Things to do in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is tiny, and that is precisely what makes it so charming. People come for the Camino de Santiago, and stay for the pink stone, the Nive and the feel of a little mountain town.

The old town and rue de la Citadelle

The main street of the old town slopes gently down from the Porte Saint-Jacques (St James' Gate) to the bridge over the Nive. This is the historic route the pilgrims took, and it has hardly changed: pink sandstone houses with dated lintels, shops selling Basque products, craft workshops.

At the bottom, the church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont and the old bridge offer one of the most photographed views: houses with their feet in the river.

Also not to be missed: the Porte d'Espagne (Spanish Gate), through which walkers set off for Roncesvalles, and the so-called Bishops' Prison, on rue de la Citadelle, with its medieval vaulted hall.

The citadel and the rampart walk

Perched above the town, the citadel bears witness to the site's strategic role, guarding the way into Spain. The climb is short but steep: ten to fifteen minutes from the Porte Saint-Jacques. The citadel now houses a school: the interior can be seen on a guided tour in summer.

The view from the ramparts is worth the effort: red roofs, the bell tower, the bend of the Nive and, beyond, the ridges crossed by the Camino. It is the best place to understand at a glance why the town is here.

The Monday market

It is an institution. Every Monday morning, around place Charles de Gaulle and the covered market hall, you will find the valley's produce: sheep's cheese, chilli peppers, charcuterie, gâteau basque, seasonal vegetables. In season, a second market is held on Thursdays in the covered market hall.

Our full guide to the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port market

Around the town

• The Irouleguy vineyards. A small mountain AOC wine area (about 250 ha), clinging to the hillsides west of the town. Full-bodied reds, rosés and whites.
• Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. A Basque village in the Baïgorry valley, with its so-called “Roman” bridge (17th century) and its church.
• Saint-Jean-le-Vieux and Gamarthe. The Lower Navarre countryside, just a few kilometres away. Discover Gamarthe
• The trails. GR10, GR65, local circular walks: the valley has walking for every taste. See our suggestions

When to come?

May and June are probably the best months: the meadows are green, the days are long and it is not yet too crowded. July and August are the peak tourist season, and pilgrims pass through from April to October, with peaks in spring and August: book ahead. September and October bring superb light and mountains that are still accessible.

In winter, the town empties, the Napoleon Route closes, and you discover a Basque Country that is wilder and more authentic.

Frequently asked questions