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It is the same rule as every year since at least 2015: Spanish authorities prohibit by law that pilgrims walk the route Napoleon on Spanish territory from 1 November 2021 until 31 March 2022. They must take the Valcarlos route. See Decision 197/2021 of 29 September 2021. You can read it in Spanish, in French, and in English. Links:For some reason, I thought I had read on HERE that the Napoleon Route was closed through April and didn't open until 1 May. I have searched and searched but don't see the answer. Does anyone here know for SURE where I can find that information?
Here's the thread:Note: this is from a thread from March 2021
The pilgrim's office in SJPP is closed, at least, until the beginning of May.
We will open when the Way in Spain is possible again.
A telephone permanence is assured
Thank you for your understanding
I’m thinking that must be what I saw. Thanks all.@Anniesantiago I think that this announcement this past March (2021) may have been what confused you. The Pilgrim's Office didn't open until the beginning of May 2021. Not the Route Napoleon itself.
Here's the thread:
I walked that way at the beginning of March and it was totally fine - some old snow was still on the ground nearing the top but that was all. It very much depends on weather, though. It can be snowy later, or not. Check ahead for weather condions in general, and at the PO in SJPP once you get there.How is the lower route at that time of year?
We walked via Valcarlos around 15th March in 2018. There was pretty heavy falling snow from about half way up (I'm Australian so put that in context!!!!) We walked the first two stages through the forest trail and the last stage on the road. It snowed most of the next day to Zubiri where they had 25cm of snow over night. It was a beautiful, beautiful wonderland! Our children had their first ever snow ball fight! There was a bit on snow on the ground in Pamplona but not much after that until Burgos. But each year it is different. Can I recommend that you take really good gloves? Maybe a buff/neck gaitor..So the Varcarlos route is open all year long? I arrive in Pamploma March 27th. I will look at the weather conditions in the Pyrenees and determine if I will start in Pamploma. How is the lower route at that time of year?
Even on 1st of July in 2019 it was not recommended to walk the Route Napolean!I have searched and searched but don't see the answer. Does anyone here know for SURE where I can find that information?
If there is a lot of snow it may be best to walk the Valcarlos way totally on the road. It could be strenuous on the trail portion.So the Varcarlos route is open all year long? I arrive in Pamploma March 27th. I will look at the weather conditions in the Pyrenees and determine if I will start in Pamploma. How is the lower route at that time of year?
thank you so much! I'll be walking solo and will assess when I arrive in PamplomaWe walked via Valcarlos around 15th March in 2018. There was pretty heavy falling snow from about half way up (I'm Australian so put that in context!!!!) We walked the first two stages through the forest trail and the last stage on the road. It snowed most of the next day to Zubiri where they had 25cm of snow over night. It was a beautiful, beautiful wonderland! Our children had their first ever snow ball fight! There was a bit on snow on the ground in Pamplona but not much after that until Burgos. But each year it is different. Can I recommend that you take really good gloves? Maybe a buff/neck gaitor..
Making the decision based on the weather when you get there is a great idea.
Buen Camino
Have walked both, in Snow the Varcalos is wonderful and safe, I enjoyed this way the best. But if its your first walk I understand you may want the NR but when I walked it in March a week into April people were still trying it and getting rescued , I THINK ITS NOT A GOOD WAY TO START A CAMINO.So the Varcarlos route is open all year long? I arrive in Pamploma March 27th. I will look at the weather conditions in the Pyrenees and determine if I will start in Pamploma. How is the lower route at that time of year?
So getting to St Jean is not a problem that time of year? I have no problem walking the lower route. Advice on clothing etc?Have walked both, in Snow the Varcalos is wonderful and safe, I enjoyed this way the best. But if its your first walk I understand you may want the NR but when I walked it in March a week into April people were still trying it and getting rescued , I THINK ITS NOT A GOOD WAY TO START A CAMINO.
I always walk in shorts, for the snow I wore a pair of thermals under neath the shorts, top thermals, tshirt and sleeveless vest…but I do not feel the cold like others. Footwear NBalance trail shoes they dry overnight.So getting to St Jean is not a problem that time of year? I have no problem walking the lower route. Advice on clothing etc?
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