Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port market
Every Monday morning, place Charles de Gaulle: the valley producers' get-together for centuries.
There are markets for tourists, and markets where locals really do their shopping. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port's belongs to the second kind, and you can tell from the very first stalls.
Day and times
- Weekly market: Monday morning, place Charles de Gaulle, from about 8 am to 2 pm. Food producers are in the covered market hall, craft and textile stalls on the square.
- Seasonal market: Thursday, in the covered market hall, from 9 am, June to September.
Times may change: check with the town hall or the tourist office if you are making a special trip.
What you'll find
Lower Navarre is a land of livestock farming and small farms. The market reflects this directly:
- Sheep's cheese. The valley's star product, from the flocks of Manech sheep you meet on the ridges. Try it with black cherry jam, the way it's eaten here.
- Chilli peppers. Strung, ground or puréed, they turn up everywhere in Basque cooking.
- Charcuterie and ham. Ventrèche (cured pork belly), chorizo, local ham: the producers often raise the pigs themselves.
- Gâteau basque. Custard-filled or black cherry: the debate will never be settled.
- Seasonal vegetables, honey, jams and, depending on the time of year, textiles and crafts.
Practical tips
- Come early. In summer, parking is easier first thing in the morning.
- Bring some cash, just in case.
- A basket or a sturdy bag. Cheese and jars are not light.
- Ask questions. Producers are happy to explain what they make, especially if you don't ask them for “the best” but for “what's good right now”.
After the market
Monday is a great day to combine the market in the morning with a visit to the old town in late morning, before the heat builds. The citadel works well in the early afternoon.
It is also the right day to stock up if you are staying in the area. At Maison Iturria, the table d'hôtes showcases local producers and ultra-short supply chains. Discover the table d'hôtes
Frequently asked questions
Which day is the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port market?
The weekly market is held on Monday mornings, on place Charles de Gaulle and in the covered market hall, from about 8 am to 2 pm. In season, from June to September, a second market is held on Thursdays in the covered market hall from 9 am.
What can you buy at the market?
Mainly produce from the valley: sheep's cheese, Espelette pepper, charcuterie and ham, gâteau basque, honey, seasonal vegetables, as well as textiles and local crafts.
Should you get there early?
Yes, especially in summer. The Monday market draws locals, producers from the surrounding area and lots of visitors. Arriving early in the morning makes parking easier and means the stalls are still fully stocked.
Are there other markets nearby?
Yes. The small towns of Lower Navarre and the inland Basque Country each have their own market day. The Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port tourist office keeps an up-to-date calendar of markets in the area.
Where to stay in the area?
Maison Iturria is in Gamarthe, 10 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the Camino de Santiago (GR65). Two unusual places to stay, a tipi tent for 5 and a cabin for 3, with breakfast included from €90 per night, and a table d'hôtes (home-cooked dinner) in the evening.
Fancy a stay at Iturria?
We prefer to receive booking requests by email. If needed, you can also reach us by phone between 10 am and 8 pm.