Lodging in St. Jean Pied-de-Port, France?
 

Can anyone recommend good lodging of any kind (gîte d'étape, hôtel, pension, etc.) in St. Jean Pied-de-Port? I am going there in the Fall to start the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and am curious about the options that may be available.

Merci à tous,

Frank

I can't recommend a place but let me be the first to wish you "bien camino". I hope to someday walk to camino.

A lot of the Gites and hotels are located on the pedestrianised street (Rue de la Citadelle). Lots of my clients stay at Hotel Ramuntcho. But there are lots of other options on the same street.

If you haven't checked look at the tourist office website, which will list most if not all of the accommodation in town and nearby:

http://www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasque-tourisme.com/

I walked the Camino from SJPDP in May 2011 and stayed that first night at Hotel Central, great location, and very close to the Spanish Gate from where to start your Camino. The room was OK, did showed the wear, however. That said, I had a great night sleep and it was clean. I had a very nice dinner at their restaurant. While breakfast was included I was anxious to start walking and skipped it. They would not accomodate an earlier breakfast either; didn't even offer a cup of coffee. Thank goodness I experienced more kindness towards Pilgrims once I crossed over the border on to Spain ;)

I am sure you know you have the options of the Albergues; first and foremost go get to the Office of the Pilgrims at Rue Citadelle and get your Credential stamped. Also, make sure you ask about the weather for next's day crossing. The volunteers at SJPDP are wonderful and so helpful. Get familiar with the route using the super extra large maps on their walls.

Friends of mine stayed at a double room (25 Euro/ breakfast included) at the Albergue Esprit du Chemin (www.espritduchemin.org). In addition, try the following gite: http://www.ultreia64.fr/en. Many pilgrims stayed there as well.

I am going back to the Camino in May! can't wait!! Buen Camino!!

One of the nicest properties in the area is the Hôtel Arcé in St-Etienne-de-Baïgorry, but it is often booked far in advance.

The best property in Pied-de-Port is the Hôtel les Pyrénes (http://hotel-les-pyrenees.com). It's restaurant receives one of the highest ratings from the Académie Basque de Gastronomie, making it the 6th highest rated restaurant in the Basque country (Pays Basque and País Vasco).

You can always try this: http://www.gites-de-france.com/ and click on <i>chambres d'hôte</i>.

This is all very helpful information -- thanks so much!

Buen camino,

Frank