Starting in St Jean June 2021

[Jeff Mayor]

First time starting from St-Jean-Pied-De-Port: June 2021. Any recommendations on which route to take over the mountains would be appreciated. Also first night in SJ recommendations would be helpful.

 

[Phoenix]

Staying in SJPdP - Beilari: https://www.beilari.info/fr

Forum thread w/ elevation profiles: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...rom-st-jean-pied-de-port-to-roncevalles.8856/

If you use the search function (Napoleon vs Valcarlos), you'll find several threads comparing the two routes.

Having walked both, I prefer the Napoleon route. However, fitness level and/or physical limitations may be a deciding factor for you.

 

[domigee]

In Saint Jean, I liked the albergue Kaserna... Used to be donativo, don’t know if it still is.
i have only walked the ‘Napoleon’ route so can’t advise on the other but this time, I am going to try Valcarlos

 

[kay lee]

I walked both and like both. The lower route starts out on the paved road but eventually takes you through the glorious mountains. I also like the option of staying overnight at a private accommodation with a kitchen in Valcarlos (about halfway). There are good shopping options before you get there and also in Valcarlos. This allows me to linger for another day for a slower start if I'm still jetlagged.

Beilari in St. Jean is highly recommended if available. Book/inquire right away.

 

[Felipe]

I too recommend Kaserna. It is not donativo anymore. 18 euros, with diner and breakfast included. Kind hospitaleros. In the current circumstances, you need to check previously if albergues are still open.
There are tons of info in this forum about SJPP and both routes; use the search function, as above mentioned.
The Napoleon route is the generally preferred, It is tough, but with breathtaking, unique views. The Valcarlos option is easier, more gradual (but with some steep sections, anyway), and much less crowded. It goes by farms, villages and woods (with a bit along a highway).
I enjoyed both routes. Basically it is up to your preferences, confidence on your fitness level, etc.
I stayed in the municipal albergue in Valcarlos; it is very comfortable, with a kitchen. It is a lovely Basque village.

 

[Minnesota Jim]

Beilari, in Saint Jean has been my favorite albergue on Camino Frances.
Then taking Napoleon route, staying at my other most favorite place, Orisson Refuge

 

[lt56ny]

Beilari is as wonderful an albergue as you will find anywhere.
Both routes have steep ascents. The Napoleon route has your climb at the beginning and the Valcarlos has your climb towards the end. Both are pretty but the vistas of the mountains on the Napoleon route is something you should not miss. The Napoleon route also has a steep descent. There is an alternative path to the right of the camino that has a much mellower slope down to Roncesvallas. You can break up both by either staying in Orison or in Valcarlos. If you go the Napoleon and sleep in Orison the walk the next day is much easier.

 

[Robert Long]

I have only done the napoleon route. But I have done it twice and was awed both times. It has some special meaning for WWII buffs as it was the route used by the Basque to rescue airmen who were shot down in France.
Plan to stay in Orison. Great stopping point and you will meet your new friends at dinner.
Buen Camino -- Bob

 

[jpflavin1]

First time starting from St-Jean-Pied-De-Port: June 2021. Any recommendations on which route to take over the mountains would be appreciated. Also first night in SJ recommendations would be helpful.

Either route is good. I have walked them both.

The Napoleon route is steeper in the beginning and has an Albergue in Orisson 8km up the path and now a new one another km past that.

The Val Carlos route is less steep in the beginning and has a village with accommodations and food @ at the 11km mark. If rainy weather, this route allows for road walking.

Buen Camino
Joe

 

[Anniesantiago]

I enjoy the Napoleon route. However, where it turns off the road onto the dirt, I just continue on the road. The views are just as nice, and I don't miss trekking through the mud.
Also, at the summit, I also take the road down these days.
Less slippery and just as pretty imo.

 

[Mournes]

I too recommend Kaserna. It is not donativo anymore. 18 euros, with diner and breakfast included. Kind hospitaleros. In the current circumstances, you need to check previously if albergues are still open.
There are tons of info in this forum about SJPP and both routes; use the search function, as above mentioned.
The Napoleon route is the generally preferred, It is tough, but with breathtaking, unique views. The Valcarlos option is easier, more gradual (but with some steep sections, anyway), and much less crowded. It goes by farms, villages and woods (with a bit along a highway).
I enjoyed both routes. Basically it is up to your preferences, confidence on your fitness level, etc.
I stayed in the municipal albergue in Valcarlos; it is very comfortable, with a kitchen. It is a lovely Basque village.

Kaserna is listed as 20 euros on the Gronze website and also on the Au coeur du chemin forum.That tariff does include an excellent breakfast and evening meal.Kaserna is a very popular gîte .From my experience it's possible to book the day before preferably in the morning as it books out very quickly.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

Either route is good. I have walked them both.

The Napoleon route is steeper in the beginning and has an Albergue in Orisson 8km up the path and now a new one another km past that.

The Val Carlos route is less steep in the beginning and has a village with accommodations and food @ at the 11km mark. If rainy weather, this route allows for road walking.

Buen Camino
Joe

Thanks Joe for your advise. I'll be there in 3 weeks and it is currently raining from what I have observed.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

Kaserna is listed as 20 euros on the Gronze website and also on the Au coeur du chemin forum.That tariff does include an excellent breakfast and evening meal.Kaserna is a very popular gîte .From my experience it's possible to book the day before preferably in the morning as it books out very quickly.

Thanks for your detailed advise; much appreciated.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

I enjoy the Napoleon route. However, where it turns off the road onto the dirt, I just continue on the road. The views are just as nice, and I don't miss trekking through the mud.
Also, at the summit, I also take the road down these days.
Less slippery and just as pretty imo.

Thanks for the tip! Much appreciated.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

I have only done the napoleon route. But I have done it twice and was awed both times. It has some special meaning for WWII buffs as it was the route used by the Basque to rescue airmen who were shot down in France.
Plan to stay in Orison. Great stopping point and you will meet your new friends at dinner.
Buen Camino -- Bob

Thanks Bob; great bit of history.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

Beilari is as wonderful an albergue as you will find anywhere.
Both routes have steep ascents. The Napoleon route has your climb at the beginning and the Valcarlos has your climb towards the end. Both are pretty but the vistas of the mountains on the Napoleon route is something you should not miss. The Napoleon route also has a steep descent. There is an alternative path to the right of the camino that has a much mellower slope down to Roncesvallas. You can break up both by either staying in Orison or in Valcarlos. If you go the Napoleon and sleep in Orison the walk the next day is much easier.

Thanks, good to know.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

I walked both and like both. The lower route starts out on the paved road but eventually takes you through the glorious mountains. I also like the option of staying overnight at a private accommodation with a kitchen in Valcarlos (about halfway). There are good shopping options before you get there and also in Valcarlos. This allows me to linger for another day for a slower start if I'm still jetlagged.

Beilari in St. Jean is highly recommended if available. Book/inquire right away.

Thanks for the information. Very helpful.

 

[Jeff Mayor]

I walked both and like both. The lower route starts out on the paved road but eventually takes you through the glorious mountains. I also like the option of staying overnight at a private accommodation with a kitchen in Valcarlos (about halfway). There are good shopping options before you get there and also in Valcarlos. This allows me to linger for another day for a slower start if I'm still jetlagged.

Beilari in St. Jean is highly recommended if available. Book/inquire right away.

Kay,
Do you remember the name of the private accommodation you stayed at in Valcarlos?

 

[Jeff Mayor]

Has anyone heard of the BOE (Boletin Oficial del Estacdo)? There is a notice on it (haven't seen it myself but saw something on FB) stating that the date to open Spain to EU and USA has been moved (tentatively) to June 30.