Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
I agree. Val Carlos (Valley of Charlemagne) is the authentic walkers route while the Napoleon is a military, high level alternative used to escape ambush attacks from the densely covered hills and valleys on the lower route. The first 12km might be easier than the start of the Napoloeon but the second half is much steeper.The Valcarlos Route would be my suggestion based on your criteria. Having walked both routes, and yes they are different, both are excellent first days on the Camino. If you look at the stage profile on Gronze.com, you’ll see that the village of Valcarlos is approximately half way to Roncesvalles. The first 12 km or so getting to the village are quite pleasant walking through the valley. It’s really only after that that you start your climb over the mountain. You’ll also see on Gronze a number of places that offer private rooms. I know most pilgrims want to take the Napoleon Route, and on a clear day, the views are magnificent, but both routes are quite good for getting you over the Pyrenees. Buen Camino!
Let me clarify a bit by saying that this means that the second half of the Valcarlos route is steeper than the first half of it. The steepest 3 km of the Napoleon Route is on its first half and is a match to the steepest 3 km of the Valcarlos Route found on the second half of the Valcarlos.The first 12km might be easier than the start of the Napoloeon but the second half is much steeper.
Borda has no bunk beds but only single beds, excellently separated from each other, 3 rooms with 4 beds each and a double roomOrrison and Borda on the Nepoleon are open bunk rooms for the most part. You could wLk part way and then arrange a taxi back and forth on this route.
Hello, does anyone know if there is a mid-stop from SJDP to Roncesvalles? I am not sure we are up for the full length on Day 1. I see there is a hostel but I stay in the hotels. This is my 2nd time only and last time I started in Pamplona and did segments and this time I wish to start in SJDP.
Thank you !
Ok, when I say "open bunk," I mean a room with multiple beds in the same room. Could be bunk beds or just twin beds.Borda has no bunk beds but only single beds, excellently separated from each other, 3 rooms with 4 beds each and a double room
The double room has 2 single beds, a private bathroom and a lovely wood fireBorda has no bunk beds but only single beds, excellently separated from each other, 3 rooms with 4 beds each and a double room
Actually only 5.2 kmIts only about 9 k from SJPdP
Thank you very much. I will look into this! At Lopoeder into Roncevalles do you pass thru SJDP? and then pick up the trail?In 2010 stayed at Gite Ferme Ithurburia in Honto (coming in from Ostabat and skipping SJPdP) on the Vezeley route. It was a very French gite with a great meal. We were 2 in a 3 bed room but i think they have 4-5 double rooms. It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to the French pilgrim culture. I would strongly recommend as a nice introduction to French hospitality you get along LePuy. Its only about 9 k from SJPdP so leaves another 20 or so to go up Lepoeder and down into Roncevalles. I dont see Honto mentioned often in forum as a stopover; mostly Orisson and Borda, but it is a great gite experience. Gronze shows they have only 17 beds.
Here's the map of the route from SJPdP to Roncesvalles. It reads from right to left (east to west). As you can see, Collado de Leopeder is part of the descent to Roncesvalles. I recommend taking the trail to the right at the fork, represented by a dotted line - it's a gentler descent.Thank you very much. I will look into this! At Lopoeder into Roncevalles do you pass thru SJDP? and then pick up the trail?
Hello! If you can get a bed at Orisson, o'night there. You won't regret it, not only for the way it breaks up the climb, but for the wonderful way to start your Camino. It's the essence of the Camino in every way. Buon CaminoHello, does anyone know if there is a mid-stop from SJDP to Roncesvalles? I am not sure we are up for the full length on Day 1. I see there is a hostel but I stay in the hotels. This is my 2nd time only and last time I started in Pamplona and did segments and this time I wish to start in SJDP.
Thank you !
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?