These are my top ten albergues. Not for being up-market, smart, fancy or having great ablutions - but for atmosphere, welcome, camaraderie and memories!
1) Esprit du Chemin – St Jean Pied de Port – wonderful start with caring owners, communal meals and blessing. Book this one ahead:
http://www.espritduchemin.org
2) Eunate – meal by candlelight – walk around the church in the moonlight, special blessing after dinner (Check opening times – sometimes is closed if there is no hospitalero)
3) Granon – sleep on mattresses in the bell tower of a church – sing for your supper – pilgrim blessing (Open all year)
4) Tosantos – sleep on mattresses - pilgrim blessing in the attic chapel – pray for pilgrims who have left a prayer request (not sure of opening times)
5) Arroyo San Bol - 1000yr old medicinal spring at the back, fantastic communal dinner. (Open April – mid October)
6) Convento San Anton – magical, basic albergue in the ruins of the San Anton convent (Open to end of September)
7) Hospital San Nicolas - sleep in the loft of a restored church – communal meal cooked by Italian hospitaleros, pilgrim blessing includes washing of pilgrims feet (late June to mid-September)
8) Bercianos – ancient straw and mud house, watch the sunset before being allowed to have a communal dinner
9) Villafranca del Bierzo - Ave Fenix run by the Jato family for almost 30 years – Jesus Jato is a healer. (Open all year) Can book ahead.
10) Ruitelin – Gregorian chants, Shiatsu massage, healing
And one that I have stayed in 3 times but is nor everyone's cup of tea:
*Manjarin – Atmospheric albergue run by Tomas the Templar - basic, no running water, electricity or toilet. Sleep in a stone barn on mattresses – stay for the Templario blessing and ceremony at 11am. (Open all year)
I have only listed my favourites on the
Camino Frances - others may have their favourites which I haven't stayed in.
PS: I can't edit out that 'smiley' that somehow attached itself to Bercianos!