Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Harrieta171, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (or Donibane Garazi in Basque) is a pretty little town nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees and is the principal starting point for the Camino Francés (French Way) - the most popular pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella. There's an exhibition on the pilgrimage in the ominously named Bishop's Prison.

The town is also a hop off on one of the more obscure, and perhaps underappreciated, routes to take to Spain across the gentler and lusher parts of the Pyrenees which bisect the old Kingdom of Navarre. 

For those interested in the Vauban-designed Citadel there are guided tours in July and August.

While here, it's also nice to have a stroll around the town's walls or along the river, but put on some insect repellent...

If you fancy some new footwear, you might want to pick up a pair of hand-sewn Arangois espadrilles , a tradition passed down from mother to daughter.

Highlights
  • Bishop's prison

  • Citadel

  • Set out along the Camino Frances and do as much as you like.

Station stroll ideas

If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?

I've made a downloadable PDF with accompanying google map which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights and set you on your way to Spain by bus or on foot.. .

Map

Tourist infomation

Here's a link to tourist information: Tourist info website

Plan your own trip

Why not plan your own trip one hop at a time with Trip-Hop:

plan trip

great hops from here