Traveling for the 1st time- Some general informantion

[Yacush]

Hello,

I planning to traveling the Camino Frances for the first time, starting on May 21st. I would much appreciate it if anyone can help me with some questions regarding some planning issues. Any help would be greatly appreciated

I was wandering, if there is a need to reserve a place in any of the towns along the road, and specifically in St. Jean and Pamplona, around the end of May (is there a chance all the hostels will be packed this time of year)?

And secondly, what would be the best way of getting from Barcelona to St. Jean? (bus? plane?)

Thanks in Advance,
Jacob.

[joe]

Hi Jacob, I'll be starting my Camino in St. Jean on the 22nd May! I have reserved a place in a private hostel in St Jean, but it isnt necessary. The one I used is called L'Esprit du Chemin. If the official albergue in St Jean is full then they will let you know about other albergues where you can stay.

I think it's best not to plan, and just see what happens... there will always be a place for you to rest your head at night.

As for travelling to St Jean, you could get the train from Barcelona to Bayonne, then a train from Bayonne to St. Jean. I just had a quick look and I think the tickets are around €50-60 from Barcelona to Bayonne.

Joe.

[quiet]

Ibooked in advance at L'Espirit du chemin in St Jean which was first class . I travelled Barcelona - Pamplona with Also bus company great service cost about 30 euro and i used French taxi service Express Bouricott Pamplona - st jean about 20 euro Bien Camino Paul

[blimst]

Joe
I like to think that the best way to walk Frances is to not have a plan. But I wouldn´t know, I am walking my first part now in may.
I have a question though:
My walk is for ten days, which means I have to get back to the airport I came from and that is Pau. Do You know something about transport back to St Jean or even further when You have walked for ten days?
Maybe I just to the no plan-plan?
Blimst

[Yacush]

Hello Joe,

Thanks for the advice. It was very helpful.

See you around the Camino.

Jacob.

[joe]

Blimst, I'm not sure about getting back to Pau, but there are bus services which run daily along the Camino for the people who are tired or injured and can't walk. But again, I'm not sure if the buses are only one way (towards Santiago) or whether they travel back and forth. But, it is a country and there should be other buses (if not the Camino ones) and there should be trains.

(I'll just go and do a bit of research on it for you now and reply back if i find anything useful)


Jacob, no problem, I forget to mention that the website I got those prices from for the trains was Voyages-sncf.com : Voyage en train, en avion, rservation d'htels et sjours

[unadara]

Blimst
10 days may get you to Burgos-or nearabouts! the local buses will bring you to Burgos, you get a train at station, From SNCF:
Rail Service Departs Arrives Travel Time Connections
Altaria 4087 10:25AM
Burgos Rosa Lima,
Spain
23 Feb 1:54PM
Hendaye,
France
23 Feb 3hr 29min 2
CONNECTING TRAIN
TGV Atlantic8558 2:03PM
Hendaye,
France
23 Feb 2:44PM
Bayonne,
France
From Bayonne a train goes to Pau
How are you getting from Pau to StJean ? same route back ?
Una

[unadara]

for the 10th of JUNE
BURGOS 10h23 hendaye 13h51 (renfe-alvia 04087) 29.50 euros
hendaye 16h03 bayonne 16h39 (sncf- ter 66608) 6.90 euros
bayonne 18h11 SJPP 19h37 (sncf -ter 67317 ) 8.80 euros
trains go from Bayonne to pau

[unadara]

http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-t...ltats?hid=1CG3
This is the link you want.

[Larry]

Jacob

My name is Larry and I traveled the Camino in March-April 2009. I was 58 then and it only took me 32 days with 3 days for extra rests so 35 total. I took WAY too much stuff. I am from the Pacific Northwest of America and was expecting to have to rough camp like I've had to in the woods. My pack weighed 45 lbs. I think anything over 25 lbs (11 kilos) is too much. Lots of places to get food and I had no problem with accommodations until I got closer to Santiago but I think that was because a lot of Pilgrims were trying to make it their by Easter. I've read some of the other posts on this site and it seems things are getting busier...Lots of private albergues, though. Good Luck; Buen Camino