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Day 2 | 27 July 2025 | Walking the Camino Francés
From Borda to Roncesvalles | 17.3 km – 10.8 miles
We left Borda early in the morning, thankful for the good weather. The views were amazing – clouds moved quickly across the sky, and beams of sunlight broke through, lighting up the mountains in turns – all to the sound of distant cowbells in the valley below. It felt very cinematic.
We passed the statue of the Vierge d’Orisson (Virgin of Orisson), who is said to protect shepherds and their sheep. Soon after that, we crossed the border into Spain – a small but exciting moment.
At the top of Col de Lepoeder, 1,450 meters high, we stopped for a short rest and ate our packed lunch before starting the steep downhill path through beautiful beech woods. The trail was peaceful and shaded, and it eventually brought us to the hamlet of Roncesvalles.
Roncesvalles is a small place, but it’s home to the impressive Pilgrims Hostel, which has offered shelter to travelers crossing the Pyrenees for centuries. This heritage building is huge, with dormitories spread over three floors with a total of 183 beds! With its modern facilities and welcoming atmosphere, it’s known as one of the best hostels on the Camino.
