Accomodation

The type, quantity, quality and price of accommodation varies according to the chosen itinerary. The busiest Ways have stopver gîtes (albergues), specifically for those using these itineraries.
In Spain, the Camino Francés has no lack of "albergues", as this Way is much used. Other less-well equipped Ways are nevertheless practicable, but will provide you with fewer choices as regards stops and/or will mean you end up paying more.
Most of the gîtes/albergues are reserved primarily for pilgrims who are long-distance walking and carrying their own backpacks. Those who have their luggage transported for them or who are accompanied by a vehicle should choose to stay in hotels.

Types of accommodation

In France and in Spain, various types of accommodation are available :

• Gîtes d'étape (refugios or albergues) - stopover gîtes
  Usually organised into bigger or smaller dormitories, they provide basic facilities (beds, mattresses, toilets, showers, kitchen area). Sheets and utensils are rarely provided (particularly in Spain). Reservation is strongly advised in France, impossible in Spain (rule of «first come, first served»).

• Chambre d'hôtes (casas rurales) - guest rooms/B & B
  Usually comfortable, not always equipped with a kitchen area for guests. Some offer half-board (evening meal, overnight, breakfast). Reservation strongly advised in France, possible in Spain.

• Hôtels
  One of the possibilities for those having their luggage transported, or who are accompanied by a vehicle. It's also a good alternative when gîtes are full, or for those who are very tired, offering the chance of a less-noisy stopover than in a large dormitory.

• Bivouacking and camping
  Camping equipment means a considerably greater weight of equipment to carry and daily setting up and taking down operations. There is not a camp site at every stop. In Spain, they are few and far between along the Camino Francés and often cost more than a gîte. Wild camping and bivouacking are usually forbidden in Spain. In France, only bivouacking is allowed. If you find yourself on private land, do be careful to check with the owner before setting up camp.

• Spiritual hospitality
  Some monasteries have guest accommodation where walkers are accepted. Some presbyteries provide bed and a meal, but it isn't really their function because priests, of whom there are not large numbers, are there first and foremost to serve their parish communities.
  
  

The "donativos"

According to a special tradition of hospitality in keeping with the spirit of pilgrimages, some host families may provide bed and board. This form of hospitality known as « donativo » is free, given in exchange for whatever you choose to pay your hosts. The hospitality must be provided by the masters of the house, in their own home, with meals at the family table. Walkers who enjoy this hospitality must be grateful for what is given to them, without demanding more. Sheer honesty obliges you to pay something towards the cost of your stay.

This hospitality is an occasional provision of accommodation, which is not supposed to be a regular event, nor a money-making venture. However, for a while now, some « donativo » providers no longer respect the rules, and impose a charge on walkers. This practice amounts to unfair competition : the accommodation provider should in reality register with their Town Hall and pay taxes according to their profits, in the same way as any other professional provider of accommodation.

Reservation

In France, you are strongly advised to book accommodation several days in advance, especially in the busiest seasons (May to September). It is best, of course, to keep to the reservations you have made.

In Spain, it is impossible to book places in the "albergues" reserved for pilgrims, where the "first come, first served" rule applies.