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Have you booked into Orisson to break up the walk over the Pyrenees? Or will you walk the Valcarlos route and spend the night in Valcarlos? Or the other option is to walk part way and taxi or take Express Bouricott's Mountain Shuttle back to St Jean, then return to where you left off the next day.Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
There is a place I have stayed at twice in SJPdP....it is an old house on the river a very short walk from the village. Gorgeous. The host, Jean Francois is exceptional. It is called Maison DonaMaria. You can tell him I recommended it to you. He will remember me. He serves an awesome breakfast and is a fountain of information.Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
thanks so much!I have booked Posada El Camino in Lintzoain. I booked a bed in a shared room but they mostly do private rooms. Not sure about anywhere else as I'll mostly be staying in albergues.
Molly
great suggestions, I really appreciate them!There is a place I have stayed at twice in SJPdP....it is an old house on the river a very short walk from the village. Gorgeous. The host, Jean Francois is exceptional. It is called Maison DonaMaria. You can tell him I recommended it to you. He will remember me. He serves an awesome breakfast and is a fountain of information.
Between Roncevalles and Pamplona is another place.....this is where Martin Sheen met the Canadian woman in the movie “The Way”....it is called Akerretta.....it is an awesome little hotel. The gentleman who runs it makes an incredible dinner for you too. I would highly recommend them both and I will stay there again in the future.
Thanks for the comment about seniors and its great to know that we active folks in those decades are well represented here.We should also address the “senior” pilgrim description.
Many of the members here in the forum are in their 70s (and 80s) and walk Caminos on a regular basis. Your level of fitness and preparation is the main factor..not a chronological age.
Welcome to the forum.
thanks, really appreciate the recommendation.On my first night in SJPdP, I stayed in a little hotel, Hôtel Itzalpea. Not terribly fancy but affordable with friendly staff and a very nice breakfast. Right in the center of town, very close to the pilgrims office and exit to the way. Plan to stay there again when I return at the end of April for a couple of nights.
BTW: I, too, am a senior. LOL
thanks so much- great suggestions - much appreciatedI can't give you any hotel tips as I am an albergue kind of guy. I will be 66 next month so I guess I am pretty senior. I will tell you to definitely train, and then to start to train with your pack on. When you start you will probably have aches and pains you never had before. Wear running shoes (my personal opinion) as boots are heavier and I think (just from observation) cause more blisters. Wear your running shoes in training and get a size larger. Your feet will expand. I live in a very hot climate and can't walk long distances. But I have learned how to walk myself into shape. It is pretty easy to do especially when you start. Listen to your body and stop when your body tells you to stop, and rest for 10 minutes at least. Eat high energy snacks and stop when you need to eat. Set no goals on when you will stop just listen to your body. If you have flexibility and the financial means, maybe you should consider when you finish your camino and go home until after you start. After you walk a week or so you will start to find your rhythm and the aches will go away and you will be amazed to find out how strong and good you will begin to feel. You may want to keep going. If you plan on walking 17 to 20K a day you will have no problems stopping when you are tired. Remember to stop for the day when you still feel pretty good. You may think I feel pretty good I can go another 3-5K. You never know what may lay ahead and you will be shocked how quickly fatigue can set in. So my last advice to you would be to stop a kilometer or two early rather than go 3 or 4k too far. Buen Camino.
great advice, we are evaluating the climb - luckily we have several months to increase our uphill mileage.. your ideas and suggestions are great- thanks!The first stage from Saint Jean is up over the Pyrenees mountains and is a 1200 meter climb over the first 24 kilometers to Roncesvalles. Just to put that in perspective, If a modern building is 4 meters per story, then that is like climbing the stairwell of a 300 story building. With an 18 pound pack.
I was 63 when I did my slow camino, and because it was February and because of the very difficult first day, I took the bus from Pamplona and started in Roncesvalles at the top of the Pyrenees to avoid the first day brutal climb. I would suggest you consider starting from Pamplona or Roncesvales.
Then again, if you are in excellent condition there are many seniors who do it. Look at the elevation map before you decide is all I am saying, not to discourage you.
If you decide to leave from Pamplona, stay at Hotel Eslava (inside the walls of the old city off Plaza Virgin - I walked there from train station) )for 38 Euros private room not far from Camino route very nice "old world" Hotel. Have breakfasts at Cafe Iruna which was Hemingway's favorite - also very Victorian and old world.
The first leg of the Camino is not at all representative of most of it - it is some of the most difficult of the entire route. Not really a great place for a "test run".
thanks, this is very encouraging. We are planning a rest day from international travel in SJPP and then a 2-day walk over the mountain (with transport back to SJPP and then back up to Orisson the next am) -- we are inspired to do this- thanks!@Maxsmom....keep in mind that many thousands of pilgrims from all over the world...and of all ages and fitness levels..make the walk from St. Jean every year. Many stop at Orisson or ValCarlos to break the walk into two parts. However, most walk to Roncesvalles in one day. Orisson has a very limited number of beds available and there are many more walkers every day than there are beds.
Much is written about the "hardship"....but it is very doable by folks have have done some preparation.
The myths and horror stories are greatly over done.
I have done both routes serveral times and IN MY OPINION they are about equal in difficulty despite the "stories". The real difficulty is that it is the first day and is a long uphill walk. People are full of doubt and worry that adds to the hard day.
However...the sense of accomplishment upon reaching Roncesvalles is life changing for most people. You will know that you can continue on the rest of the adventure.
There is "Hotel des Pyrenees" which has a great location, but is way too expensive for me. It is a real four star hotel and restaurant. Rooms can be booked with booking.com.Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
El Jardin de Muruzubal has both albergue (dormitory) beds and pension rooms. It is just before Puente la Reina and is a wonderful oasis - big beautiful yard/garden, very clean accommodations, pool, fantastic dinner and Alicia and Carlos are wonderful hosts. You can reserve ahead on booking.com or just call them. Alicia speaks English very well. I highly recommend it.Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
HiHola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
thanks for recommendation, alas its booked. Was surprised to see so much is booked already- so Im starting to reserve using booking.com.El Jardin de Muruzubal has both albergue (dormitory) beds and pension rooms. It is just before Puente la Reina and is a wonderful oasis - big beautiful yard/garden, very clean accommodations, pool, fantastic dinner and Alicia and Carlos are wonderful hosts. You can reserve ahead on booking.com or just call them. Alicia speaks English very well. I highly recommend it.
thanks! We are planning to break up the trek to Roncevalles. great tip about starting on a Mon or Tues- we're excited!Hi
I started to walk caminos when I was 60 and when I stayed in SJPP I used albergues and they were fine and they help to get you in the right spirit. I’ve done this route several times and when I leave sjpp I always stop at Orisson which breaks up the mountain journey.Also it’s safer than trying to do it in one day to Ronsevalles. When you get to Roncevalles then there are hotels etc to stay in. However there is a fabulous newish alberque which has great showers and the beds are set in pods of 4 so it can be quite private if you are with friends. You won’t have problems in getting nice accommodation in the other places. But if you can start your walk say on a Monday or Tuesday and try to avoid major holiday time
Gave a great time and enjoy the experience
I’m doing the Camino Del Salvador which will be different
Regards. Mike
First Camino I did and now I’ve done them all except C Del Salvador and I’m excited. Have funthanks! We are planning to break up the trek to Roncevalles. great tip about starting on a Mon or Tues- we're excited!
Just because a place is unavailable on booking.com doesn't mean that it's already fully booked. It just means that the rooms that have been made available to Booking.com are reserved. I have been able to reserve places that aren't available on booking sites by calling or emailing them direct.thanks for recommendation, alas its booked. Was surprised to see so much is booked already- so Im starting to reserve using booking.com.
How for is the SJPdP place from the Pilgrim's Office? Can you stay there for more than one night? Was planning on staying at Beilari for two nights but would like to try your place if it's close the the PO. Thank you. Will look for Akerretta. Thank you for that.There is a place I have stayed at twice in SJPdP....it is an old house on the river a very short walk from the village. Gorgeous. The host, Jean Francois is exceptional. It is called Maison DonaMaria. You can tell him I recommended it to you. He will remember me. He serves an awesome breakfast and is a fountain of information.
Between Roncevalles and Pamplona is another place.....this is where Martin Sheen met the Canadian woman in the movie “The Way”....it is called Akerretta.....it is an awesome little hotel. The gentleman who runs it makes an incredible dinner for you too. I would highly recommend them both and I will stay there again in the future.
Google Maps shows that Maison Donamaria is 650 meters from the Pilgrims OfficeHow for is the SJPdP place from the Pilgrim's Office? Can you stay there for more than one night? Was planning on staying at Beilari for two nights but would like to try your place if it's close the the PO. Thank you. Will look for Akerretta. Thank you for that.
Thank you.Google Maps shows that Maison Donamaria is 650 meters from the Pilgrims Office
View attachment 69795
Probably a 10-15 minute walk. Just down the hill, passed the church, turn left. Five minutes along the river, (passed one bridge) then you come to a second bridge....cross it and the house sits right on the river.How for is the SJPdP place from the Pilgrim's Office? Can you stay there for more than one night? Was planning on staying at Beilari for two nights but would like to try your place if it's close the the PO. Thank you. Will look for Akerretta. Thank you for that.
I turned 72 on my camino last Sept/Oct 2019. I didn't stay in Albergues. Let me do a lookup where I stayed. I'll get back to you!Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
Here's where I stayed within the villages you mentioned. There were a couple that were outstanding that I sort of noted, but none of them was a dud at all.I turned 72 on my camino last Sept/Oct 2019. I didn't stay in Albergues. Let me do a lookup where I stayed. I'll get back to you!
Highly recommend you contact Katherine at Follow the Camino and she will book your pensions/inns for you at the pace you desire, with breakfast and luggage transport. Additionally they send you detailed walking notes for each day, a training program and lots of great info. I’ve used them three times now (I’m 66 and doing the Frances in four segments) and they’re great! Thought I wanted to carry my entire pack the first time until I walked the hills between Sarria and Portomarin - couldn’t keep my balance going down even with poles. Called Katherine on a Friday afternoon at 3pm and she had luggage transport arranged before she went home that evening! I think you have to make your own reservation for Refuge Orisson if you want to stay there, or you can shuttle back to St Jean, stay there for the night, and shuttle back up to Orisson the next morning. Depending on the type of b&b/inn you want, about $80 a day or so and worth every penny. I chose standard pensions/inns, they were uniformly neat, clean, with excellent food. Buen Camino!Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
Gare Luna in SJPdP - lovely hosts and B&B. Casa Los Bienificados in Roncesvalles (apartment and hotel). Hotel Akerreta in Akerreta. Wonderful owner and meals.Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
Hola to all, I'm a complete newbie, planning a first trip for September 2020. I''ll be with a party of other senior newbies and we are using this as a "get to know" Camino stage, as at least a couple of us are thinking about doing a full Camino in the future. Meanwhile for this initial stage, we'll be taking it slow - 10-12 miles per day. Tho, we are planning to hike over the Pyrenees from SJPP to Roncevalles, but in 2 days, not 1.
1) Any suggestions for where to stay in SJPP- not albergue- hotel or B&B? We will be spending 2 night there to relax after travel.
2) any suggestions for places to stay between Roncevalles and Pamplona and between Pamplona and Puenta de Reina? Again, not albergues, but B&B.
thanks for any tips!
I was 69 when I hiked from SJPP to Roncesvalles. I reached Orisson in just over two hours and, having started early in the am on a lovely Sept morning I was glad I had decided to continue I reached my destination in just a bit over nine hours after I left SJPP. A lovely walk. I had trained a lot on uphills. It was definitely challenging but also doable.thanks, this is very encouraging. We are planning a rest day from international travel in SJPP and then a 2-day walk over the mountain (with transport back to SJPP and then back up to Orisson the next am) -- we are inspired to do this- thanks!
In September you will find yourself part of the "gray wave" on the Camino.
In SJPP I stayed at a B&B: Gure Lana. They were a wonderful couple, beautiful room with it's on bathroom (huge) and super breakfast. http://www.bedandbreakfast-gurelana.com/en/I turned 72 on my camino last Sept/Oct 2019. I didn't stay in Albergues. Let me do a lookup where I stayed. I'll get back to you!
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