Home > Camino De Santiago > Camino Frances > Pilgrim Office in St Jean Pied de Port

Visit The Pilgrim Office in St Jean Pied de Port & Start Your Camino There!

Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

I’ve walked the Camino Frances eight times, and these days I always start my journey at the Pilgrim Office in St Jean Pied de Port.

I’ve also sat on the other side of the desk as a volunteer, welcoming new pilgrims and seeing firsthand the mix of excitement, nerves, and questions : Am I doing the right thing? What do I need to do? Which route should I take? Can I even do this? Should I even do this?

If you’re starting your Camino from St Jean Pied de Port, make one of your very first stops the Pilgrim Office. The multi-language team there has been in your shoes and we totally get how you’re feeling!

Keep reading and I’ll walk you through exactly what happens at the Pilgrim Office, the most common questions first-time pilgrims ask and a few insider tips to help make your first day on the Camino go as smooth and stress-free as possible.

What Is the Pilgrim Office? (Who Runs It)

The Pilgrim Office is your first stop on the Camino Frances in St Jean. It’s where you officially register as a pilgrim, pick up your credential (pilgrim passport), get information about your route, and find support for any last-minute questions or worries.

The office is staffed entirely by volunteers who give up their time because they’re passionate about the Camino de Santiago and about helping other pilgrims. Every volunteer has walked the Camino themselves and is knowledgeable about the route.

The team is multilingual — most volunteers speak at least two languages. During my last time  there,  our four-person team spoke English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German between us.

The Office is managed by the French Pilgrim Association, Les Amis de Chemin de St Jacques de Compostela — translated, The Friends of the Way of St. James.

Where is the Pilgrim Office?

You’ll find the Pilgrim Office in the heart of the old town of St Jean Pied de Port.  Be warned it’s at the top of the hill but consider it good training!

When is the Pilgrim Office Open?

The office is open throughout the year, although the numbers of volunteers varies depending on the season.

Hours can vary depending on train schedules. During my stint, we stayed open late on Fridays and Sundays when the 10 PM trains arrived, just in case pilgrims needed support. In really busy times, the office often stays open beyond closing hours to assist everyone.

If you arrive and find a queue, don’t worry. Take the opportunity to chat with other pilgrims — the office is often bustling with people from all over the world. You’ll likely meet others walking your same route. Stay and chat and start building your Camino community!

Top Tip : When I first volunteered, I imagined that I would have free time to explore St Jean during my breaks.  Little did I know that we really do work those hours!  So if when you arrive you have to wait a little while in the queue, do spare a thought for the poor pilgrim on the other side of the desk as they may be feeling a tad tired too!  (But we’re still excited to welcome you to the Camino.)

What to Expect When You Arrive at the Pilgrim Office    

When I first walked the Napoleon route, I skipped the Pilgrim Office. I had driven down from Bordeaux, arrived at lunchtime, and set off for Orisson right away.

I skipped the visit because I had no idea what they could offer and that was a mistake. On subsequent visits, I always drop by, and when leading groups, I always arrange for a visit for them to  experience the Pilgrim welcome.

It’s almost like a rite of passage. Every member of the team will have walked the Camino de Santiago at least once (or, like me, countless times). All of them will understand your excitement, nerves, or concerns — and each will offer a wealth of information.

1. Pilgrim Registration

When you first arrive at the desk, you’ll officially register as a pilgrim for the Camino Frances. That all sounds rather formal and grand, but in reality, I’d simply welcome you and ask where you’re from.

During my time volunteering, most pilgrims were surprised by how little we needed. It’s quick and friendly, but I hope it still feels like the real start of your journey.

I might have just put a tick in a box, but I always made sure that each person felt unique. Because I’ve been fortunate to travel so widely, I could usually say something about each nationality too — and that really helped break the ice!

Top Tip: Registration really is just a tick on a sheet. We record pilgrim arrivals by nationality.

2. Pilgrim Credential or Pilgrim Passport

My next question was always, “Do you have a pilgrim passport?” Some folks arrived with a credential from their own local chapter, but around 70% purchased their pilgrim credentials from the Pilgrim Office.

The credential is an essential document for any pilgrim, used to collect stamps (sellos) from hostels, hotels, churches, bars, cafés, and more along the way. To access pilgrim accommodation and to obtain your Compostela when you reach Santiago de Compostela, you’ll need a pilgrim credential.

You can purchase one in advance or buy one when you arrive. They aren’t free, so ensure you have a little cash with you — it’s cash only, which caught a few folks out when they arrived.

We’ll show you which sections to complete and explain how the credential works. We also had small plastic bags to help protect credentials from rain!

Top Tip: Credentials can get lost. Increase the chance of having it returned by including your phone number or email address on it.

3. Your first Sello or Stamp

Regardless of whether you brought your own credential or purchased one from us, the Pilgrim Office can also provide your first sello.

As you walk the Camino de Santiago, your pilgrim credential will fill with all kinds of stamps collected along the way. Every night, your accommodation will stamp your passport, and I recommend collecting at least one more during the day too.

For no other reason, if I’m starting my walk from St Jean Pied de Port, I visit the office for my Sello. I like the stamp to be first if at all possible!

Top Tip: Make sure you collect two sellos every day during the last 100 kilometres of your walk to qualify for your Compostela. If you’re like me, you’ll end up collecting two or more every day anyway!

4. Route Information & Guidance

With the formalities out of the way, we’ll talk more about your journey. Which route are you taking? Are you planning to break the stage? We’ll go over the details with you.

There’s a huge map on the wall of the office, and the team will also provide you with detailed information about your chosen route — stage distances, route elevations, and safety tips.

They’ll also have the latest Camino news and any current known issues or problems to watch out for.

While the team provides excellent information and the route is well marked, I personally recommend downloading either the Wise Pilgrim App or the multi-language Buen Camino app. I’ve used Wise Pilgrim for many years, and it’s an invaluable source of information for me.

If you prefer a physical book, consider purchasing a guide like the John Brierley Guide before leaving home.

5. Weather Updates

This is perhaps one of the most important reasons for stopping at the Pilgrim Office especially if you’re walking over the mountain from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles!

We have a computer in the office that shows the current forecast for the mountains. But it’s very important to remember that weather at elevation can change quickly and is unpredictable.

During my time at the office, the forecast one day showed clear skies with light rain later in the afternoon. The rain started early — and it was anything but light! Later, I read some scathing comments online about the Pilgrim Office, which felt a little unfair.

Please do remember that while we share the best information available, the weather in the mountains is unpredictable. You need to be prepared for every eventuality!

6. Accommodation and Hostel List

The Pilgrim Office cannot book accommodation for you in St Jean, but they do offer assistance.

During my time at the office, we made calls and received updates from local hotels and albergues. During peak season, the office will do what it can to help find beds in nearby villages and arrange taxis if needed.

Another helpful resource the Pilgrim Office provides is a fabulous document listing every pilgrim hostel between St Jean and Santiago de Compostela. It includes contact details, the size of the hostel, whether they have a kitchen or offer a communal dinner — and it’s totally free!

Top Tip: St Jean can and does get fully booked. During peak times, it’s not uncommon for all beds to fill. The first few days on the Camino Frances can be very busy. My usual advice is to book accommodation ahead until Pamplona — especially if you plan to break Day One and stay at Orisson or Borda (or use Donkey Service to spend two nights in St Jean).

7. Pilgrim Shell

Many pilgrims like to carry a shell on their backpack to identify themselves as pilgrims. There are shops in St Jean Pied de Port selling them, but you can also purchase one at the office.

We don’t set a price — simply choose your shell and leave a donation!

Common Questions That First-Time Pilgrims Ask

I know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you arrive, but if it helps, rest assured that you’re not alone — most folks have the same concerns and questions.

Here are some of the more common worries (and what you should know before you start your Camino).

What’s the Weather Like?

This is probably the number one question everyone asks. Everyone hopes to walk across the mountains under a blue sky, enjoying those fabulous far-reaching views and they want to feel reassured that the route is safe.

We do share the latest forecast, but I always reminded people that mountain weather changes fast. No forecast is perfect, and even great weather reports can’t predict a low-lying cloud. Come prepared for rain, wind, and sunshine — sometimes all in one day!

Do I Need Reservations?

Thankfully, during my time volunteering, we found a bed for everyone but I was not there during peak season. I can only imagine the stress folks must feel arriving during these very busy months.

During peak times, accommodation in St Jean and along the first few stages can fill fast. I always recommend booking ahead for at least the first few nights, ideally to Pamplona, it’s one less thing to worry about after a long day of walking.

The image below shows the number of pilgrims walking the Camino Frances in 2024 but if you’d like more detailed statistics, you can visit the Pilgrim Office website in Santiago.

Can I Get Help Planning My First Day?

Absolutely! The team will walk you through your choices. We’ll share details of both the Valcarlos and Napoleon routes, go over the options if you’re planning to walk all the way to Roncesvalles or break the stage with a stay at Orisson or Borda.

We’ll also explain how to arrange luggage transfers and who to contact for Donkey Service.

What Route Should I Walk?

Sometimes the choice is made by the weather. Other times, it depends on your level of fitness and accommodation availability along the way.

Some pilgrims worry about choosing the right path and we’ll talk through both the Napoleon and Valcarlos options with you.

We can’t tell you which route is right for you, but we’ll help you pick the safest and best option based on the weather, your fitness, and your goals.

Where Can I Find a Bed?

We kept a list of all the accommodation near the Pilgrim Office but each time I visit St Jean, there’s a new option alongside my old favourites.

If you don’t have reservations, don’t panic. We’ll do our best to help.  But during peak times, it’s true that all beds can book up and its not been unknown for the Fire Station floor to be used as a backup option!          

Tips From a Pilgrim Office Volunteer

I felt as though I knew pretty much everything I needed to know when I arrived to volunteer — and yet there were still a few surprises and I picked up a few more tricks along the way.

Best Times to Visit the Office

The busiest times at the Pilgrim Office are when the doors open in the morning, after we reopen following lunch, and after every train arrival into St Jean.

If you’re looking to avoid a wait, check the train schedules and try to drop by 30 minutes before a train arrives — you’ll hopefully find an empty desk!

Book Accommodation

I know I’m repeating myself, but do yourself a big favour and book a bed — ideally, book your first few nights in advance. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did. It’ll be one less thing to worry about when you arrive tired after travelling.

If you want more help choosing accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port, I’ve put together a full guide on Where to Stay in St Jean Pied de Port.

Top Tip: Beds are more expensive in France. Don’t expect to find a 8€ bed here! If you plan for a slightly pricier stay, you’ll be much better prepared when you arrive.

Donkey Service

Donkey Service offers luggage transfer and pilgrim transport services. They’ll move both bags and people across the mountain on either the Valcarlos or Napoleon routes and they also offer transportation from places like Bayonne and Biarritz.

But did you know there are actually two companies offering this service? I didn’t either until I volunteered!

Planning Day One & Two

Think carefully about how you’ll cross the mountains. Are you fit enough to complete 25 kilometres in one day, especially with the elevation!

Be honest about your fitness because there were a few pilgrims who gave me cause for concern.  However, it’s not our place to tell pilgrims what they can or can’t do, we can only advise.

I’ve walked the Napoleon route eight times, and I choose to break the stage because I love the walk and want to meander. Be like me and either:

And if you’re concerned that the Napoleon route is too high and exposed, opt for the lower Valcarlos route — it’s still a challenging walk, but without the high pass.

ATM’s and Supermarkets In St Jean

We were asked many times about where you could find both! The ATM I originally thought was working (opposite the Tourist Office) was apparently closed.

I was reliably informed that the best choice is the Carrefour Supermarket, just a 7-minute walk from the Pilgrim Office.  I visited a few times — it’s a great little supermarket, has an ATM nearby, and is the perfect place to stock up on essentials.

Bike Storage

I have little to no personal experience with bike hire, but we were told that the place to ask is Maya Sport. They store bikes and are located near the Carrefour Supermarket.

Outdoor Shops

Many pilgrims want to do last-minute shopping especially for hiking poles, which can’t be brought in hand luggage on planes.

Just down from the Pilgrim Office is a shop selling all manner of sporting goods for pilgrims. I visited during my stay, and they told me they’ll order specific items for you and store them until you arrive.

They speak French and English, and you can email them with any questions before your trip.

How Do You Volunteer to Work in the Pilgrim Office?

Volunteers are booked for one-week stints at the Pilgrim Office and at first, I thought that seemed quite short.  And then I worked a week and understood.

Thousands of pilgrims pass through the doors in just one week. The office is open from early morning until late at night, and while it’s joyous greeting pilgrims (and I can’t wait until my next visit!), it’s also tiring.

If you’ve walked the Camino Frances, are an experienced pilgrim, and ideally speak two languages, you can contact the French Pilgrim Association — Les Amis de Chemin de St Jacques de Compostela.

Should You Visit the Pilgrim Office In St Jean Pied de Port

You don’t have to visit the office — it’s not required to register your arrival in St Jean or to start the Camino. But I highly recommend it.

On my first Camino, I got my first sello at the Tourist Information office and started walking to Roncesvalles. But I know better now. I wasn’t aware then of the Pilgrim Office — or of the wonderful people working there.

The Pilgrim Office volunteers are a passionate bunch. They provide an incredible service and act as a bridge between home and the Camino. Their assistance with credentials, information, guidance, and that first pilgrim stamp makes everything seem very real.

Stop off and say hello — you never know, one day you might see me behind the desk!

Are You Planning To Walk The Camino Frances?

If you’re planning to walk the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port, I have a series of posts that may be helpful:

Starting your Camino journey is exciting, but it can feel a little overwhelming too. If you’d like even more tips, support, and encouragement from people who have been there, join my Private Facebook Camino community!