Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. It is a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Way of St. James, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024.
Understand
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The town lies on the river Nive, 8 km from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre.
The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go.
Get in
[edit]By plane
[edit]There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily.
You can fly to Biarritz's airport (BIQ IATA) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of Bayonne und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact Express Bourricot[dead link], Sea-Lifts or Biarritz Airport Transfers[dead link].
The airport of Pamplona is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with.
On the French side there are the airports of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Tarbes and Pau. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of Bilbao. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
One more possibility is to fly the airport of San Sebastián.
By train
[edit]There are trains from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at SNCF Connect. From Bayonne, there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at SNCF Connect (at SNCF Connect itinerary).
There are also trains from the train station of Biarritz in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne (SNCF Connect).
From Madrid, you can take a train to Pamplona and take a taxi from there.
By pilgrimage
[edit]Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the routes through France pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is closed from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via Valcarlos.
Get around
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Walk.
See
[edit]There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors.
- Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle.
- 1 Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont (Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge), Rue de la Citadelle. It may have free trekking or hiking poles.
- 2 porte Saint-Jacques.
Do
[edit]
Begin the French Way of Way of St. James (Spanish: El Camino de Santiago, El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg)
This is a popular starting point, if not the most popular starting point for those who are beginning the Way of St. James. Referred to as pilgrims (pèlerins in France and peregrinos in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their credencial to begin their journey.
- 1 Pilgrim Office (Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques), 39 rue de la Citadelle. Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00. Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town.
Buy
[edit]There are ATMs.
The biggest supermarkts near the centre are Lidl, Carrefour Market and Intermarché Super.
- 1 La Boutique du Pèlerin, 32 Rue de la Citadelle, ☏ +33 5 59 37 98 52, [email protected]. Daily 06:30-20:30. Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc.
- Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See.
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Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]- Bar Brasserie Pizzeria. A casual spot offering a variety of savory pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. Menu from €10 (Aug 2024).
- Café des Sports. A traditional, cozy café serving simple yet flavorful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and French-inspired savory options in a laid-back environment.
- Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo. Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional, savory toppings and a homey feel.
- Damico's. A comfortable and informal eatery that specializes in Italian cuisine. The savory menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavors.
- Pizza Ona Garazi. A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of savory pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch.
Mid-range
[edit]- Restaurant "Comme A La Maison". A warm and inviting restaurant offering a menu filled with traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty, savory meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely, comfortable setting. €20-30.
- Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik. A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering savory Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialties, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. €20-30.
- Café de la Paix. A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving a variety of savory French dishes. The menu combines traditional and regional flavors, offering simple yet flavorful meals in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. €20-30.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Beilari (Esprit du Chemin), 40 Rue de la Citadelle (Across street from Pilgrim Office), ☏ +33 5 59 37 24 68, [email protected]. Check-in: 06:30, check-out: 22:00. €40 per person including dinner and breakfast..
- 2 Gite Makila, Rue de la Citadelle 35 (2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office), ☏ +33 6 63 10 13 46, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00-20:30, check-out: 08:30. Nice hostel. Bunkbeds have curtain and individual electric outlets. €25 including breakfast.
- 3 Refuge Municipal (Ospitalia), 55 Rue de la Citadelle, ☏ +33 6 17 10 31 89. 32 beds. Dorm €12, double €30.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]| Routes through Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port |
| Roncesvalles, Spain ← Orisson ← | w  E
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→ Staring point of The French way |