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Rest day in SJPP?

Mananath

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances July 2022
Hi - I am currently on the Via Podiensis and in a few weeks will be arriving in SJPP and then continuing on the Frances for a bit.

I have never been to SJPP before and am wondering if it is worth taking a rest day there or pushing on and taking a rest day in Pamplona.

Any one have any suggestions? Aside from watching all the new pilgrims arrive is there much to see and do in SJPP?

Thanks!
 
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I love SJPP and have taken a rest day there after a trans-Atlantic flight before starting my CF. A picturesque town at the foot of the Pyrenees. However, Pamplona is one of my favorite cities on the Camino Francés. My recommendation would be to overnight in SJPP and wait until Pamplona for a full rest day. You can certainly see and enjoy most of SJPP in an afternoon and evening. I’d then push on to Pamplona both for its history and the food.
 
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Doesn’t it really rather depend on what we mean by a “rest day”? If I want a rest day I want to take it somewhere with few if any distractions, no “go to “ sights and at best two bars one of which is open when the other one isn’t. So, from my angle, a small French provincial town with few attractions is an ideal spot for a rest day. Party central, Hemingwayed, bull-buggering, Pamplona ain’t.

But, hey, what’s a rest day?
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I have arrived in SJPdP by early afternoon twice before spending the night there. A good half day sightseeing has been sufficient because in spring the days are long. It is a beautiful town to explore. Walking the mostly intact city walls was one of the highlights I enjoyed with the views of the rolling mountains on one side and the village structures on the inside.
 
Ah, St Jean ... has more of a village feel to me than a town. The church at the foot of the cobblestone lane (the lane is the Camino) is worth a visit and a stillness time .. has various small shops so a good place to stock with last minute things (there is a trekking/maps shop almost opposite the pilgrim office) and there are some souvenir/local artisan goods shops that one can browse ... but, well, I agree with TincaTinker, depends upon what you mean by a rest day ... true idleness? Well, it will do ... a culturalist? go to Pamplona - or do both!
 
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If you arrive on a Monday there is a very good market with local products. Also, a shorter walking day into SJPDP gives you a good afternoon and evening to explore without being too tired. Or you could book albergue Orrison or Borda, 9/10km for the next day and take your time leaving SJPDP and enjoy the shorter day for your trek onwards.
 
Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback. Seems like SJPP will be a one night stop.
 
Camino Way markers in Bronze
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
UncleMonty said:
I think you're being perhaps a bit harsh. I would suggest that for a newbie there's half a day at least walking the ramparts, exploring the Citadel and soaking up a little Basque culture. It's a very pretty town.
Click to expand...
You are right, several hours is more like it unless you are short on time. I actually love SJPDP and have been there several times both walking and in the camper.
I still think that on a choice between it and Pamplona for a rest day if you are time short I would still pick Pamplona.
 
I do not agree:
- Pamplona is surrounded by ramparts. It should be something new for our fellow from the New World...
- Its cathedral is worth visiting, you can even climb in the bell towers.
- Last, but not least, you can eat there a tasteful chocolate con churros !
 
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A selection of Camino Jewellery
EXPRESS BOURRICOT - Transport
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
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