I figure that this would be a good place to start. St. Jean Pied de Port might add too much strenuous hiking over the Pyrenees at the very beginning of our trip.
The Wikipedia entry for Roncesvalles says that its Refugio is the first one of any size on the trail and one of the best.
The article in caminodesantiago.me.uk says:
"The albergue at Roncesvalles is one of the largest on the Camino, about 120 beds in the one large room, quite daunting...The need for ear plugs becomes apparent. The noise of 119 sleeping pilgrims is enough to keep anyone awake."
"Roncesvalles is not a town, more a tiny village. There is no shop, two bars and the church. Book your evening meal at one of the bars before the evening service in the church. The bars get very busy so if you don't book you will wait sometime or not get a meal at all. There is nowhere for breakfast here, (when I was last there). However only about one hour away (walking of course) there is a cafe which serves breakfast to pilgrims. It is well marked and on the route. "
The service in the church is worth attending.
Walking from Roncesvalles is easy going and not hard or challenging.
On the other hand, has the Collegiate been turned into rural apartments?
Casa de Beneficiados. It costs 60 Euros for a double.
