A Tale of Two Albergues: Refuge Orisson vs Auberge Borda on the Camino Frances

One of the first big decisions every pilgrim faces after leaving Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is where to stop for the night before tackling the full ascent over the Pyrenees into Spain. Two cozy, highly sought-after albergues—Refuge Orisson and Auberge Borda—are perched on the mountainside just a few hours into the climb, offering tired legs a place to rest and pilgrims a chance to ease into the journey.

Refuge Orisson

Location: Approximately 8 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, situated in Uhart-Cize on the GR65 trail.​

Accommodation:

• Capacity: 38 bunks.
• Room Type: Shared dormitories with bunk beds.​

Facilities:

• Meals: Half-board includes dinner and breakfast.
• Laundry: Laundry facilities available.
• Showers: Guests receive a token for a 5-minute shower.
• Extras: Dining room, terrace, bike storage, and a bar/restaurant.​

Pricing:

• Rate: €45 per person, covering dinner and breakfast. 

Booking & Payment:

• Reservations: Highly recommended due to limited capacity.
• Payment Methods: On-site payments accepted only in cash or by check. 

Atmosphere: Refuge Orisson is known for its communal and social environment. The evening meals are shared, fostering a sense of camaraderie among pilgrims. It’s a popular first stop, so expect a lively atmosphere.​

Auberge Borda

Location: Situated approximately 10.5 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in Saint-Michel, along the GR65 trail.​

Accommodation:

• Capacity: 14 beds in total.
• Room Types: Three dormitories with four single beds each, featuring privacy curtains, and one private double room. ​

Facilities:

• Meals: Half-board includes a communal dinner and breakfast.
• Laundry: Washing machine and dryer available.
• Showers: One bathroom per dormitory, ensuring a good ratio.
• Extras: Terrace with panoramic views, free Wi-Fi, and a snack bar. 

Pricing:

• Dormitory Bed: €45 per person, including dinner and breakfast.
• Private Double Room: €100 per night. ​

Booking & Payment:

• Reservations: Advised due to limited capacity.
• Payment Methods: Accepts various payment methods, including online bookings.​

Atmosphere: Auberge Borda offers a more tranquil and intimate setting. It’s ideal for pilgrims seeking a peaceful environment to rest and reflect. The smaller capacity ensures a quieter stay.​

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🔍 Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Refuge Orisson	Auberge Borda
Distance from SJPP	~8 km	~10.5 km
Capacity	38 bunks	14 beds (12 dormitory, 2 private)
Room Types	Shared dormitories	Dormitories with privacy curtains, private room
Meals Included	Dinner and breakfast	Dinner and breakfast
Laundry Facilities	Available	Washing machine and dryer
Shower Facilities	Token-based showers	One bathroom per dormitory
Atmosphere	Lively and communal	Quiet and intimate
Price	€45 per person	€45 per person (dorm), €100 (private room)
Booking	Highly recommended	Advised due to limited capacity
Payment Methods	Cash or check only	Various methods, including online

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Final Thoughts

Both Refuge Orisson and Auberge Borda offer unique experiences for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Your choice depends on your preferences:

• Refuge Orisson is ideal if you’re looking for a traditional pilgrim experience with a communal atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet fellow pilgrims and share stories over dinner.
• Auberge Borda suits those seeking a quieter, more private setting. With its limited capacity and modern amenities, it’s perfect for a restful night before continuing the journey.

Remember to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Whichever you choose, both albergues provide a warm welcome to pilgrims embarking on this remarkable journey.

Buen Camino!