Accommodation

Leemac40 · May 20, 2023

Hi, I'm planning on walking the Baztan route at the beginning of September from Biarritz then on to Burgos, I have 12-13 days! On researching this it looks like accomodation options are very limited and expensive until Pamplona. Is this accurate and does anyone know whether camping is an option? Sorry if this has been spoken about already, couldn't find any thread!

timr · May 20, 2023

Hello @Leemac40
Welcome.
It is a good many years since I did the Baztan route, but I didn't find expense then to be the problem, except for the first night in Espelette, where the municipal hostel seems to have been closed for a long time, not always for the same reason. There is a tourist office in Espelette (it is quite the tourist town) and you could check with them for other options.
Have you checked Gronze here? Having a quick look, there seems to be a reasonable amount of accommodation, including albergues, although again Espelette is limited. It is a more useful option for information than the online booking sites.
There seems to be a steady trickle of people doing the route at the moment, so you may get some specific up to date recommendations. But it is a trickle!
I have never used a tent, so cannot really help you there. But the Baztan route can be very wet.....!
Tim

timr · May 20, 2023

@Leemac40
This thread is very interesting and well written by @Aurigny
They don't actually walk the Via Baztan but do spend a night camping in Espelette - in January of this year. There is then an encouraging account of breakfast the next morning!

jungleboy · May 20, 2023

@Pelerina walked the Baztan a few days ago and I’m sure she can offer accommodation advice.

Leemac40 · May 20, 2023

timr said:
Hello @Leemac40
Welcome.
It is a good many years since I did the Baztan route, but I didn't find expense then to be the problem, except for the first night in Espelette, where the municipal hostel seems to have been closed for a long time, not always for the same reason. There is a tourist office in Espelette (it is quite the tourist town) and you could check with them for other options.
Have you checked Gronze here? Having a quick look, there seems to be a reasonable amount of accommodation, including albergues, although again Espelette is limited. It is a more useful option for information than the online booking sites.
There seems to be a steady trickle of people doing the route at the moment, so you may get some specific up to date recommendations. But it is a trickle!
I have never used a tent, so cannot really help you there. But the Baztan route can be very wet.....!
Tim

Thanks, I've been looking on Gronze and Buen Camino, I want to do 25-30km per day to make it to Burgos, loving the planning stage! There are places but few that suit my stages. I usually book ahead but would ideally like to conquer my anxieties about not finding somewhere to stay.

Leemac40 · May 20, 2023

jungleboy said:
@Pelerina walked the Baztan a few days ago and I’m sure she can offer accommodation advice.

Oh I'll message them and maybe get some insight, thanks

Former member 104756 · May 20, 2023

Hi @Leemac40 (and @jungleboy ).

I’ve just seen this thread and replied to your PM. We are on the Aragones today just taking a short break for lunch. Have sent some info and can offer more later when we arrive at our albergue. Looks like some of what I’d suggest has already been covered.

Former member 104756 · May 20, 2023

Ps. You probably know this but for benefit of others who may read - the Baztan doesn’t go through Biarritz but starts in nearby Bayonne - a short train or bus ride away.

Geoff Shepherd · May 20, 2023

J

timr said:
Hello @Leemac40
Welcome.
It is a good many years since I did the Baztan route, but I didn't find expense then to be the problem, except for the first night in Espelette, where the municipal hostel seems to have been closed for a long time, not always for the same reason. There is a tourist office in Espelette (it is quite the tourist town) and you could check with them for other options.
Have you checked Gronze here? Having a quick look, there seems to be a reasonable amount of accommodation, including albergues, although again Espelette is limited. It is a more useful option for information than the online booking sites.
There seems to be a steady trickle of people doing the route at the moment, so you may get some specific up to date recommendations. But it is a trickle!
I have never used a tent, so cannot really help you there. But the Baztan route can be very wet.....!
Tim

Just did it late-Apr. Caught the 0700 TGV fm Montparnasse to Bayonne then that arvo walked the 15 km to Ustarritz, stayed in a family house/gite there. Then the albergues in: Urdax, Berotta and Olague joining the Frances at Trinidad de Arre. A great 5 day walk, tough going in places and solitary. Met only 2 others in the 5 days. You have to pack-in your own food for Berotta and Olague (though the bakery there opens at 1900 and has enough basics). Check Gronze.com and the Gerard Kelly book. Use the BuenKamino app for staying on the correct path - very poor markings in Fr and a bit better in ESP. Easy to go off-piste though. A great scenic walk. Cooee

Leemac40 · May 20, 2023

Geoff Shepherd said:
J

Just did it late-Apr. Caught the 0700 TGV fm Montparnasse to Bayonne then that arvo walked the 15 km to Ustarritz, stayed in a family house/gite there. Then the albergues in: Urdax, Berotta and Olague joining the Frances at Trinidad de Arre. A great 5 day walk, tough going in places and solitary. Met only 2 others in the 5 days. You have to pack-in your own food for Berotta and Olague (though the bakery there opens at 1900 and has enough basics). Check Gronze.com and the Gerard Kelly book. Use the BuenKamino app for staying on the correct path - very poor markings in Fr and a bit better in ESP. Easy to go off-piste though. A great scenic walk. Cooee

That's my stage plans other than the first day I would be walking all the way to Urdax as I was hoping to do it in four days, if this isn't possible/enjoyable I will change my plans as I would rather enjoy it and finish my Camino before Burgos than rush through for the sake of an end point!!!! All about the experience

Geoff Shepherd · May 20, 2023

Leemac40 said:
That's my stage plans other than the first day I would be walking all the way to Urdax as I was hoping to do it in four days, if this isn't possible/enjoyable I will change my plans as I would rather enjoy it and finish my Camino before Burgos than rush through for the sake of an end point!!!! All about the experience

It is a long way from Bayonne to Urdax - you are probably much younger than me though so good luck. Heads-up, there is a v’stiff climb out of Urdax the next day. Cooee

Eamonrodden · May 20, 2023

Leemac40 said:
Hi, I'm planning on walking the Baztan route at the beginning of September from Biarritz then on to Burgos, I have 12-13 days! On researching this it looks like accomodation options are very limited and expensive until Pamplona. Is this accurate and does anyone know whether camping is an option? Sorry if this has been spoken about already, couldn't find any thread!

Walked it about 5 years ago. Accommodation not A problem. There was a guidebook.

Leemac40 · May 21, 2023

Geoff Shepherd said:
It is a long way from Bayonne to Urdax - you are probably much younger than me though so good luck. Heads-up, there is a v’stiff climb out of Urdax the next day. Cooee

Nothing beats a beast of a climb to shake the cobwebs off

pinkwadingbird · May 21, 2023

Walked it in the end of March. The biggest challenge for me was finding a place to sleep where food was also available in the same town. It seemed that a couple of days gronze.com indicated a bar/cafe was available but for whatever reason was not open. September is more "in season" so this might not be an issue for you. Beautiful walk. Only met 2 other pilgrims the entire time.

Leemac40 · May 21, 2023

Eamonrodden said:
Walked it about 5 years ago. Accommodation not A problem. There was a guidebook.

Thanks, puts my mind at ease

pinkwadingbird said:
Walked it in the end of March. The biggest challenge for me was finding a place to sleep where food was also available in the same town. It seemed that a couple of days gronze.com indicated a bar/cafe was available but for whatever reason was not open. September is more "in season" so this might not be an issue for you. Beautiful walk. Only met 2 other pilgrims the entire time.

Will make sure I'm equipped with baguette and crisps at all times

mrlentz · May 22, 2023

i was planning to do this route until a change I dates out me on the Norte/Lebaniego. There is a Facebook group with a great up to date accommodation listing. Here is a link

Leemac40 · May 22, 2023

mrlentz said:
i was planning to do this route until a change I dates out me on the Norte/Lebaniego. There is a Facebook group with a great up to date accommodation listing. Here is a link

Thanks so much will definitely use this

Jfdeasy · Jun 13, 2023

Leemac40 said:
Hi, I'm planning on walking the Baztan route at the beginning of September from Biarritz then on to Burgos, I have 12-13 days! On researching this it looks like accomodation options are very limited and expensive until Pamplona. Is this accurate and does anyone know whether camping is an option? Sorry if this has been spoken about already, couldn't find any thread!

Can you keep me posted.
I’m hoping to do the same mid September
Any information you have on this walk would greatly be appreciated.

Leemac40 · Jun 14, 2023

Jfdeasy said:
Can you keep me posted.
I’m hoping to do the same mid September
Any information you have on this walk would greatly be appreciated.

No worries, due to go just before you, feeling quite positive about it now after replies on here and further information

WalkingInGers · Nov 23, 2023

I plan to walk that 6 day stint in late February/early March.

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