Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the starting point for the Camino Frances - the most popular route to Santiago de Compostela. But, its an interesting route into Spain even if you’re not on foot. Take the train from Bayonne and then carry on to Pamplona by coach, which provides fab views of this gentle and lush part of the Pyrenees.

Tip: The bus does not run all year so book your ticket on the Alsa website or app which you can only do if it is scheduled to run

Interactive Map

Printable PDF

You can download and print a copy of the strolls here

Train station to bus station (1k red)

Leave the train station and follow the road to the left and then turn right to head to the town centre (it is signposted) along Avenue Renaud with its smart suburban villas.

At the end of the avenue cross, the road and head for the pointy arched entrance to the old town (Porte de France).

Head up the Rue de France to the end and turn right down the Rue de la Citadelle all the way to the bottom to Porte Notre-Dame church on left where there are daily services for the pilgrims who are about to set off on their 800 km adventure.

You could do a detour here to go up to the citadel and get some great views (see blue route below)

Turn right down rue d’Urart and continue through what’s left of another gate to the town

On the othr side of the wall is where the buses leave from. The covered market is further up that road (Place Juan de Huarte).

Citadel stroll (1k blue)

As you walk through Port Notre Dame, take the riverside path by the side of the church.

A set of steps leads up to the city walls and on to the citadel, where you can bag some views. A path leads down the other side and onto the main street running through the old town (Rue de la Citadelle). As you walk down the street, you’ll pass the prison des Évêques on your right, which has a small museum on the history of the town.

Camino taster (up to 25k green)

If watching all the pilgrims getting ready for their 800 km walk to Santiago de Compostela is getting you curious, you could join them - at least for a bit. The bus from Saint-Jean to Pamplona stops Roncesvalles which is about 25km away. Much of the journey is hilly (mostly up) so make sure you have allowed plenty of time to catch the bus - or stopover at Roncesvalles.

The route is well sign posted and unless you are in the middle of winter, there will be a steady stream of pilgrims heading along here.

Walk up Rue d’Espagne and through Porte de Espagne (well you are heading for Spain). You will be walking in roughly a straight line, which starts off briefly on Route de Saint-Michel and as the road curves to the left, you will keep straight on by joining Rte du Maréchal Harispe and then Route Napoleon.

Buon Camino!