Camino Frances Stage 1: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Borda.

Camino Francés Port de St. Jacques

Trail Notes

Camino Francés Elevation

SJPP to Roncesvalles. Most pilgrims stay the night in Orrison or Borda. The climb to Orrison is very challenging.

• Quick Snapshot

  Difficulty: 5 out of 5 (challenging)

  Distance: Strenuous 8.8 km (approx. 5.6 miles)

  Elevation Gain: 2,749 ft (838 m)

  Time: 3.5–4.5 hours to complete. This initial stage in the Pyrénées is a straight uphill climb.

  Alternative transportation: buses and taxis to Orisson are available.

• Food, Water & Stops

  • Limited stops—plan ahead

  • Carry enough water (at least 1.5–2L)

  • Cafés/bar: Honto, 5.5 km (3.4 miles) / Orisson, 8.2 km (5.09 miles)

  • Water availability: Honto, Orisson

• Where to Stay in Borda

  • Albergues: Albergue Borda

  • Private pensions: none

  • One personal recommendation: Albergue Borda

  Nearby essentials: Cafe at Orrison, nothing available in Borda( Saint- Michel)

• Tips for Future Pilgrims

  • On arrival, stay a full day in Saint Jean Pied de Port to recover from jet lag.

  • If you are over 50 and have not trained for at least 3 months, this stage will be strenuous.

  • Pay attention to your backpack weight. You will learn that every ounce matters!

  • Alternative transportation: buses and taxis are available to the next stage

JOURNAL

I’ll be honest—this stage humbled me.

Starting in the dark felt exciting, almost romantic… until the climb got steeper and didn't stop. This climb would be challenging even for the experienced hiker. I should have followed my instinct and had my pack transferred to lighten the uphill load.

Arriving at Albergue Borda was exciting. That Night, I met what would become my “Camino Family.” That night, watching the sun set over the Pyrenees, I smiled to myself and thought,”This is so much fun… why had I been so afraid of traveling solo?”