Where to obtain credential, if starting about 1 week into France from border?

[kmtrowbr]

Hi!

Originally I dreamed of walking to Santiago from Le Puy.

However, circumstances have fallen so that I have time now (late in the year) to do the walk. I don't really want to be walking all by myself and through rain, cold, and snow - so I'm going to compromise and start in Southern France (about 1 week from the border) instead. That way I should be arriving in Santiago in early November...

Anyways - the one problem is - how can I conveniently obtain a Pilgrim credential if I am not starting in a major town?

Because I know I require one to be able to stay in the Albergues? Is there a number I can call or a page which lists which towns / albergues issue them?

My tentative plan so far have been to start calling the tourist information offices in the small towns in Southern France that the trail passes through.

Anyways - in addition, if anyone has any feedback on my plan - please let me know! I walked the final bit in 2006 (from Sarria) - and loved it - that's what inspired me to plan this longer trip. However, one of the parts I liked the best, was meeting so many awesome folks along the way. One thing that worries me (walking so late) is being absolutely alone on the trail, just because missing out on the comraderie would be a loss.

Thanks for your help!
Kevin

[Alpal]

Hi kmtrowbr

I walked the Camino Aragonese in early April, so if you are going that way, you could do as I did. I flew to Pau in the morning and walked to Lescar in the afternoon [about 10 km]. I got my credential at the Tourist Office there, and they were very friendly and helpful. They keep the key for the albergue,and they gave us directions on how to find it and then rang the locals in charge of the albergue [who lived off-site] to let them know we were arriving.

From Lescar it is four days walk to Somport if you take things easily [although the 32 or so km from Lescar to Oloron Ste Marie was difficult going].

Whichever way you go, I wish you buen camino

Alpal

[Leslie]

If you want to be sure of having the passport try to get one before you leave home. http://www.caminodesantiago.me.uk/links.html this page lists Confraternity sites.