Walking the Frances Route starting early March 2025

slee92630 said:

I'm looking at starting around March 10, 2025, and will leave from Saint Jean Pied de Port. I welcome any input from people that started that early. A couple of concerns included the weather the first few days being unpredictable and finding albergues open that early in the season. Also, which have you found more convenient, flying into Madrid or Paris as far large airports go (coming from California)? Thank you.

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In March I would suggest flying into Paris if your intention is to start walking from St Jean. There will be no bus from Pamplona. There will be trains to Bayonne and a train or replacement bus to St J.

The Route Napoleon will be closed. The Albergue in Valcarlos can be booked in advance but that is unlikely to be necessary at that time of year. An email or phone call in advance will let them know you’re coming. There are a few alternative accommodations in Valcarlos.

https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances Is an excellent resource for accommodations

We are starting March 1 in Roncesvalles and will walk to the community of Grañón where we will serve as hospitaleros from 15 to 31 March. I hope you'll stop in to stay or at least say Hello on your way through town.

We will fly to Madrid, take the train to Pamplona and then the afternoon bus to Roncesvalles to start the next morning. Easier than getting to SJPDP and we don't have to cross the Pyrenees in winter.

There is also a winter website. Which can help you find lodging in addition to Gronze.com