spend night in bayonne or SJPDP? then santiago to finnesterr

[peregrinacheena]

My first camino from SJPDP to Santiago! I am leaving next week, flying into paris and staying for a couple of nights before taking the early train out to bayonne. My schedule is pretty flexible, i have over a month and a half to finish. Was wondering if its more interesting to stay the night in Bayonne or SJPDP, or even 2 night there to explore?

Also, I have a camino guide book for santiago but not all the way to finnesterre (sp?), how long is that last portion, is it clearly marked and would you recommend going all the way?

Thinking of traveling for a couple of weeks after the camino before flying back ot the states from Madrid, any recommendations.

Thanks! this forum is wonderful.

Buen camino to all

 

[grayland]

First, it is about 4-5 easy days Finisterre. It can be done in 3..but those are long days.

Second, my recommendation is to get on to SJPP and have an overnight look. Then, start the adventure. That way you have time on the Camino to slow down or to spend extra days at one of the many places along the way that grab your interest. Most people do not have this choice as their time is critical and they must keep moving. Having lots of time is a real blessing.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Bayonne is not usually described as "quaint," while SJPdP is. Great Basque food in Bayonne, but food can be excellent in SJPdP as well. Accommodations are less expensive in SJPdP if you choose pilgrim facilities. Either can be seen in a half-day or less. There is little to say about the choice from a factual point of view, but opinion will abound!

 

[jpflavin1]

Santiago to Finisterre is around 90km about 3-5 days additional walking or you could take a bus trip.

As far as Bayonne versus SJPdP, I have stayed in both and find SJPdP much more enjoyable. Bayonne is a much larger and busy city while SJPdP is more quaint and relaxing. It depends on what you prefer. Your choice might also depend on when you arrive in Bayonne. I believe the last train to SJPdP is at 18:11.

Enjoy your Camino and poco poco.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[peregrinacheena]

thanks for the advice! will spend a night at SJPDP and aim to continue onto Finisterre...
which pilgrim facilities would you recommend in SJPDP that is clean and reasonably priced.
thanks

 

[renegadepilgrim]

Esprit du Chemin hands down.

Best way to start the Camino, in my opinion.

http://www.espritduchemin.org/EC/LEsprit_du_Chemin.html

 

[jpflavin1]

Reasonably priced is a different number for everyone. There are several nice private hostels, B&B's and hotels in SJPdP. I recommend you call ahead and make a reservation. If you plan on staying in Minicipal Albergues on your Camino, I recommend you treat yourself in SJPdP. You can go to a site like Hotels.com and they will describe the options available. You are about to embark on a special journey. Just remember to pack light and poco poco.

Buen Camino,
Joe

 

[peregrinacheena]

Hoping to spend under 20euros, I tried L'esprit du chemin but haven't heard back from them yet, think they may be full. Has anyone stay at Gite Ultreïa? I would prefer a albergue instead of a hotel since I want to meet fellow pilgrims, should be great fun to share the excitement and anticipation of starting an adventure.
btw, what does poco poco mean, little little, is it in reference to packing, going light, I've seen it several times...

 

[jpflavin1]

Poco poco translated means little by little or gradually. I use it in terms of relating to how I would recommend you pace your Camino. It was recommended to me and I found it to be sage advice.

Never stayed at Gite Ultreya.

Buen Camino

 

[William Marques]

Although it has been suggested that you will be able to stop and spend more time in towns and other places that are worth exploring you may find that more difficult than you expect. If you get friendly with a group of walkers by staying those extra days you will loose touch with them and fall in with another set of people. I'm not saying that is a bad thing just that you may find it harder to slow down than you expect.