Auberge Borda – Full Overview

Location

• Situated: Approximately 7 km (4.3 miles) from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, just past Huntto, en route to Roncesvalles on the Camino Francés.

• Altitude: Around 880 meters above sea level.

• Region: French Pyrenees, Basque Country.

• Setting: Nestled in the mountains, it’s beautifully remote with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The air is fresh, and you’re fully immersed in nature.

• Season: Open from early April to mid-October. Closed during the winter due to snow and road access issues.

Accommodation Details

Total Bed Capacity

• About 12 beds in total.

• Lodging includes shared dormitories and some private options.

Room Types & Pricing

1. Dormitory Beds:

   • Mixed-gender shared rooms with bunk beds.

   • Price: €45 per person (includes dinner and breakfast—i.e., half board).

2. Private Rooms:

   • A few private options (usually twin or double).

   • Price: €100–€120 for two people with half board.

   • Rooms are cozy and clean, with a rustic touch, but bathrooms are shared.

Facilities & Amenities

Even though it’s remote, Auberge Borda is pretty well equipped and pilgrim-focused.

Showers & Bathrooms

• Hot showers: Yes, with good water pressure.

• Shared facilities for all guests, regularly cleaned and fairly spacious.

Laundry

• Washing machine available: Yes, for a small fee (about €3–€4).

• Dryer: No dedicated dryer, but there’s a covered outdoor drying area and clotheslines.

• Handwashing facilities: Definitely—lots of pilgrims do laundry the old-fashioned way here.

Wi-Fi

• Free Wi-Fi is available in the common areas. It’s mountain Wi-Fi, though—fine for messaging and checking email but not for streaming or video calls.

Meals

Dinner:

• Communal, served around 6:30 PM.

• Menu includes local Basque specialties: hearty stews, vegetable dishes, pasta, and dessert. A glass of wine is typically included.

• Vegetarian and special dietary options can be arranged with advance notice.

Breakfast:

• Served early, usually from 6:00 AM.

• Simple but energizing: bread, jam, butter, juice, and hot drinks like tea or coffee.

Packed Lunch:

• You can request a picnic lunch to go—usually a sandwich, fruit, and snack. Price: €5–€6.

Extras & Useful Info

Baggage Transport

• Yes, they cooperate with well-known luggage transfer services like Jacotrans and Donkey Service. Bags must be clearly labeled and booked ahead of time.

Check-in/Check-out

• Check-in: From around 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

• Check-out: By 8:00 AM. Most pilgrims leave early to tackle the climb to the summit and beyond to Roncesvalles.

• Quiet hours start early—things start winding down around 9:30 PM.

Payment

• Cash only—no cards accepted.

• Be sure to get cash in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. No ATMs anywhere nearby.

Reservation Policy

• Highly recommended—especially in May, June, and September when the Camino is busiest.

• Can be booked through the official website or trusted Camino platforms. Walk-ins risk being turned away, especially during peak times.

Languages Spoken

• The owners speak French and Spanish fluently, and enough English to help with basic needs. Pilgrims usually get by with a mix of languages and gestures—classic Camino style.

Pet Policy

• Sorry, no pets allowed—just not feasible with the dorm setup and shared spaces.

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Atmosphere & Vibe

Auberge Borda offers a warm, peaceful vibe that’s perfect for easing into the Camino spirit. It’s smaller and more intimate than Refuge Orisson, so you’ll likely meet everyone staying there. There’s a cozy common area where people relax, read, and chat before dinner. Sharing the evening meal together is a highlight—pilgrims are often invited to share their names and where they’re from, and the conversations can be unexpectedly moving.

It’s a great spot to mentally prepare for the next day’s trek, which includes the steepest section of the Camino Francés. The quiet location and friendly staff help calm any nerves.

Scenic Views

The setting is unreal. Seriously—rolling green mountains, clouds drifting past the peaks, sheep grazing on hillsides, and endless valleys below.
The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views that are perfect for sunrise photos or just sipping a drink in total awe of nature. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot eagles or wild horses in the distance.

On-Site Store

• There’s no full grocery store, but they sell:

  • Snacks like cookies, fruit, and energy bars.

  • Drinks including bottled water, soda, and some wine or beer.

  • Camino basics like bandages, sunscreen, and walking pole tips.

• There’s also a small fridge with cold drinks available on a self-service honor system.

Website & Contact Info

• Website: http://www.aubergeborda.com

• Email Contact: Available via contact form on the site.

• Phone Number: +33 6 07 72 83 94 (mobile)

Pilgrim Thoughts

Auberge Borda is a lesser-known but well-loved gem on the Camino Francés. It’s got just enough infrastructure to make your stay comfortable, while still keeping that raw, natural feeling that makes the Pyrenees special. It’s especially ideal for pilgrims who want to break up the strenuous hike from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles into two more manageable days. The atmosphere is friendly, the food is home-cooked, and the setting is truly breathtaking.

Many pilgrims remember Borda as the place where they first truly felt like they were on the Camino—meeting strangers who feel like old friends by dinner’s end, and waking up surrounded by nothing but nature and anticipation.