Orisson

Camino Frances

To end of camino
759.5
Altitude
800

Honto

2.30

Orisson

1.00

Borda

Services
Bar
Yes

Orisson is a popular stopping point for pilgrims splitting the mountain crossing into two days. The Refuge Orisson is a purpose-built gîte with bunks, a restaurant, and a terrace with sweeping views back toward Saint Jean and the French Basque Country. Dinner is communal and lively — it's where many pilgrim friendships begin.

Booking is essential, especially from April to October. The refuge fills up weeks in advance in peak season. If you can't get a bed here, your options are to push on to Roncesvalles (another 19 km with 800 m more of climbing) or to go back down to Honto or Saint Jean.

A small shop sells basic supplies and cold drinks. There's no other commercial service between here and Roncesvalles.

Notice

If you arrive here late in the day, stop and ask about conditions ahead. Don't push on into deteriorating weather. Make sure someone at the refuge knows your plan if you continue — in bad conditions, people do get lost on the mountain above. Mobile phone reception is unreliable beyond this point.

City Map
Accommodation in Orisson.
Private
Camino de Santiago Accommodation: Refuge Orisson

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Great place to stay and to break your climb over de Pyrenees. Communal diner and breakfast are great too, not to forget about the magnificent sunrise!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Not the best albergue I'll ever stay in, but it was a welcome relief after the 8km up from SJPDP, no chance I could have done all the way to Roncesvalles in one day. The showers weren't great and you only get a few minutes, but it was fine. Beds are ok, nothing special. There is a communal dinner which was nice. Book in advance as it sells out months beforehand

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We had a lovely stay at Orisson on 13th April. The communal pilgrims’ dinner was really enjoyable, and it was great to meet and chat with fellow pilgrims. A special place to start the journey.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Bsbsbshshshs

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Fabulous stay and communal dinner - if you arrive early then the terrace area is a great place to hang out.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

On Mondays during the summer they do not open the refuge for stays. You can stop for food and drink but cannot stay.

All Caminos App User (not verified)

13th May 2025
What a beautiful view from the terrace! We stopped here for lunch, there is a very varied menu on offer- We had the mountain man plate it was nice enough except for the sausages😟
The staff were lovely. There is a nice Camino fountain to refill your water
The toilet had no tissue paper I don’t know if this is a general thing on the Camino but now you are forewarned- take your tissues in!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Please don’t make the mistake I did and assume there would be another lunch stop along the way! This might be your only chance for food until Roncesvalles and you will need all the strength and calories you can get for today’s hike!

All Caminos App User (not verified)

Our 3rd time at Orrison. Great way to meet pilgrims on day one. Wait staff were extremely friendly and attentive- especially when I upset my glass of beer all over our table. Our guy came, cleaned up my mess and refilled my glass for no charge. Dinner is filling and delicious. Will always recommend a stay here. Buen Camino 🇪🇸🥾🎒😎

All Caminos App User (not verified)

We split the first stage into two by staying at Refuge Orisson. Great decision, since doing the first stage in one go is a really challenging way to start the Camino. We saw folks who had and they were very dispirited and practically ready to quit. Dorms are typical, with lots of bathrooms and showers for the group. Pilgrim’s supper was great and included everyone staying, since getting supper and breakfast with your stay is compulsory. Lots of food for everyone. We had a great time and everyone spoke about who they were and where they were from, and why they were walking the Camino. We really met our main Camino family that first night. Breakfast was good and we also got a packed lunch for the next day since there are virtually no services between there and Roncesvalles. Overall we enjoyed our first stay in an Albergue. Of course we didn’t sleep well, but that’s all part of the experience. I’d highly recommend staying here for your first night.