Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port ("Saint John at the foot of the pass") is the traditional starting point for pilgrims walking the Camino Francés. Three major French pilgrimage routes – from Tours, Vézelay and Le Puy-en-Velay – converge at Ostabat, about 20 km to the north-east, before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and crossing the Pyrenees.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is linked to Bayonne by railway, while a direct bus from Pamplona/Iruña operates seasonally.
Credencials and information about the crossing to Orreaga/Roncesvalles are available from the Pilgrim Information Office at 39 Rue de la Citadelle.
There are two routes to Orreaga/Roncesvalles. The Route Napoléon via Honto is closed from 1 November to 31 March and may also be closed at other times if conditions are dangerous. When it is closed, pilgrims must take the route via Luzaide/Valcarlos.
What to see in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Citadelle de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
The citadel stands on Mendiguren hill, on the site of the former castle of the Kings of Navarre, which was built here in the late 12th century. The present building was constructed in the 17th century, and today it houses a secondary school.
Where to stay in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
L'Auberge du Pèlerin
Refuge Accueil Paroissial Kaserna
Gîte Le Lièvre et la Tortue
Gîte La Vita È Bella
Gîte Beilari
Gîte de la Porte Saint Jacques
Ospitalia Refuge Municipal
La Coquille Napoléon
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Étoile
Gîte Zuharpeta
Gîte Izaxulo
Gîte Compostella
