7 Day 1 Walking Camino - from Saint-Jean-Pied-de Port to Valcarlos

Day 1: Saint-Jean-Pied-de Port to Valcarlos (13km)

(May 27, 2023)

The Pilgrams office provided each pilgrims a set of suggested walking stages and their profiles (see photo below).

On the inaugural day of our Camino journey, we were presented with a crucial decision—to embark on one of two paths that would lead us across the awe-inspiring Pyrenees and towards Roncesvalles: the Napoleon Route (indicated by the red line) or the more manageable alternative (represented by the green line) (refer to the map graciously supplied by the Pilgrims Office). It's worth noting that the red line entails a demanding ascent of approximately 1200 meters, while the green line offers a less strenuous option with an elevation gain of around 800 meters.

 Considering it was our first time and taking physical condition into account, we decided to take the easier route (green line) and split the walk by staying overnight in the village of Valcarlos. Prior to arrival, I made reservations at the Albergue based on recommendations from previous walkers.

Leaving Saint Jean, as we walked out of Saint Jean, we reached a house where the split between the two routes was marked. Here, we turned right to take the green line. Since the green line is less popular, we encountered only one other pilgrim along the entire route before reaching Valcarlos.

The initial part of the walk took us through the beautiful French countryside in the early morning. The sun's rays illuminated the earth, creating a misty and serene atmosphere. The countryside showcased its unique beauty with mountains, valleys, animals, green fields, and wildflowers.

On the way, we walked crossed France and reached Spain (It's worth nothing that this Camino is called French Way due to it starts in France, but majority of the walking are done in Spain).

As we approached Valcarlos, we had to share the road with cars. It was during this part of the walk that I learned the importance of walking on the left side of the road. After a couple of instances where cars honked and pointed to the left side of the route, I realized it was safer and easier to see oncoming traffic from that side. Switching to the left side became the norm since. It's worth noting that, as an American accustomed to walking exclusively on pedestrian pathways, this experience marked my first-time walking on a road designated for cars.

We arrived Valcarlos around 12 noon.  We enjoyed a relatively easy day of hiking as we followed a route that gradually ascended. The path primarily consisted of a well-maintained and long stretch of paved road, offering us a relatively smooth walking surface.  There were not many cars on the road.

Upon arrived the Albergue in Valcarlos, I asked fellow pilgrims about the rule of walking on the left side of the road. They confirmed to me that its importance and mentioned that it was common knowledge among walkers. I was surprised that I hadn't come across this rule in any YouTube videos, but now it became Lesson number 1 learned on the Camino.

                                                Here is a map that provided by the pilgrim's office:

Suggested stages of walking (showing profiles)

Here is the picture of the house where you see the sign of directions of red and green routes:

Here are some photos I took along the way, capturing the essence of the Camino and the scenic French countryside.