Stage Notes & History

PLAIN: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a popular tourist destination, as well as being the departure point for many non-Spanish pilgrims. Hotel accommodation is relatively limited but there are many chambres d’hôtes (B&B) available in addition to the growing number of auberges (albergues) catering for the pilgrim trade. If you intend to stay in a hotel or a chambre d’hôte you should book well in advance. Saint-Jean has a wide range of shops, services and a tourist information centre.

PLAIN: Express Bourricot, based in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, provides: a minibus service to Saint-Jean from a number of destinations, including Biarritz and Bilbao airports; a daily shuttle from Saint-Jean as far as Croix Thibault on the Route Napoléon; and to Roncesvalles on the road route for those who do not feel up to walking this first stage. Prices vary according to the numbers using the service as well as distance.

HISTORY: Church and Mass - The 14th century red schist Gothic church, Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont, stands by the Porte d'Espagne (The Spanish Gate). The original was built by Sancho the Strong of Navarre to commemorate the 1212 Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa, where Moorish dominance of Spain was undermined. Mass 10:30am - but confirm time at church or Accueil Saint Jacques.

DIRECTIONS: Call first at the Accueil Saint Jacques (Pilgrims’ Office) at 39 rue de la Citadelle, which welcomes pilgrims and advises on the next day’s journey over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles. A credencial (or pilgrim passport) can be obtained for 2€. Open all year. Opening hours are 07:30-13:00, 14:00-20:30 and Friday and Sunday from 21:00-22:30, although these may vary a little. It is staffed by pilgrims who speak a variety of languages; they will arrange albergue accommodation and provide information on weather.

DIRECTIONS: There are two routes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles / Orreaga.

DIRECTIONS: a) Route Napoléon. This is harder, higher, and more spectacular but do not attempt it in bad weather. Less fit walkers, especially those on their first day, should leave early and be prepared for the route to take all day. Cyclists should be sure of their fitness. There is no problem using a bike, but some sections will need to be walked.

DIRECTIONS: b) The Lower Route via Valcarlos was taken by most medieval pilgrims. This shadows what are today the D933 in France and the N135 in Spain. This is for less fit walkers and cyclists and it is the only feasible route in bad weather. problem using a bike, but some sections will need to be walked.

DIRECTIONS: Route Napoléon – 24.9 km (or 25.3 km by the recommended right hand / Ibañeta descent from Col Lepoeder). THIS ROUTE IS CLOSED FROM 1 NOVEMBER TO 31 MARCH – USE THE LOWER LEVEL ROUTE VIA VALCARLOS DURING THIS PERIOD

DIRECTIONS: WARNING: This is a dangerous route in the months of short daylight hours and accordingly the police may close the route. Please observe the warning signs. Check local weather forecasts. Never start off later than 10:00. Buy provisions the day before including something for lunch. Water is scarce, so carry enough with you. In spring there may be melting snow on the route. You will see red and white flashes of the GR65 as well as the yellow arrows which you will follow all the way to Santiago.

PLAIN: Many hotels at all prices outside of the Old Town.

PLAIN: Much of this stage of your journey is through the French part of the Basque country. Basque is one of the four official languages of Spain and many places have both a Basque and a Castilian/French name. Both names are given with the Castilian/French version first.

DIRECTIONS: Apart from a short section after Honto the route follows the road (D428) for 15 km.

DIRECTIONS: The Accueil Saint Jacques tends to encourage pilgrims to take the Route Napoléon but the Lower Level Route is well-waymarked with a mix of yellow arrows, French GR route markings and new blue and yellow markers. Much of it is off road.