With respect for other pilgrims, those who are responsible for the management and maintenance of refuges and for the proper functioning of these, it is essential to respect certain principles and instructions, gathered in this charter.
Any pilgrim to Saint-Jacques, on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or with a pack animal – but excluding any vehicle accompaniment – provided with their credential issued by an association of Friends of Saint-Jacques French or foreigner, is welcome in this refuge created for her.
Whether municipal, parish or private, this refuge can only function thanks to the voluntary work of those who welcome pilgrims there and assume its management and maintenance. All pilgrims must therefore show respect for people and premises and willingness to follow the instructions that may be given to them.
In the event of necessity and behavior not respecting this charter, any person in charge of a refuge may expel a pilgrim.
On arrival, if the refuge is not open, the pilgrim will find the necessary information to know the opening hours and who to contact.
Immediately, the pilgrim will present his credencial to the person in charge of the refuge, officially establishing his status as a pilgrim of Santiago. This credential will be returned to him before his departure, provided with the stamp of the refuge, attesting to the date of his visit.
The pilgrim’s stay in a refuge cannot exceed one night, except in cases of illness. In the morning, the pilgrim must leave no later than 8:30 a.m., after having, if necessary, returned the keys to the refuge.
In the event of extreme fatigue or illness, the pilgrim may be authorized to spend a second night at the refuge. Beyond that, the pilgrim will be invited to consult a doctor and decide whether or not to continue their pilgrimage.
The operation of the shelter necessarily entails costs (electricity, water, etc.). The pilgrim is therefore invited to always leave a contribution to these costs, according to what is suggested to him and within his means.
If the refuge offers the possibility of provisioning or breakfast, the pilgrim will pay the amount corresponding to what he has consumed, in accordance with the scales displayed in the refuge.
The pilgrim will always take great care to follow the practical instructions indicated, in particular concerning the use of the appliances (water heater, stove, washing machine, etc.) made available to him.
In each refuge, a passage book will be kept which will include the names, addresses and dates of passage of pilgrims. Likewise, a guest book will be made available to pilgrims.
