How to get from Biarritz airport and other questions.

[Roger]

I have 9 or 10 days to spend on my ownon an adventure starting on 10th August and am planning to walk some of the Camino de Santiago route. I thought it might be interesting to start at Saint Jean Pied de Port since the route looks hilly and more interesting/challenging from there. Does anyone have advice on whether this would be a good place to start?

From England it seems best to fly to Biarritz airport. Is this correct and can anyone advise me how to get from Biarritz airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port, and how do I get back to the airport from wherever I finish the walk?

Assuming I walk at least 100kms, do I qualify for a certificate or is it necessary to go all the way to Camino de Santiago for that?

Another question....in August can I reasonably expect dry weather or should I bring waterproofs?

[BHinSanDiego]

I started my Camino in St Jean but I came from a different location, Madrid to Pamplona to St Jean. There is a shuttle bus company called Express bourricot, Express Bouricot

They can pretty much get you from anywhere to St Jean, I understand there are buses but I'm not familar with them. Santiago has an airport, the other largers cities have them too.

To get your compostela you need to at least walk the final 100 km to Santiago, and get 2 stamps per day if only walking the last 100 km I know of no way you could just do the first 100 km and get it, you would have to get to Santiago to turn in your Pilgrims Passport to receive it. You could start in Leon or the vicinity and get the required distance in to qualify for your compostela.

I don't know how the weather will be in August, guessing though I will say hot, at least have a rain jacket and poncho to cover your backpack.

[eila]

Hi Roger-
I am flying into Biarritz on almost the same day and taking a bus from the airport to the Bayonne train station and then a train to SJPDP. Trains leave from Bayonne to SJPDP at 8:22, 11:26, 14:27, 14:36, 17:20 and 20:03. Perhaps I'll see you along the way!

eila.

[Covey]

When you exit the terminal building at Biarritz, there is a bus stop just to the left of the terminal doors. You catch the bus from there to Bayonne Station and then catch the train to St Jean.

At the bus stop at the airport and at Bayonne Station, you will see puzzled looking folks wearing boots and baggy trousers with a pack on their back. They are going to the same place as you are, so introduce yourself. Thus begins the adventure of a lifetime!!

[Roger]

Thats really interesting. Thank you. Looks like I'll have to get my Compostella another year!

[Roger]

Thank you Eila. Thats so useful, to know the train times. So this bit of the journey is clearly not going to be a problem. I do hope we shall meet. Shall I walk fast to catch you up or slow so that you can catch up on me!

[Roger]

Thank you Covey. Your promise of an adventure of a lifetime has settled the matter for me and I have now booked my flights!

[eila]

I'll be one day behind you so walk slow! I can't wait!

[Roger]

Hi! You were right! It was the most inspirational adventure ever. I shall never be the same again. Can't wait to go back.

[Covey]

Glad you enjoyed the experience!!

The Camino has this amazing habit of calling us back, and at strange times of the day and night you will suddenly find yourself thinking of your experiences.

A word of warning though. It can take a while to get back to feeling what we normally assume as "normal"!!

[pgras]

Can anyone guide me? I will start the French camino in October but will only walk for 7 days this time and will probably end up in Pamplona. I need to know how to get from pamplona to Biarritz to take my flight back to London. Does anyone know how difficult this is and how much time It should take in the winter? I will only have 30 hours to get from one place to the other.

I also need help with the route from barcelona to St. Jean de Pied. does anyone have any idea how I can get there and how long it will take?
I did the Portuguese camino in the winter time and it was fabulous. I know this one will be even better!