Starting September 2013

[Tedh]

Thinking about starting the trail in September. Couple quick questions. Is the Compostela (which I assume is a certificate) a requirement? If not do I need that passport thing?

My objective is mainly to spend time on the trail, contemplative, meet people, write up bits and will probably do it in sections, but not all in same year (creaky bones and dodgy knees may not let medo it all at once :roll: ).

 

[CaminoGen]

If you plan to stay in albergue, you'll need that "passport thing" called a credential. There's no obligation to get the compostella at the end of your journey. Maybe I'll see you there.

 

[skilsaw]

Staying in Albergues really influences the contact with other people, which you want.
So having the passport (credential) is necessary.
The credential makes a nice souvenir when you are done, and if you take a couple of years walking in stages, you will have the date you are in each town, reminding you of your experience there.

The certificate at the end can be either the "Compostela" which is "religious", and says you are a "...faithful pilgrim who comes to the threshold of our Apostle... that you have visited the holy church with piety and devotion..."

If you ask, the cathedral office that gives out the Compostela also gives out "Tourist" certificates that says"... Joe Smith walked (or cycled) to Santiago".

Buen Camino,
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[Tedh]

Thanks guys.

Where do I obtain a Credential Document?

Do I have to register a plan and they send me one? Or are they downloadable from the site somewhere?

This whole concept is new to me. My only plan is to take the first step and after that, well ??? I have no schedule other than aiming to begin in September.

 

[colinPeter]

Where do I obtain a Credential Document?

Depends where you are located or where you plan to start.

 

[Tedh]

I reside in the UK and it looks like I'll start at St Jean

 

[mspath]

I reside in the UK and it looks like I'll start at St Jean

Tedh,

In Saint-Jean the Pilgrim Office of the Amis du Chemin de Saint Jacques at 39 rue de la Citadelle can provide you with both the Credential and lodging assistance. Their telephone is 05 59 37 05 09. In season this office is open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h. Their volunteers help run the albergue at 55 rue de la Citadelle which is a fine place to stay, but they do NOT take reservations. If their albergue is full the volunteers will help you find other pilgrim lodgings when you are on site. They keep up to the minute lists of available space throughout the SJPdP area.

Bon Chemin and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Tedh]

Thank you Margaret

 

[Lynne Irene]

Are there loads of signs saying where the pilgrim office is at? (That's kind of how I'm going to travel the camino, looking for the helpful signs pointing me in the right way.)

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are no signs, but you can follow the crowd! Look at the location on Google maps before you leave. It is a straight forward route up the hill, across the main road, to Rue de la Citadelle. Turn left on it, and you will see the office before the arched gate.

https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=...gIdcCXt_w&mra=dpe&mrsp=1&sz=16&via=1&t=m&z=16

 

[Canucks]

We already received our pilgrim credencial in the mail. Is there any reason to still go to the pilgrims office in St. Jean Pied de Port?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is there any reason to still go to the pilgrims office in St. Jean Pied de Port?

You can get your first stamp there. They can help with lodging if you need it that night. They have a useful handout for stages and elevation changes, and used to have a spreadsheet of albergues. You can meet other pilgrims. You can use the computer or restroom. You can see the gate of St. James.

 

[Lynne Irene]

Thanks that really does help, I was nervous about the correct place to get my pilgrim passport.

Thank you.