Date: Monday, 26 May 2025
Day: 26
From: Arzacq-Arraziguet To: Arthez-de-Bearn
Start Walking: 721am End Walking: 339pm
Time: 6h35m
Distance (Planned): 30.2km Distance (Garmin): 28.2km
Progress: 674.4/765km
Ascent: 511m Descent: 462m
Weather: Cloudy all day and incredibly humid/steamy.
Stayed At: Gite Boulangerie Brousse
General Comments:
• Well, my hopes for magical views of the Pyrenees today were dashed as everything was almost uniformly grey. In fact it wasn’t much of a day for photography at all, so apologies for the lack of snaps.
• Last night’s Gite was very comfortable and located right next to the trail, however I think our host should consider an alternate career. He really was a dour chap and only really smiled as we were leaving. Maybe it was a lost-in-translation moment and we missed something crucial or perhaps he wasn’t happy with us asking for breakfast a little earlier? Either way we got breakfast at 7am, no earlier, and were on the trail soon after.
• Tonight’s Gite has us up in the attic (Yes, more steps/stairs) with massive old beams above us all pinned/nailed with wooden dowel rather than steel bolts. A true work of craftsmanship. Our room light is a chandelier which adds a classy, if a little incongruous, touch. This place was recommended to us by some people who stayed here a few weeks ago and they said the food was amazing. I will try to take some photos for you at the dinner before we devour everything!😁
• Today’s distance worked out a little shorter due to The Husband’s wizardry on the Mapy app. I think he is enjoying analyzing the route almost more than actually walking it! In our defence, all the little detours are mentioned the guidebook or are suggested by local intel. Who are we to argue with the locals?
• Today’s scenery was very similar to the last couple of days. More walking along small rural roads between paddocks of corn and more beautiful old farm houses and mill buildings that I would love to own. Quite a few had ‘For Sale’ signs on them and it is very tempting. The more sensible part of me says that they would probably turn into bottomless pits of renovation expenses, but it is nice to dream a little.
Top Tips:
• Lots of walking on paved surfaces today, so make sure your shoes have good cushioning for your feet. Yes, these back roads are much preferable to the mud, and we still get a few patches of that too.
Bon Chemin.
Life...one big adventure 
I love the picture of the passion flower!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. They are like mini works of art!
LikeLiked by 1 person
one thing for sure all the hosts are not the same… Was he annoyed that you did not speak more French or do you think this man should not be there for us pilgrims who are in a way expecting a warm welcome?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think he was just a bit frazzled. He was complaining that he only had 4 guests in last night and then complaining that he had to do all the work on his own. Maybe he was just having a bad day. 😖
LikeLike
maybe ! Remind me the place and the name of the gite.. I want to be sure I do not stay there if ever I go back to walk the VP…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was in Arzacq-Arraziguet and it was called Maison Pantalou. It was a really lovely place and we had a very nice cabin in the garden. It’s just that the bloke seemed a bit out of sorts.
LikeLike
We certainly didn’t get a warm welcome! But everywhere else has been fine. One night in 30 is a pretty good statistic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So, one house in Oz is up for grabs while you relocate to France? Well, why not! I’m sure there are more walks, Mel xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not quite yet, but it is worth dreaming about! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do you book all the accommodation in advance so you know you have to get there each day? I think I’d get a little bored walking day after day through agricultural land, which shows that I am not a long distance walker. Like Jo I prefer to drive to somewhere nice and interesting and have a walk around the area. Shorter walks than Jo does!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, because the trail has been so busy, I have tried to always book about 7 days in advance. You don’t need to do that in Spain on the other Caminos as there is usually plenty of accommodation on offer. These smaller villages have less on offer or simply more people needing a bed. And Yes, it is nice to know you do have a bed waiting for you after the end of a long day. As far as scenery goes, it is still pleasant and interesting for this farmer’s daughter – just not as dramatic as in the early stages of the Chemin. Only four days to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A chandelier in your gite? Seems reasonable to expect mimosas for breakfast, no?
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like the way you think, however probably not the most practical thing to consume before walking +30km. Better to carb load and caffeinate! ☕☕🥖🥖😁
LikeLiked by 2 people
I chuckled a little about the chandelier in your room … if you have to tell anyone who doesn’t know you’re walking a Camino, they will think “Oh, what a romantic evening”!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It certainly was a a very classy touch for these trail weary pilgrims. 😁 And the food there was amazing too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting…
LikeLike
Thanks. It’s a great trail
LikeLike