Starting a few days before SJPP

[Audie Ray]

Hello! I am spending about 14 days on the camino, starting in late April. I'd like to spend the first 4 or so days in France, and so am planning on starting before St. Jean (perhaps in Orthez?) I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to get information on maps, albergues, etc. on the first portion? I have the "classic" guidebook that gives pretty extensive info after St. Jean, but am wondering about how to plan for the first leg of the trip. Please pardon if this is a naïve question, thanks!

 

[Seabird]

Hello! I am spending about 14 days on the camino, starting in late April. I'd like to spend the first 4 or so days in France, and so am planning on starting before St. Jean (perhaps in Orthez?) I was wondering if anyone has advice on how to get information on maps, albergues, etc. on the first portion? I have the "classic" guidebook that gives pretty extensive info after St. Jean, but am wondering about how to plan for the first leg of the trip. Please pardon if this is a naïve question, thanks!

Welcome Audie Ray! I was provided with the suggestion to start in St. Palais, which I am doing in a mere three weeks. You can find some useful information here. Good luck and Buen Camino.

 

[AlwynWellington]

I'd like to spend the first 4 or so days in France, and so am planning on starting before St. Jean

A standard guide is Miam Miam Dodo (MMD) for the route known as GR 65 Saint Jacques de Compostelle. MMD focuses on accommodation as well as providing maps.

The GR 65 passes through Arthez-de-Bearn, about 10-15 km south east of Orthez. Possibly even closer is Argagnon. These are 100 to 90 km respectively from SJPdP.
Another alternative is the town of Navarrenx, about 65 km from SJPdP.
Once at your chosen start point on GR 65 MMD can help you with the route and accommodation.

Bon chemin

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I'd like to spend the first 4 or so days in France, and so am planning on starting before St. Jean

Check the internet for the regional buses. They go to a lot of places a few days up the Chemin.