When do we NOT want to start in May 2025 (from SJPdP)?

[BobY333]

I know I saw some discussion on this topic a few weeks ago, but I can't find it - so sorry if this is repetitive.

We're likely to get into Paris at the end of April/beginning of May. If we just forged ahead, we'd probably start from SJPdP during the May 1 weekend, which I think is less than ideal given crowds? Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC given that people will have a long weekend?

So, if you had your druthers, which day around this time would be best to depart SJPdP? We could delay our start by either staying in Paris a few days or by starting our camino a few stages prior to SJPdP (which some of you were very helpful with thoughts on a bit ago!).

Thank you!
Bob

 

[60LifeChange]

Truly no idea, I am flying by the seat of my pants, made some reservations for places to stay as far as Zubiri, and hope to start on May 5, but I honestly have no idea of the amount of people to expect. Should be an adventure! lol... Good luck and perhaps our paths will cross. until then? have a blast!

 

[Ianinam]

The first two weeks of May this year (and also in 2023) we had full house every day in Roncesvalles (and much to our regret we had to send away many, many pilgrims who did not have a reservation). So it really doesn't matter whether you start a few days later or not. Be aware you will walk in the busiest period of the year, and make reservations from (and including) Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through Pamplona. This really is a bottleneck with few possibilities for the 400-500 pilgrims that start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port every day in these weeks. After Pamplona the crowd can spread out better over the many villages there.

 

[trecile]

Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC

No, I'd say SJPdP to Pamplona is where there are often "bottlenecks" at the beginning of May. Sarria to Santiago has more accommodations so can absorb more pilgrims.

I would definitely reserve St Jean to Pamplona. And if you want to stay at Orisson you can reserve that now.

 

[David]

You are the crowds ... there is no 'they over there'.
Buen Camino

p.s. start 30 minutes after the last pilgrim leaves each day and you will walk each day in peace and solitude,

 

[Damien Reynolds]

I personally like to meet fellow walkers. I mean, when people ask me "why?" my answer is always "Its the people". That date sounds awesome.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola - as often is the case some great advice from our experienced pilgrims. A couple of points to note: May 1 is a national/public holiday in both France and Spain and as Easter is late this year (Easter Day is April 20) I expect there to be an "exodus" that first week in May. So I too recommend booking accommodation for the St Jean to Pamplona sections. Buen Camino!

 

[60LifeChange]

The first two weeks of May this year (and also in 2023) we had full house every day in Roncesvalles (and much to our regret we had to send away many, many pilgrims who did not have a reservation). So it really doesn't matter whether you start a few days later or not. Be aware you will walk in the busiest period of the year, and make reservations from (and including) Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through Pamplona. This really is a bottleneck with few possibilities for the 400-500 pilgrims that start in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port every day in these weeks. After Pamplona the crowd can spread out better over the many villages there.

Just made reservations in Pamplona... and it was the last one at a recommended Albergue, Albergue de Pamplona-Iruñako Aterpea. Seems things are getting busy... lol and thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[dougfitz]

Having started at that time of year, I would avoid the first and the first Monday. But note @Ianinam's and others' advice about having reservations. I used to think three days was enough to get away from the crowds, but it might now take a couple more at this time of year.

 

[alexwalker]

To avoid the Easter (late April) frenzy and the long weekend after May 1st (a Thursday), I have decided to start from Burgos on May 5th with my daughter. We will start by booking 1-2 days ahead just to check the traffic, and then wing it.

 

[BobY333]

Thanks for all the words of wisdom.

We've just booked award tickets to Paris arriving 27 April! We'll have a quick few days in Paris, then head to SJPdP likely on 29 April. We'll also definitely book through Pamplona (at least).

When we last walked the CF in September 2018 we left SJPdP with 425+ others, so we dealt with the bed race that time (which lasted through Los Arcos). It's just the two of us (we had another couple with us in 2018), so that may make it a bit "easier" this time. We're planning to stay in the smaller towns and not Brierley stage ends (we stayed in a number those in 2018). We're also open to moving over to the Invierno once we get to Ponferrada. That will be entirely people-dependent in both the good (camino family) and not as good (crowds/bed race) senses!

 

[Damien Reynolds]

Thanks for all the words of wisdom.

We've just booked award tickets to Paris arriving 27 April! We'll have a quick few days in Paris, then head to SJPdP likely on 29 April. We'll also definitely book through Pamplona (at least).

When we last walked the CF in September 2018 we left SJPdP with 425+ others, so we dealt with the bed race that time (which lasted through Los Arcos). It's just the two of us (we had another couple with us in 2018), so that may make it a bit "easier" this time. We're planning to stay in the smaller towns and not Brierley stage ends (we stayed in a number those in 2018). We're also open to moving over to the Invierno once we get to Ponferrada. That will be entirely people-dependent in both the good (camino family) and not as good (crowds/bed race) senses!

Buen camino!

 

[60LifeChange]

I have a one way ticket to Paris on 1/5. staying overnight in CDG, train to St Jean, two days there and start on the 5th... will see how it goes... but ditto, booked through Pamplona now. Have a wonderful trip!

Buen Camino

 

[jungleboy]

I have a one way ticket to Paris on 5/1.

The camino might be cold in January!

Just joking, I know you mean the first of May, but outside the U.S., 5/1 is the fifth of January. To avoid confusion, it's best not to use this way of writing dates - 1 May, 5 Jan work better. Anyway, getting into an international mindset already could be good practice for when you get on camino and find that your international pilgrim friends don't know what miles and degrees Fahrenheit are!

Buen camino to all and hopefully you can navigate the May crowds smoothly.

 

[wisepilgrim]

Most pilgrims start near or on a weekend, I always recommend a mid week start if the schedule allows. If you start on a Tuesday you may also avoid any pilgrims starting from Pamplona on the following weekend.

From that point it is anyone’s guess whether you will join a wave elsewhere but the first week will be quieter.

 

[dick bird]

The camino might be cold in January!

Just joking, I know you mean the first of May, but outside the U.S., 5/1 is the fifth of January. To avoid confusion, it's best not to use this way of writing dates - 1 May, 5 Jan work better. Anyway, getting into an international mindset already could be good practice for when you get on camino and find that your international pilgrim friends don't know what miles and degrees Fahrenheit are!

Burn camino to all and hopefully you can navigate the May crowds smoothly.

And 1st floor is upstairs.

 

[RRat]

I know I saw some discussion on this topic a few weeks ago, but I can't find it - so sorry if this is repetitive.

We're likely to get into Paris at the end of April/beginning of May. If we just forged ahead, we'd probably start from SJPdP during the May 1 weekend, which I think is less than ideal given crowds? Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC given that people will have a long weekend?

So, if you had your druthers, which day around this time would be best to depart SJPdP? We could delay our start by either staying in Paris a few days or by starting our camino a few stages prior to SJPdP (which some of you were very helpful with thoughts on a bit ago!).

Thank you!
Bob

Avoiding a crowd based on a specific date will not work. A tour group comprised of two bus loads on any given day will create a crowd.

 

[J Willhaus]

Consider going from Paris to Pau and starting on the Camino Aragones. Different scenery and fewer pilgrims.

 

[Mahonsk]

I know I saw some discussion on this topic a few weeks ago, but I can't find it - so sorry if this is repetitive.

We're likely to get into Paris at the end of April/beginning of May. If we just forged ahead, we'd probably start from SJPdP during the May 1 weekend, which I think is less than ideal given crowds? Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC given that people will have a long weekend?

So, if you had your druthers, which day around this time would be best to depart SJPdP? We could delay our start by either staying in Paris a few days or by starting our camino a few stages prior to SJPdP (which some of you were very helpful with thoughts on a bit ago!).

Thank you!
Bob

You have to be mindful of where you are travelling in from and how you get to SJPDP from wherever. It is my personal experience, on two separate occasions, that whilst the French rail system is good, Bank Holiday time is also a popular time for workers to strike. This was told to me by French workers themselves on the last occasion we were stranded. Thursday May 1st is a Bank holiday in France, I believe. So, by striking on a Friday, they get a really nice long weekend. Thursday BH, Friday strike day and then a normal Sat and Sun weekend and possibly another strike day on the Monday. A bit cynical I know, and of course, I do not tar all Workers with the same brush, but it HAS happened previously to my Wife and I, TWICE. So just bear this possibility in mind.

 

[BombayBill]

I’m an over thinker and try to pick perfect dates. I would avoid starting on a weekend and also avoid Pamplona on the weekend. As well I’ve been inconvenienced by strikes. So perhaps you could make your way south quickly and then relax within striking distance of SJPP, say in Biarritz. Then once over jet lag make your way to SJPP for an off surge start.

Bear in mind the rest of your walk will be a series of all kinds of unforeseen chaos that you’ll pleasantly recall in retrospect.

 

[60LifeChange]

My start date for the Camino was based on when I retire. shortly after my last day at work, I intend to fly over and begin, it was simply what was convenient for me. and if I have to spend the night out under the stars in May? I have been in worse places... lol and BombayBill? Looking forward to the chaos. My hope is that this Camino proves to be quite the adventure, and a launching point for more travel and new journeys and perhaps new friends.

 

[60LifeChange]

You have to be mindful of where you are travelling in from and how you get to SJPDP from wherever. It is my personal experience, on two separate occasions, that whilst the French rail system is good, Bank Holiday time is also a popular time for workers to strike. This was told to me by French workers themselves on the last occasion we were stranded. Thursday May 1st is a Bank holiday in France, I believe. So, by striking on a Friday, they get a really nice long weekend. Thursday BH, Friday strike day and then a normal Sat and Sun weekend and possibly another strike day on the Monday. A bit cynical I know, and of course, I do not tar all Workers with the same brush, but it HAS happened previously to my Wife and I, TWICE. So just bear this possibility in mind.

Great point, going over some dates and notes, same thing happened to my wife and I. we wanted to take a train from Paris to Cannes had tickets, etc., and? strike. and I think it was May 1. regardless, it brings up the need for "Plan B" which will mean more research on alternative ways to get from Paris to SJPDP... . So I appreciate that bit of info... hate to get to Paris and get a rude surprise without some plan b in place...

 

[J Willhaus]

Great point, going over some dates and notes, same thing happened to my wife and I. we wanted to take a train from Paris to Cannes had tickets, etc., and? strike. and I think it was May 1. regardless, it brings up the need for "Plan B" which will mean more research on alternative ways to get from Paris to SJPDP... . So I appreciate that bit of info... hate to get to Paris and get a rude surprise without some plan b in place...

We flew to Biarritz from Paris then shuttle to St Jean.

 

[BombayBill]

Plan B (iarritz) means you’d have multiple ways of getting to start, local train, bus, Bourricot etc. Once safely in the south you can test your gear, walk to San Sebastián etc. How long is your walk? A short one requires more exactitude, a long one and you can leave Paris tourism to the finish.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

And 1st floor is upstairs.

That’s the one that’s really hard for me to wrap my mind around.

I’ve been a lot of other places in the world and I can’t remember what system they use in other places?

(If you don’t know in the US the first floor is what Europeans referred to as a ground floor or zero)

 

[Stephan the Painter]

My start date for the Camino was based on when I retire. shortly after my last day at work, I intend to fly over and begin, it was simply what was convenient for me. and if I have to spend the night out under the stars in May? I have been in worse places... lol and BombayBill? Looking forward to the chaos. My hope is that this Camino proves to be quite the adventure, and a launching point for more travel and new journeys and perhaps new friends.

Just book the first 3 to 6 days. I would actually book a day past Pamplona. Then it doesn’t matter which day you start.

And possibly plan short days unless you are an experienced hiker.

I started right after Easter in 2024 and it was quite busy and a bit of a bed race, but there was always room in the Municipal albergues, even when everything else was booked. Embrace the top bunk!

 

[60LifeChange]

We flew to Biarritz from Paris then shuttle to St Jean.

after some fun research? I am about to duplicate your mode of transport! seems like a good idea to at least have a backup plan. fun part? the airport that I fly from in Colorado going to Dallas is notorious for having either mechanical issues or something else going on making the flight late, and in that? change all the rest of my plans a little chaos if you will. (happened 3 times so far). So, will see how plans go... and as my brother put it so succinctly? you wanna hear God laugh? Tell him your plans... lol

but having fun on the journey, so will consider that a win.

 

[60LifeChange]

Just book the first 3 to 6 days. I would actually book a day past Pamplona. Then it doesn’t matter which day you start.

And possibly plan short days unless you are an experienced hiker.

I started right after Easter in 2024 and it was quite busy and a bit of a bed race, but there was always room in the Municipal albergues, even when everything else was booked. Embrace the top bunk!

ah, will take that bit of info to heart. while I have slept in much worse conditions? Dont prefer to have that experience "self inflicted". so will look into the next stage and a place to stay... thank you! and my intent is to embrace the top bunk as I am still flexible enough to bounce if I fall out... hahahaha.

 

[Steve Sharpe]

Consider that by the time you get to Sarria Spanish schools will be doing Senior trips on the Camino and early summer crowds will be joining in then. We solved those problems by staying in the smaller towns between the main stopping points.

 

[RobinGore]

I know I saw some discussion on this topic a few weeks ago, but I can't find it - so sorry if this is repetitive.

We're likely to get into Paris at the end of April/beginning of May. If we just forged ahead, we'd probably start from SJPdP during the May 1 weekend, which I think is less than ideal given crowds? Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC given that people will have a long weekend?

So, if you had your druthers, which day around this time would be best to depart SJPdP? We could delay our start by either staying in Paris a few days or by starting our camino a few stages prior to SJPdP (which some of you were very helpful with thoughts on a bit ago!).

Thank you!
Bob

I'm taking off may 3 from SJPdP ... it happens to be a Saturday ... you'll be fine - see you there!

 

[dougfitz]

You have to be mindful of where you are travelling in from and how you get to SJPDP from wherever. It is my personal experience, on two separate occasions, that whilst the French rail system is good, Bank Holiday time is also a popular time for workers to strike. This was told to me by French workers themselves on the last occasion we were stranded. Thursday May 1st is a Bank holiday in France, I believe. So, by striking on a Friday, they get a really nice long weekend. Thursday BH, Friday strike day and then a normal Sat and Sun weekend and possibly another strike day on the Monday. A bit cynical I know, and of course, I do not tar all Workers with the same brush, but it HAS happened previously to my Wife and I, TWICE. So just bear this possibility in mind.

The puente or bridge holiday appears to be a well established practice in Spain. It is not a strike. And I suspect that the French have no such thing as a 'Bank holiday'. They and the rest of the world outside the UK observe public holidays!

 

[Mahonsk]

That’s the one that’s really hard for me to wrap my mind around.

I’ve”I’ve been a lot of other places in the world and I can’t remember what system they use in other places?

(If you don’t know in the US the first floor is what Europeans referred to as a ground floor or zero)

The puente or bridge holiday appears to be a well established practice in Spain. It is not a strike. And I suspect that the French have no such thing as a 'Bank holiday'. They and the rest of the world outside the UK observe public holidays!

You are most certainly correct. I used the term Bank Holiday instead of Public Holiday. The end result though is the same. And there are most certainly strikes, in France. Sometimes around public holidays, which can make travelling to SJPDP a little difficult, sometimes, which was the basic essence of what I was trying g to say.

 

[60LifeChange]

The camino might be cold in January!

Just joking, I know you mean the first of May, but outside the U.S., 5/1 is the fifth of January. To avoid confusion, it's best not to use this way of writing dates - 1 May, 5 Jan work better. Anyway, getting into an international mindset already could be good practice for when you get on camino and find that your international pilgrim friends don't know what miles and degrees Fahrenheit are!

Buen camino to all and hopefully you can navigate the May crowds smoothly.

i always forget that.. until it is staring me in the face.. lol.. edited and reposted!

 

[dbeatriceb]

I know I saw some discussion on this topic a few weeks ago, but I can't find it - so sorry if this is repetitive.

We're likely to get into Paris at the end of April/beginning of May. If we just forged ahead, we'd probably start from SJPdP during the May 1 weekend, which I think is less than ideal given crowds? Or, maybe the crowd/bubble is a concern for the sections closer to SdC given that people will have a long weekend?

So, if you had your druthers, which day around this time would be best to depart SJPdP? We could delay our start by either staying in Paris a few days or by starting our camino a few stages prior to SJPdP (which some of you were very helpful with thoughts on a bit ago!).

Thank you!
Bob

Check the holiday calendar for Spain. There are always more crowds around Easter and also 3 day weekends. I believe May first is a holiday. Depending on where I am during the walk, I often book ahead lodging during those dates, especially those 3 day weekends, called “puentes” btw. Just like anywhere, people like to travel for a brief getaway when they have a long weekend off from work.

 

[Anamiri]

Avoiding a crowd based on a specific date will not work. A tour group comprised of two bus loads on any given day will create a crowd.

This is so true
In May this year there was a large bus of Koreans, and another with Spanish school kids. Once I hit the Meseta I never saw either again. I mainly stayed off stage in smaller towns and never saw them in the evenings, but would encounter them at the first open cafe in the mornings - they clogged up the cafes terribly. The lines would be out onto the street. I just walked on in most cases.
I initially wondered how they got around so quickly. (I would walk past a cafe crowded with a tour group, and encounter them again at another cafe a few hours away - and I'm a fast walker). Of course they were jumping on a bus and leapfrogging ahead.
I dont know where they stayed as they would have filled an albergue completely, maybe they were in hotels off Camino. Very frustrating when you're hanging out for coffee and breakfast, and find you have to walk another hour or so.

 

[Getwood]

Having started at that time of year, I would avoid the first and the first Monday. But note @Ianinam's and others' advice about having reservations. I used to think three days was enough to get away from the crowds, but it might now take a couple more at this time of year.

I reserved all the way from SJPdP through Logroño, and was glad I did. And this was in the latter part of September this year!

By the way, I just checked Auberge Borda's website for accommodations; they're still not showing any open slots for all of 2025, so I assume that means they're still not accepting reservations. No idea when they'll start again, but I'm checking daily.

 

[Getwood]

You are most certainly correct. I used the term Bank Holiday instead of Public Holiday. The end result though is the same. And there are most certainly strikes, in France. Sometimes around public holidays, which can make travelling to SJPDP a little difficult, sometimes, which was the basic essence of what I was trying g to say.

For reasons I had explained to me and then promptly forgot, surprising numbers of strikes in France occur on Tuesdays and last exactly one day, so if you can avoid public transportation on Tuesdays, you should be good to go.

 

[Getwood]

after some fun research? I am about to duplicate your mode of transport! seems like a good idea to at least have a backup plan. fun part? the airport that I fly from in Colorado going to Dallas is notorious for having either mechanical issues or something else going on making the flight late, and in that? change all the rest of my plans a little chaos if you will. (happened 3 times so far). So, will see how plans go... and as my brother put it so succinctly? you wanna hear God laugh? Tell him your plans... lol

but having fun on the journey, so will consider that a win.

I've used the Paris --> Biarritz --> Express Bourricot shuttle to SJPdP before, and liked it. I also stayed overnight in Paris (at the CDG Ibis in Roissypôle [also known as the area adjacent Terminal 3]) to make the last flight leg easier and to get a leg up on dealing with jet-lag.

Worked well for me, but I realize that for some people traveling on the cheap, it's a bit pricier than the alternatives.

 

[dougfitz]

You are most certainly correct. I used the term Bank Holiday instead of Public Holiday. The end result though is the same.

Perhaps, but it certainly is one more instance of where even formal terms in one English dialect are not used by the speakers of the many other dialects. Fortunately, in this case, there aren't different meanings in the different variations of English - it often leads to some good-natured ribbing when someone who isn't sensitive to the way a word is used in other cultures insists on using a colloquialism here on an international forum.

 

[Mahonsk]

Perhaps, but it certainly is one more instance of where even formal terms in one English dialect are not used by the speakers of the many other dialects. Fortunately, in this case, there aren't different meanings in the different variations of English - it often leads to some good-natured ribbing when someone who isn't sensitive to the way a word is used in other cultures insists on using a colloquialism here on an international forum.

Over and out.