I'm planning on starting my Camino from St Jean in the first week of September and was wondering what day of the week is likely to have the least traffic so the scamble for beds during the first few days is kept to the minimum. Any thoughts?
This is what we did Norm just recently in mid July.
We had started in middle France , arrived @ StJean on a saturday around lunch time after 20km and temp 30c.
We walked a side road in shade to Valcarlos [ the original way ] and stayed in this lovely village in a beautiful Casa Rural.
There were many, many pilgrims having dinner that night in the town.
Next morning , being a sunday we walked along the road until the top then headed into the forest in the mist.
The only cars on this deserted road were taxis taking pilgrims or luggage TO and FROM STJ & Ronscavalles
On Sunday mornings the road is deserted.
We skipped Ronscavalles and continued a further 4 km to Burgette.
Accommodation and places to eat were plentiful from Casa Rurals, Pensions to Hostels
We found whilst there that everyone who went over the top saw nothing with the mist .
Keep your options open mate,
D
PS
We have now gone over the top or by Valcarlos on two occasions each ,
dead heat which one we prefer but to avoid the stampede the above is a very good way in beautiful country side.
If anyone tells you the country roads are bad then remind them of the stone paths on water ways on the following day.
I know which ones we enjoy the most.