The Napoleon Route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles is 25.1 km, climbs 1,390 m, and destroys more Caminos on Day 1 than any other stage. After talking to 200+ pilgrims in Roncesvalles in 2025, here are the six mistakes that keep happening.
1. Starting too late.
Leave Saint-Jean by 7:00am. Pilgrims who leave at 9 or 10 are still climbing in afternoon heat and often arrive after the Roncesvalles albergue's 8pm curfew.
2. Ignoring the weather bulletin.
The Pilgrim Office posts a daily warning. If it says the Napoleon is closed, take the Valcarlos route. Every year pilgrims die on the mountain in weather they were warned about.
3. Carrying too much water — or not enough.
There is one reliable water fountain at Orisson (8 km in) and another near the Virgen de Biakorri. Carry 1.5 L, refill at Orisson, don't lug 3 L up the mountain.
4. Skipping Orisson.
Booking the half-way albergue at Orisson (8 km in) turns the hardest day of the Camino into two moderate days. Book 3+ months ahead.
5. Descending too fast into Roncesvalles.
The last 4 km drop steeply through beech forest. This is where knees blow out. Use trekking poles. Take the paved road option if it's wet.
6. Not eating.
The climb burns 3,000+ calories. Eat every hour: bocadillo at Orisson, snacks on the mountain, another meal at the top. Bonking at km 20 with 5 km of descent left is misery.
Bottom line:
treat Day 1 as the crux of your entire Camino. If you make it to Roncesvalles in good shape, the rest of the Francés is manageable.