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 pèlerinage.

• Altitude : Roughly 800 meters above sea level.

• Region: French Pyrenees, Basque Country.

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

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

Accommodation Details

Capacité totale en lits

• Around 38 beds in total.

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

Room Types & Pricing (2024 Season)

1. Lits en dortoir :

   • 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.

Installations et commodités

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

Douches et salles de bains

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

• Shared bathrooms for both dorm guests and chalet users.

Blanchisserie

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

• Sèche-linge : Yes. Price: €2 per cycle.

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

Wi-Fi

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

Repas

Dîner :

• 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.

Petit déjeuner :

• 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.

Déjeuner à emporter :

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

• Price: Around €4–€5.50.

Extras et informations utiles

Transport des bagages

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

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

Enregistrement/départ

• Enregistrement : 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.

Paiement

• 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 !

Politique de réservation

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

Langues parlées

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

Politique relative aux animaux de compagnie

• Les animaux ne sont pas admis in the sleeping areas.

Atmosphère et ambiance

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.

Vues panoramiques

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.

Magasin sur place

• 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.

Site web et coordonnées

• Site web : http://www.refuge-orisson.com

• Contact e-mail : Usually available through their website contact form.

• Phone Numbers:

  • +33 6 38 26 97 38

  • +33 5 59 49 13 03

Pensées du pèlerin

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.

Consultez les autres Albergues near Orisson.

Nous avons également publié un Journal du Camino Francés pour les pèlerins qui parcourent la route, afin que vous puissiez enregistrer tous vos souvenirs au jour le jour. Amusez-vous et tenez un journal...