trail markers and the ways over the Pyrenees.

[pieter pannevis]

Hi Robert.
Nice to know you liked it!
You're a map freak too I think.
I have no information on if pilgrims would use the road you propose (mind
your knees), but I do know that St Etienne de Bigorre is mentioned in old
pilgrims stories.
Even it's more likely that they did as it's shorter and the Col ( Pic) is
lower.

Why the St. James way leads now more often over the Pyrenees to Roncevalles
and from there I have no idea.
Perhaps by the promotion of the cloistre de Roncevalles, as for long it
wasn't used as a pilgrims hostel, but only came "in swing in the 80's when
an occasional pilgrim went. Almost certain the road was also promoted by
Mime Debril of the French association as she was a photographer (Rolleiflex)
for 40 years in St Jean and she was the head of the district there for
pilgrim affairs. Unfortunately she died some years ago.

Good luck with your preparations

Pieter (and Trigo)