The Ultimate Saint Jean Pied de Port France Pilgrim Guide
If the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route is on your radar, then there’s a high chance you’ve heard of the small village of Saint Jean Pied de Port. This French Basque town is nestled at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains and sits picturesquely along the scenic River Nive.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France is famous for being the official starting point of the Camino de Santiago – Camino Frances route. Pilgrims arrive at the hamlet to embark on their journey to stand in front of the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia Spain.
The Camino Frances is a journey of 484 miles (779 km). This life-changing journey twists through forests, the meseta, villages, and historic cities, and follows one of the grandest pilgrimage routes in the world.
But that entire journey, that first step, for most, begins here, in the medieval village of Saint Jean Pied de Port France.
This complete guide is for pilgrims planning to walk the Camino Frances, the original way of St. James. In this comprehensive pilgrim guide find out how to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port, things to see and do, and handy places to grab last-minute supplies. Additionally are some of the best places to sleep in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for pilgrims.
This is the complete guide for those starting the Camino Frances pilgrimage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France.
Table of Contents
- What is Saint Jean Pied de Port Known For & Why It’s Important
- How to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port France
- Points of Interest for Pilgrims in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France
- Places to Stay in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port France
- What to See in Saint Jean Pied de Port
- The Official Start of the Camino Frances
- Overview Pilgrim’s Guide to Saint Jean Pied de Port France
The Significance of Saint Jean Pied de Port France
Not only is Saint Jean Pied de Port the official starting point for the Camino Frances, but it also played an important role in trade and helped spread Catholicism during the Middle Ages. In medieval times, Saint Jean Pied de Port was the old Basque providence capital of Lower Navarre. Today, it’s part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France.
St. Jean Pied de Port was founded in the 12th century. The origin of the town’s name showcases its ancient connections to the original way of the Saint James pilgrimage route. St. Jean is a nod to the patron saint of Jean-Baptiste. Pied de Port translates to “the foot of the port.” The village is not a seaport town, but rather a “portal” to the Pyrenees mountain passes to Spain.
St. Jean Pied de Port has always had deep connections with the way and has been an important pilgrim village for centuries. The delightful town is a hub for pilgrims starting the French Way, but it also welcomes pilgrims who have traveled further from the east, like the Le Puy-en-Velay Route. Some pilgrims travel as far as Paris, Berlin, and beyond.
Many of the roads converge here in St. Jean Pied de Port. Chances are, if you started farther east in Europe, you will make at least a quick pit stop in this village at the foot of the Pyrenees Mountains before continuing into Spain and the Basque Country.
Of course, there are dozens of Camino de Santiago routes, but the Camino Frances is one of the most popular Camino routes. Other Camino de Santiago routes can start in Spain, Portugal, and England. Some say the Camino starts as soon as you leave your home.
Saint James’ body is said to lie under the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. This makes the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela in the Galicia region the official ending point for all of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. However, some pilgrims arrive at Santiago de Compostela and feel called to walk to the coast and the “End of the World” on the Camino Finisterre Muxia.
One of the best Camino de Santiago tips is to find the Camino route that fits best with you. If reading this guide, the Camino Frances has probably more than piqued your interest.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Saint Jean Pied de Port?
As this is a pilgrim hub village, it’s possible to spend as little or as much time here as you need. In general, most pilgrims show up the day before they depart on their Camino journey. This gives curious pilgrims ample time to prepare and enjoy the village.
Saint Jean Pied de Port is compact and a majority of the significant sites can be visited in a few hours.
Some pilgrims opt to take a day of rest in the village to recover from jet lag or rest their bodies. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a beautiful and unforgettable town on the Camino Frances route, so it’s a great place to spend the night.
Additionally, there are two routes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to reach the next destination of Roncesvalles. The most desired route is the Napoleon Route, which cuts through the Pyrenees Mountains. If the weather is bad and rainy, some people choose to wait in St. Jean Pied de Port for a day or two for the weather to pass.
The mountains are unpredictable and the weather can change fast.
It’s important to note that the Napoleon Route closes each year around November 1st and does not reopen until April 1st. The route can close at any time due to unseasonable weather and sudden storms. The Napoleon Route is all weather-dependent.
How to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port France (Best Options)
One of the biggest questions is how to reach the starting point of the Camino Frances in Saint Jean Pied de Port. Many pilgrims will be flying from overseas and there is no airport in Saint Jean Pied de Port.
The closest airport to St. Jean Pied de Port is in Biarritz France (BIQ). Flights to the Biarritz airport can be limited to budget airlines. Most pilgrims can find decent international flights into Bilbao Spain (BIO), a worthwhile city to visit in the Spanish Basque region. Also, Madrid and Paris are popular airports that are easily connected with Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Be mindful that during the day St-Jean-Pied-de-Port can be busy with day trippers who want to see this picturesque French Basque village.
4 Best Ways to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port from France & Spain
The most notable access point to reach Saint Jean Pied de Port is the French Basque city of Bayonne. Bayonne has a train station that has daily direct trains to St. Jean Pied de Port.
Paris has daily direct trains to Bayonne, or some are with quick stopovers in Bordeaux. These TGV trains take an average of 4 hours and are run by SNCF Connect.
➜ SNCF Connect website with schedules and online ticket sale
Additionally, if already in Europe, it’s worth a look to check BlaBlarCar. The ride-sharing app works kind of like a trusted carpooling option. People share where they are traveling to and from and you pay a set price per passenger. Oftentimes BlaBlaCar is faster and cheaper than public buses.
With its gaining popularity, the company has also started offering bus routes.
Taxis are always available but will be the most expensive options. A taxi will most likely always be at least 100 Euros.
1 | Train Route Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port
Once in Bayonne, there are daily direct trains to Saint Jean Pied de Port.
There are usually five daily trains, but be mindful that they can change by day and season. Current train departures from Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port are as follows:
| 6:39 |
| 8:52 |
| 12:35 |
| 17:13 |
| 18:37 |
The Bayonne Train Station (Gare) is found here. Look for the TER region trail to SJPDP. The average trip time from Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port is around 1 hour and 10 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around €11.
➜ Check the current Bayonne train schedule and purchase online tickets here
At the Gare de Bayonne (train station) it is also possible to purchase tickets from an attendant or an automatic kiosk.
Trains from Bayonne drop in St. Jean Pied de Port outside of the walled city here, which is a 10-minute walk to the historic center of the village.
2 | Biarritz to Saint Jean Pied de Port
If you did find a flight to Biarritz airport, it’s just as easy to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port. In the Biarritz airport parking lot, hop on the #4 bus run by Txik Txax. The number 4 bus line stops at the Bayonne train station where you hop on the train to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Additionally, if arriving at the Biarritz airport, the shuttle company Express Bourricot offers shared shuttles from the Biarritz airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port. Shuttle prices range from €19 – €130 depending on how many passengers fill the van. In the summer months, it’s easier to find willing pilgrims to split the cost of the shuttle to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
How to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port from Spain
Many pilgrims also opt to fly into Madrid. The easiest option from Madrid would be to take the train from Madrid to Pamplona or one of the northern cities in the Spanish Basque Country like Bilbao or San Sebastian.
Long-distance trains are run by the Spanish train company Renfe. There are multiple daily departures, some with transfers and at least one direct train.
Express Bourricot also offers shuttles to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from the Spanish cities of Bilbao, San Sebastian, Hondarriba, and Pamplona.
3 | Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port
If walking the Camino Frances, you will walk through Pamplona on the Camino Frances route. To get to St Jean Pied de Port from Pamplona, catch the daily bus.
There is only 1 daily bus from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port. The bus is run by Alsa company and departs at noon. The bus takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs around €22.
➜ Check and book tickets on Alsa here
If you miss the bus there is a direct taxi service run by Teletaxi San Fermín. Taxi fares from Pamplona to St-Jean-Pied-de-Port start from €113.
4 | Bilbao or San Sebastian to St Jean Pied de Port
Personally, I loved spending time in the Spanish Basque region for a few days before departing on my Camino journey. Both Basque cities are part of the Camino del Norte pilgrimage route.
Bilbao and San Sebastian are both awesome places to spend a few days and are easily accessible to Bayonne.
Bilbao boasts a well-connected international airport (BIO), the famous Guggenheim museum, a mountainside funicular, a delicious culinary scene, and easy access to seaside cities like Getxo.
San Sebastian boasts plenty of food experiences from Michelin-Star restaurants to pintxos bars and cider houses. The city built for royalty has stunning beaches, fantastic day trips, unique hikes on the urban mountainsides, and charming fishing villages like Getaria.
Spanish Basque to French Basque Bus
It’s easy to hop on frequent buses between Bilbao and San Sebastian. There are daily buses to the French Basque city of Bayonne from San Sebastian. The bus companies of FlixBus and Alsa both run daily buses from San Sebastian to Bayonne.
Once in Bayonne France, hop on the regional train to St Jean Pied de Port.
Spanish Basque to French Basque By Train
The train from Bilbao or San Sebastian is a little slower and does require a transfer.
On the Spanish side, take the Euskotren to the border town of Hendaye in France. If coming from the Spanish Basque region, the station will be Hendaia. From here, walk next door to the Hendaye Train Station and take the SNCF train to the Bayonne Train Station to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Places of Interest for Pilgrims in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France
If you are arriving at Saint Jean Pied de Port as a pilgrim here are notable places that will come in handy.
Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office
The St Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office is probably the most essential place for pilgrims to visit in Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Have any last-minute questions about the Camino de Santiago or concerns? A little nervous or looking for support? Curious about all the Camino Frances detours? There is no place better than the Official Pilgrim Office in St. Jean Pied de Port.
The volunteers at the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office speak multiple languages and can give useful trail updates and weather forecasts.
The Pilgrim Office can be busy, especially in the evening. Try to make this your first stop when arriving in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It’s also nice to register here to be included in the official statistics!
Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office | Find it Here: 39 Rue de la Citadelle | Open Year Round / Daily: 7:30 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 20:00 | Official Website
Pilgrim Passport in St Jean Pied de Port
The Pilgrim Office is also where you pick up a Credencial del Peregrino or Pilgrim Passport. There is no need to preorder the passport. It’s better to pick up the passport from the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office so you can officially register.
☛ The Pilgrim passport is a €2 donation
The Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office also provides a handy ziplock bag to protect the Credencial, which is fantastic. The Credencial del Peregrino is utilized to stay in Albergues (pilgrim hostels) and can be used for discounted entrance fees at some churches and points of interest along the way.
Collect stamps each day in your passport from Albergues, cafes, churches, and sacred sites. The Credencial del Peregrino is a living document of your journey and is truly one of the best souvenirs to bring home from walking the Camino.
Updated Albergue List at the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office
The updated Albergue sheet from the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office is invaluable. It has the most up-to-date information on recent closures and verifies how many beds are available at each Albergue.
There are also updated prices on the Albergue list and where to find Municipal (public) Albergues along the Camino Frances route.
Don’t worry if you for some reason can’t make it to the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office. There is another Pilgrim office at the next stop in Albergue de Peregrinos de Roncesvalles.
☛ Psst… These were my favorite Camino Frances Albergues & More Helpful Albergue Tips
Last Minute Supplies in Saint Jean Pied de Port
Preparing for the Camino means that you won’t be carrying much, just the essentials. Here’s my actual Camino packing list for the Camino Frances, which I walked in August and September.
No worries if you forgot something or changed your mind about a hat or walking sticks. Here are some useful Gear Stores in Saint Jean Pied de Port.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
St Jean Pied de Port Outdoor Gear Stores
✔ Maya Sport has everything you could possibly need at a fair price.
✔ Boutique du Pelerin Pilgrim’s shop is on the main street with a wide selection of last-minute gear
There are plenty of small local shops on Rue de la Citadelle that sell walking sticks, hats, trinkets, and of course the famous shell that most pilgrims choose to carry.
St Jean Pied de Port Grocery Stores
If looking for food to carry for a picnic lunch the next day through the Pyrenees Mountains there are two main grocery stores.
✔ Carrefour Market is a popular grocery chain in Europe that offers not only food and snacks but other miscellaneous items like Swiss Army Knives and other gadgets.
✔ Lidl is another popular grocery shop that is found throughout Europe with pre-packaged food and miscellaneous items.
In town, there are lots of small mom-and-pop grocery stores selling basic items. If departing early you will have to buy the night before and store your food in the Albergue fridge. The shops in St. Jean Pied de Port don’t open until 8:00 or 9:00.
I was also surprised (or not so surprised) to see a Baguette vending machine on the main street in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
If you don’t grab food there are places to grab basic snacks on both routes to Roncesvalles. There’s even a food cart in the middle of the Pyrenees.. no I am not kidding.
Places to Stay in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port France
Since St. Jean Pied de Port is a pilgrim hub, there is a wide variety of places to stay in the village. The accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port can range from pilgrim albergues, and gites, to hotels.
Albergues in St Jean Pied de Port
Remember, albergues are no-frills pilgrim hostels. Most Albergues are big common rooms filled with bunk beds that have shared bathroom facilities. Albergues are kind of like a hostel but for pilgrims!
There are Municipal and Private Albergues on every Camino de Santiago route. Municipal Albergues are run by local governments, are usually staffed by volunteers, and do not allow reservations. Municipal Albergues work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Private Albergues are owned by individuals and allow reservations.
There is a Municipal Albergue in St Jean Pied de Port.
✔ Municipal Pilgrims Hostel Saint-Jacques | 32 beds / €12 per bed | 2 private rooms also available
More Albergues in Saint Jean Pied de Port (Gites)
✔ Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques
✔ Gîte Le Chemin vers l’Etoile
✔ La Coquille Napoléon (outside of town steps away on the Napoleon Route)
Other Accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port
Some pilgrims opt to sleep in private accommodation the night before departing on the Camino.
Here are some of the top-rated places to stay in Saint Jean Pied de Port with private rooms.
✔ Chambres d’Hôtes Maison E.Bernat
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France
What to See in Saint Jean Pied de Port
Once you stop at the Saint Jean Pied de Port Pilgrim Office, find a place to sleep, and are all good on supplies, there are some nice places to visit in St Jean Pied de Port.
The Gate of St. James
The Gate of St. James is at the top of the hilltop village and welcomes pilgrims who have been walking since Le Puy or maybe before. The Camino de Santiago routes of the Camino Frances are Camino Norte are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This gate is also an access point to the Saint Jean Pied de Port Fortress (citadel).
Hike up to the Mendiguren Citadel (Fortress)
To warm up your legs for the Camino Frances, take the hike up to the Mendiguren Citadel. There are plenty of lovely lookout points.
Appreciate the Notre-Dame Gate & Notre-Dame du Bout du Pont Church
The Notre Dame Gothic Church in Saint Jean Pied de Pont is known for being one of the most important Gothic buildings in the French Basque country. In fact, it only is behind the Bayonne Cathedral in importance.
The church is free to enter and offers a nightly pilgrim mass.
There are oftentimes musicians playing here in the open plaza before the church.
The Notre-Dame Gate is one of the original city gates. Make sure to cross the bridge to have a fabulous view.
Stroll Along the Nive River
Few pilgrims take the opportunity to stroll along the River Nive, making it a tranquil place to contemplate before starting the Camino de Santiago. Cross the Pont d’Eyheraberry bridge to loop on the other side of the river back into town.
Sample Local Cuisine & Wine
Basque cuisine is unique and delicious! What’s amazing is that the Basque region stretches over Spain and France, making each region different than the other.
Irouléguy wines are AOC classified and are the only wines to obtain this certification in the France Northern Basque country. There are a few wine bars in town that sell this distinctive wine that is grown only a few kilometers down the road.
Irouléguy wines can be white, red, or rose and are unique to the area.
The Official Start of the Camino Frances
There are two routes main routes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles Spain.
The Napoleon Route twists through the Pyrenees Mountains while the alternative Valcarlos Route follows the foothills of mountains.
Choose which route best suits you, but also be mindful of the weather and your own personal physical abilities and limitations.
Psst… If looking for a Camino de Santiago Guidebook, John Brierley’s Guidebook for the Camino Frances is one of the absolute best.
Napoleon Route | Route de Napoleon
The Napoleon Route is favored by pilgrims for its breathtaking scenery. This mountain route offers a chance to savor the beauty of the Pyrenees. The Napoleon route is usually only open from April to the end of October and can close at any time due to bad weather.
The first part of the hike is a steep ascent. Many pilgrims like to break up the route with an overnight at the Refuge Orisson. There is also the nearby Auberge Borda. These albergues do not usually open until mid-April and shut in mid-October. If you wish to sleep in the mountain shelters then it is essential to book them at least a few weeks or months in advance.
Only a few miles away is the Spanish border, barely marked in the mountains with a small fountain. The trail continues past an emergency shelter.
Eventually, there are stunning views of Roncesvalles and a steep descent into the village.
🥾 Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles via Napoleon Route | Camino Frances Route Day 1 | 15.82 miles | Duration: +/- 7 hours | Wikiloc Map
Valcarlos Route | Route de Valcarlos
Alternatively, if the weather is bad or you feel uncomfortable with the altitude of the mountains, take the Valcarlos route. This route is at a lower altitude and is more protected, but large sections follow parallel to a busy main road. There are lovely valley views and river views.
The small village of Valcarlos has a few places to sleep and a coffee shop making it an ideal place to take a break.
The Valcarlos is at a lower elevation, but the end of the day’s walk has a steep ascent up to Roncesvalles. However, the last section is through an inviting forest.
🥾 Saint Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles via Valcarlos Route | Camino Frances Route Day 1 | 14.75 miles
Hey! It’s never too early to start thinking about the walk to the “End of the World.” I prefer to end my Caminos in the fishing village of Muxía
Overview | Pilgrim’s Guide to Saint Jean Pied de Port France
This is a basic overview for pilgrims planning to walk the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port France. This guide includes how to get to St. Jean Pied de Port, where to sleep in the village, things to do, and other useful information to prepare for the Camino de Santiago Way of St. James.
Saint Jean Pied de Port has been an important and significant stop on the Camino since the Middle Ages. This French Basque village is found at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains and is the official starting point of the Camino Frances.
Saint Jean Pied de Port is a pilgrim hub and offers plenty of outdoor gear stores, grocery stores, and other trinket shops to grab last-minute items before departing on a journey of a lifetime.
Even if you don’t walk the Camino de Santiago, St-Jean-Pied-de-Port offers a glimpse into a lovely mountain village in the French Basque region. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is worth visiting whether you’re a pilgrim or not!
Have you been to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port France? Is there anything that needs to be updated or that I’m missing from this pilgrim guide? Let me know in the comments below!
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