Refuge Orisson

Refuge Orisson – Full Overview

Refuge Orisson Location

• Situated: Refuge Orisson is about 8 km (5 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the D428 road toward the Col de Bentarte. It is on the Camino Francés pilgrimage.

• Altitude: Roughly 800 meters above sea level.

• Region: French Pyrenees, Basque Country.

• Setting: Quiet, scenic, mountainous countryside. There are epic views, and it feels wonderfully remote.

• Season: Open from April 1 to October 15, closed during the colder months due to weather and road conditions.

Accommodation Details

Total Bed Capacity

• Around 38 beds in total.

• Beds are arranged in shared dormitories as well as private chalets.

Room Types & Pricing (2024 Season)

1. Dormitory Beds:

   • Shared rooms with 6, 8, or 10 beds.

   • Price: €45–€50 per person (includes half board)—that means dinner and breakfast are included.

2. Private Chalets:

   • Available for 2 people.

   • Double bed, no heating, shared bathrooms.

   • Price: €120 for two people (also includes half board).

Note: Half board means you don’t have to worry about meals, which is handy in the middle of the Pyrenees where there aren’t other restaurants nearby.

Facilities & Amenities

Refuge Orisson is rustic but well-equipped for pilgrims, considering its remote location.

Showers & Bathrooms

• Hot showers: Yes. You get a shower token that gives you a 5-minute hot shower.

• Shared bathrooms for both dorm guests and chalet users.

Laundry

• Washing machine: Yes, available to guests. Price: €4 per load.

• Dryer: Yes. Price: €2 per cycle.

• Handwashing basins are also available if you prefer to wash your clothes manually.

Wi-Fi

• Free Wi-Fi is available, though it can be spotty due to the mountain location. Still, it’s enough for emails or a quick message home.

Meals

Dinner:

• Served at 6:30 PM, communal style, so you’ll sit with fellow pilgrims.

• Typical menu: Soup or salad, a hearty main (like pasta, stew, or meat), dessert, and a glass of wine.

• The food is homemade and filling. Vegetarian options available with advance notice.

Breakfast:

• Basic but classic Camino fare: Toast, butter, jam, juice, and a hot drink (usually coffee or tea).

• Served early, around 6:30 AM before most pilgrims hit the trail.

Packed Lunch:

• Sandwiches or light snacks available to take with you for the next leg (to Roncesvalles).

• Price: Around €4–€5.50.

Extras & Useful Info

Baggage Transport

• Yes, they work with services like Donkey Service, Jacotrans, and Transports Claudine for luggage transfer to and from Orisson.

• Only luggage from these services is accepted, and it must be labeled clearly.

Check-in/Check-out

• Check-in: From 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Check-out: Pilgrims are usually expected to leave by 8:00 AM to begin the hike over the Pyrenees.

• Quiet hours start early—lights out by 10:00 PM is typical.

Payment

• They accept cash or French checks only. No credit cards, so bring euros with you.

• ATMs are in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, so plan ahead! Cash is king !

Reservation Policy

• Reservations highly recommended, often months in advance. It fills up fast, especially during peak months (May, June, September). You can book through their website.

Languages Spoken

• Staff usually speak French, Spanish, and some English. Communication isn’t a problem, especially for basic needs.

Pet Policy

• No pets allowed in the sleeping areas.

Atmosphere & Vibe

What really makes Orisson special is the communal atmosphere. Dinner is served to everyone at once, and each guest typically introduces themselves, says where they’re from, and why they’re walking the Camino. It’s a really touching part of the experience, and many pilgrims say it’s one of the most emotional moments of their journey. You meet people from all over the world here. It’s a great place to start forming Camino friendships and get mentally prepared for the first real physical challenge—crossing the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles the next day.

Scenic Views

This place is a photographer’s dream. From the patio or dorm window, you can look out over rolling green hills, herds of sheep, and mountain peaks. If you arrive early in the afternoon, you’ll likely have time to relax with a drink on the terrace and enjoy the view.

On-Site Store

• They sell basic snacks, drinks and Camino essentials like blister pads, sunscreen and bottled water.

• There’s also a small bar where you can grab a cold beer or wine in the evening.

Website & Contact Info

• Website: http://www.refuge-orisson.com

• Email Contact: Usually available through their website contact form.

• Phone Numbers:

  • +33 6 38 26 97 38

  • +33 5 59 49 13 03

Pilgrim Thoughts

Refuge Orisson is a quintessential example of a Camino albergue done right: it’s functional, welcoming, and built for the unique needs of pilgrims. It’s not luxurious, but it hits that sweet spot of comfort and authenticity. It’s also part of the folklore of the Camino Francés. Many pilgrims who stay there remember it as the first “real” taste of the Camino spirit—community dinners, shared bunks, laughter over aching legs, and a killer view of the mountains they’re about to cross.

Check out the other Albergues near Orisson.

We have also self published a Camino Francés Journal for Pilgrims walking the route so you can record all your day by day memories.  Have fun and journal away…