definitely we started later (leaving SJPP at 9am after train ride from the coast vs. leaving Orisson about 8am). So maybe he sold everything and packed up. Or maybe it was just that he had something to do that day. Or maybe just bad luck.

We survived. Barely.

Buen Caminio,
Jo Jo

 

[C clearly]

I've passed by twice in October and he has not been there.

 

[Irishgal]

We got food at this van, it was an early Friday morning, we had left Orrisson around 6am to beat afternoon heat. It was a very welcome sight and its a long hard walk that day, hopefully he will be there for you

 

[Al the optimist]

I saw him in mid May 2014. I seem to remember a past thread about this. As I recall someone said he was only there late spring/summer/early autumn but I really can't remember.
A nice border photo shoot?

 

[Felipe]

He was there in early October. He offers "the last French stamp in the Camino".
A note to us, the little group of stingy walkers: If you plan to buy food or drinks there, be prepared to pay noticeably more than in SJPP. (Just a "budget fact", this is not a complaint).

 

[BShea]

He was there Sunday, 5 June 2016. I think I was his last customer that day. I was surprised because if I remember correctly I arrived before noon. I think he leaves when he runs out of food. At the time, I thought maybe he was going to restock, but now I don't think that was the case. I think he's only there in the mornings when the bulk of pelerins/pelegrinos pass by.

 

[JabbaPapa]

I'm intrigued -- are there any photos ?

 

[Susan Peacock]

He was there in September 5, 2015 (a Saturday), but not Thursday, April 14, 2016. Maybe he is only there during the busier part of the year. I would say you need to go prepared and be pleasantly surprised if he is there.

 

[Mark McCarthy]

It is run by Jean Michel Egozcue. He told me that he is there most days April through October. His mobile number is + 33 6 31 37 87 49 88. His land line number is + 33 5 39 37 21 73.

 

[JabbaPapa]

It is run by Jean Michel Egozcue. He told me that he is there most days April through October. His mobile number is + 33 6 31 37 87 49 88. His land line number is + 33 5 39 37 21 73.

Is this him ? http://www.producteurs-fermiers-pays-basque.fr/fr/producteur/kristobal/

 

[Irishgal]

I'm intrigued -- are there any photos ?

 

[JabbaPapa]

thanks