My first time

[mickyd17]

Hi,

I am planning doing the Camino Frances for the first time hopefully starting mid March.

Do I pack my ruck sack on and rock up at St Jean or do I register somewhere first.

I intend doing as much research beforehand so hopefully I won't be totally unprepared.

[Sil]

You pack your ruck sack on and rock up at St Jean!

Then you mosey on down to the Pilgrim's Office at 39 rue de la Citadelle, the main cobbled street in the old quarter of St Jean The pilgrims office is open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h.
There you will get a 'credencial' - a little fold out 'passport' - that allows you to sleep in the pilgrims' refuges along the way. They will also find you a place to stay (Albergue Espirt du Chemin only opens in April).
The people there will also advise you on which route to take over the mountain. If they advise you to take the road route, take it! Pilgrims have died in snow storms crossing over in March, and April, so don't ignore their advice.
And then you start the 'groot trek' up the hill to the pass and over into Spain.
Good luck - and buen camino!