In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, just over 160 volunteers of all nationalities welcome pilgrims every year at 39 rue de la Citadelle, taking turns every week. Their role of "accueillant" is to welcome pilgrims, give them their credentials and stamp them, comfort those who have already walked a long way, explain the 25 km stage that will take them to Roncesvalles the next day, reassuring those who are daunted by the distance and elevation gain and who are often setting out for the first time, to find them a bed for the night when they have not taken the precaution of booking accommodation...
If you wish to join them, you must of course have a welcoming attitude and be resilient, as the days are long, and speak at least one foreign language, or even two or three. Finally, you must be a former pilgrim and have walked at least part of the Camino Francés.
You will be accommodated above the reception office in a twin room and provided with meals (breakfast and lunch). However, you will not be reimbursed for your travel expenses. The commitment is for one week, from Monday to Monday.
If you are interested and would like to give a week of your time, please send your application to accueil.sjpp@compostelle.fr
The role of "hospitalier" is different, as it involves welcoming pilgrims to their accommodation, showing them to their dormitory or room, and helping with certain household tasks. In some places, you may also be asked to prepare dinner and breakfast and/or serve the pilgrims.
Within our Association, you can be a hospitalier in Bayonne (Refuge St Jacques), St Palais (Les Franciscains), Mauléon (Refuge municipal). But also in St Jean-de-Luz (Refuge Ste Elisabeth) or Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, refuges managed by sister associations.
Further afield, there are also shelters on the Jacobean routes in Conques, Estaing, and Moissac, etc. For more information, visit www.hospitaliers-st-jacques.fr/
Spanish shelters also train and recruit volunteers. For more information, visit www.caminosantiago.org/cpperegrino/hospitaleros/cursos.asp
