Cidade Turismo
France

Before you go

Your trip to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Nova Aquitânia Destination Bordéus and the vineyards about 230 km from Bordéus

How to get there

  • Aeroporto de Biarritz (Aéroport de Biarritz Pays Basque) (BIQ) Anglet · 55 km
  • Estação de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (Gare de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port) 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before you buy. The nearest airport is Biarritz, about 55 km away. By train you can reach it from Bayonne in about 1 hour on the regional line that climbs the Nive valley; Bayonne receives trains from Paris and Bordeaux. In the Camino season there are shared buses and taxis between Pamplona and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. By car, take the D918 from Bayonne.

How many days

Half a day to a full day is enough for the rua da Cidadela, the gates, the fortress and the old bridge. Those starting the Camino de Santiago typically arrive the day before, pick up the pilgrim credential and set off early the next morning for the Pyrenean crossing.

When to go

From April to October, when the Route Napoléon—the high pass of the Pyrenees—is usually open to pilgrims. May, June and September are the most popular months to start the Camino. In winter the high pass is closed for safety and pilgrims follow the Valcarlos road.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The village is best explored on foot and the regional train links to Bayonne. A car is useful to visit nearby Basque villages and the Irouléguy vineyards. For those starting the Camino, a car is unnecessary: from here the route is on foot.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
  1. Morning
    Porte Saint-Jacques and rua da Cidadela

    Enter the village through the Porte Saint-Jacques, like the pilgrims, and walk down the rua da Cidadela, with pink-stone houses bearing dates and inscriptions on their doorways. Pass the pilgrim reception office and the Prison des Évêques.

  2. Afternoon
    Fortress and walls

    Climb up to the Mendiguren fortress for views over the village and the Pyrenees, then return along the ramparts path.

  3. Late afternoon
    Notre-Dame and the old bridge

    Walk down to the church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont and cross the old bridge over the Nive, with houses whose wooden balconies hang over the river.

  4. Evening
    Basque dinner

    Village restaurants serve Basque cuisine, with dishes like axoa—a veal stew with Espelette pepper—and the region's sheep cheese. Those starting the Camino the next day typically eat an early dinner.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why do so many people start the Camino de Santiago in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?

It is the traditional starting point of the Caminho Francês, at the foot of the Pyrenean pass. From here to Santiago de Compostela it is about 800 km on foot.

Where to get the pilgrim's credential in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?

At the pilgrim reception office on the rua da Cidadela, which also provides information about the first stage and the weather in the Pyrenees.

How to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?

By train from Bayonne, in about 1 hour. Bayonne receives trains from Paris and Bordeaux, and the nearest airport is Biarritz. In season there are shared buses and taxis from Pamplona.

Is the Route Napoléon open all year?

No. In winter the high pass is closed to pilgrims for safety, and the route follows the Valcarlos road. Check the conditions at the reception office before setting out.

What language is spoken in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?

French and Basque. Signs usually display both languages, and the Basque name of the village is Donibane Garazi.

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