From 4 to 6 November 2026, a course on preparing for hospitality on the Way of St James will be held at En Calcat Abbey, in Dourgne in the Tarn. This event is aimed at former pilgrims wishing to explore in greater depth the values of hospitality, listening and sharing that are characteristic of the Way of St James. In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, we encounter this spirit every day amongst the walkers who stop off there before crossing the Pyrenees.
In November, the world of the Way of St James continues to be shaped by events and initiatives dedicated to welcoming pilgrims. From 4 to 6 November 2026, a training course dedicated to Hospitality along the Way of St James in November 2026 takes place at En Calcat Abbey in Dourgne. For us, who welcome pilgrims every year to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port at the ‘Le Chemin vers l’Étoile’ guesthouse, this news serves as a reminder of just how central hospitality is to the experience of the Way.
A preparatory course for the Way of St James from 4 to 6 November 2026
The event organised by the Friends of the Way of St James in Occitanie will take place from 12 noon on Wednesday 4 November to 4 pm on Friday 6 November 2026. It will be held at the’Benedictine Abbey of En Calcat, situated in Dourgne in the Tarn.
This training course is aimed at people who have already walked at least part of the Way of St James and wish to become volunteer hosts. The aim is to explore the various aspects of welcoming a pilgrim and to convey the specific features of the’St James’ hospitality.
According to information published by the Friends of the Way of St James in Occitanie, this training then enables participants to take on voluntary hospital work in France or Spain.
Hospitality: a value that is an integral part of the Way of St James
Walking the Way of St James is not simply a matter of moving from one stage to the next. The journey is also shaped by the people you meet, the conversations shared around a table and the moments of rest in your accommodation. A warm welcome is therefore an important part of the pilgrimage experience.
A host must know how to meet a walker’s practical needs, but must also be available when a pilgrim simply wants to have a chat after a long day. This concept of listening is, in fact, at the heart of the hospitality training sessions.
In our stopover gîte on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, we see every day that travellers’ needs vary. Some arrive on their own after several weeks’ walk, whilst others begin their journey in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Couples, families and small groups also choose this stopover before continuing on their way.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a key stopover before the Pyrenees
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port holds a special place on the Camino de Santiago. The French Agency for the Way of St James points out that the town is situated near Ostabat, where several major pilgrimage routes converge. The town is also an iconic stopover for walkers heading towards the Pyrenees and Spain.
La Saint-Jacques Gate, listed as a World Heritage Site under the title «The Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France», still symbolises the arrival of pilgrims in the town today. After passing through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, many continue on their way to Les Ports de Cize and then Roncesvalles.
The Ministry of Culture also emphasises the heritage significance of this route. The Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France have been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1998 and form a historic network that is still very much alive today. This heritage aspect is now intertwined with a deeply human experience.
Welcoming pilgrims from a wide variety of backgrounds
Hospitality is, above all, about being able to adapt. In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walkers come from many different countries and do not all arrive with the same expectations. Figures published by the French Agency for the Routes of Santiago de Compostela show that 54,979 walkers were welcomed at the pilgrims’ office in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in 2025, with 118 nationalities represented.
Against this backdrop, we aim to provide a simple and practical space where everyone can take a breather before continuing on their way.
These facilities are important, but they do not sum up the whole experience of a warm welcome. Information provided at the right moment, a few words exchanged or some advice on the next stage of the journey also contribute to the pilgrim’s experience.
Preparing for your visit to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
For many walkers, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port marks the start of a particularly memorable stage of the journey to Roncesvalles. Before setting off again, it is therefore worth taking the time to plan the following day.
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You can also take a look at our Practical information for your stopover in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to help you plan your visit to the city more effectively.
A news story that captures the spirit of the Way
The preparations for the hospitality event to be held in November 2026 in Dourgne perfectly illustrate the enduring nature of the values of the Way of St James. Beyond the kilometres travelled and the landscapes crossed, the route is also built on human connections forged through kindness, a willingness to listen and simplicity.
Since 2009, we have been fortunate to welcome pilgrims from a wide variety of backgrounds to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Each visit serves as a reminder that the Way is as much a personal adventure as it is a shared experience. The training course in November 2026 therefore offers an opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who, having completed the walk, choose in turn to contribute to this tradition of hospitality.
FAQ on accommodation along the Way of St James in November 2026
When is the November 2026 training course on hospitality along the Way of St James taking place?
The organised preparations at En Calcat Abbey in Dourgne are taking place 4 to 6 November 2026.
Who is this hospitality training course aimed at?
It is aimed in particular at former pilgrims who have already walked at least part of the route and wish to prepare to become volunteer hosts.
What is the role of a hospitalero on the Way of St James?
The host helps to welcome pilgrims at certain accommodation facilities. Their role involves practical tasks, but is also based on listening, being available and respecting the spirit of the Way.
Why is Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port an important stop on the route?
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of the main stopping points on the route before crossing the Pyrenees. Many pilgrims stop there before continuing on towards Roncesvalles.
What accommodation do we offer pilgrims?
We offer dormitories for 8 to 10 people, as well as private rooms for 2 to 4 people. You can find out more about our accommodation for small groups of pilgrims.
