Need something to do before Camino

[Purple Backpack]

Hi friends, I’ve done several Caminos but stressing over this one, my first solo. I arrive in Biarritz and find myself with a couple of days before leaving SJPDP. Anyone have any suggestions for a pleasant place to dejetlag before heading to St Jean? My early days are already booked so can’t really take off early and I’d probably be a mess walking right off the plane. Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

 

[Former member 104756]

Hi there. You are in a great spot to spend a few days before heading to SJPP

As well as Biarritz, you have some great towns close by - Saint Jean de Luz and Bayonne are a short train ride away - or you can walk, see below. Hondarribia, just over the border, is a fabulous town. You can take the train from Biarritz to Hendaye then short ferry to Hondarribia.

Bayonne - Saint-Jean-de-Luz | Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

A los peregrinos de largo recorrido os proponemos iniciar el Camino del Norte en Bayonne-Baiona, capital del País Vasco Francés e importante cruce de caminos, no en vano pasan por ella tres rutas jacobeas. Sin desmerecer a quienes comienzan en Irún, arrancar desde un lugar tan emblemático como...

www.gronze.com

I’d probably opt for a few nights based in SaintJean de Luz - it’s a lovely town. You can do some walking on the coastline, visit Bayonne or Hondarribia - or just relax. The train station is right near the centre of town

 

[Roland49]

I would stay in Biarritz on the coast. Nice little town, cozy Inns, friendly people.
But why do you stress? I flew in, took the evening train, picked up my credential, went to an Albergue and on the next morning I sat with a dozend other pilgrims at breakfast.

I took off alone, met a brazilian girl half way up to Orisson and later on, just before Burgos I had a Camino-Family around me.

The Camino provides. Don't stress!

 

[Purple Backpack]

Hi there. You are in a great spot to spend a few days before heading to SJPP

As well as Biarritz, you have some great towns close by - Saint Jean de Luz and Bayonne are a short train ride away - or you can walk, see below. Hondarribia, just over the border, is a fabulous town. You can take the train from Biarritz to Hendaye then short ferry to Hondarribia.

Bayonne - Saint-Jean-de-Luz | Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

A los peregrinos de largo recorrido os proponemos iniciar el Camino del Norte en Bayonne-Baiona, capital del País Vasco Francés e importante cruce de caminos, no en vano pasan por ella tres rutas jacobeas. Sin desmerecer a quienes comienzan en Irún, arrancar desde un lugar tan emblemático como...

www.gronze.com

I’d probably opt for a few nights based in SaintJean de Luz - it’s a lovely town. You can do some walking on the coastline, visit Bayonne or Hondarribia - or just relax. The train station is right near the centre of town

I actually spent a couple of days in St Jean de Luz before the Norte last fall. Gorgeous little town but think I need something easier to get to SJPDP since I’ve only got a day and a half.

 

[Former member 104756]

I misunderstood. Thought you had more time you were trying to fill. If you’re taking the train to SJPP and don’t want to arrive there early - why not stay in Bayonne. That’s easy.

 

[Robo]

Head to St Jean early?
Maybe do a short stroll along the Valcarlos route and back.......for a few hours.

 

[davejsy]

I would second Bayonne if you have 1.5 days and don't want to stray too far from train to SJPdP, and don't want to head there direct. Plenty to do and see and walk around which will help take your mind off things.

 

[Tandem Graham]

Bayonne is a lovely small city. Try lunch near the riverside market hall and do visit the cathedral. Oh, Bayonne's chocolate makers have a deserved strong reputation too! There's an Albergue/Gite d'Etape and a decent range of other afforadble accomodation.

 

[K_Lynn]

I would stay in Biarritz on the coast. Nice little town, cozy Inns, friendly people.
But why do you stress? I flew in, took the evening train, picked up my credential, went to an Albergue and on the next morning I sat with a dozend other pilgrims at breakfast.

I took off alone, met a brazilian girl half way up to Orisson and later on, just before Burgos I had a Camino-Family around me.

The Camino provides. Don't stress!

I had a similar schedule. Arrived from Toronto to SJPdP, had dinner and wandered about. Woke up and started walking the next day.

And was completely out of gas by Orisson. I was so exhausted I couldn't even chew my lunch and ended up taking a taxi down and around to Roncesvalles. Jetlag/travel exhaustion affects us in different ways. For myself if on a leisure holiday I can arrive and carry on touristing without a care, but for a Camino I need a couple of days to be rested prior to walking.

 

[Scott Fraser]

Hi friends, I’ve done several Caminos but stressing over this one, my first solo. I arrive in Biarritz and find myself with a couple of days before leaving SJPDP. Anyone have any suggestions for a pleasant place to dejetlag before heading to St Jean? My early days are already booked so can’t really take off early and I’d probably be a mess walking right off the plane. Thanks so much, I appreciate it!

Lourdes is an easy train ride from Bayonne. It’s an interesting pilgrimage town, but of a different sort than you’ll find on the Frances.

 

[Purple Backpack]

Lourdes is an easy train ride from Bayonne. It’s an interesting pilgrimage town, but of a different sort than you’ll find on the Frances.

I’m looking at Lourdes, have always been interested in seeing it. But I wasn’t sure if a day and half is enough time.

 

[Scott Fraser]

You probably need two overnights in Lourdes which gives you a full day to poke around. It’s an interesting town.