LIVE from the Camino Camino Baztan cut short

[G_the_D]

October might not be the best time to start the Baztan route.

I made it to Elizondo today to find that there we no beds available anywhere. (four day fiesta that I had no clue about) Not in albergues, casas or hotels. Two days earlier I couldn't find room in Espelette either.

So I have cut short Baztan and made my way to Zubiri to continue on the Frances.

My own fault and I am slightly disapointed. My own fault for not researching I suppose.

Gord

 

[timr]

October might not be the best time to start the Baztan route.

I made it to Elizondo today to find that there we no beds available anywhere. (four day fiesta that I had no clue about) Not in albergues, casas or hotels. Two days earlier I couldn't find room in Espelette either.

So I have cut short Baztan and made my way to Zubiri to continue on the Frances.

My own fault and I am slightly disapointed. My own fault for not researching I suppose.

Gord

@G_the_D Sorry to hear that. How unfortunate. Facebook just recently reminded me that I walked Baztan just over a year ago - over the equivalent of last weekend. I arrived Pamplona 10th. And I was alone everywhere! I certainly didn't check for fiestas before going! The gite was closed in Espelette but I got a reasonable deal in big hotel. I gather the gite has closed now until next year. I didn't stay in Elizondo. I stayed in Arizkun and Lantz.
I hope the rest of your trip goes well.

 

[VNwalking]

So sorry to hear this @G_the_D - what you ran across is a far cry from the solitude that those of us who have walked this route got to experience. So thanks for the word to the wise; very good to be reminded that assumptions may run headlong into fiestas along any route, and so being prepared is essential!
Buen camino on the Frances.

 

[jsalt]

Hi, sorry to hear about that. A similar thing happened to me (also in October) on the Voie de Soulac – got to Seignosse-le-Penon to find there was a big surfing competition on, so no accommodation to be had anywhere. Took a taxi to Labenne-Ocean and stayed in the old municipal chalets there for the special pilgrim rate. Next day walked back 10kms along the cycle path to Seignosse, had a fabulous long leisurely lunch watching the surfing dudes, and in the afternoon walked back to my municipal chalet – a great day!
Jill