Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Bella estampa del río Nive

The beginning of the Camino de Santiago for many pilgrims

This beautiful and touristic French village in the Pyrenees, situated in the region of Aquitaine and bathed in the river Nive, has been confirmed as one of the main points of departure for pilgrims to Santiago.

Its charm and the imminent challenge of facing the journey to Roncesvalles, the toughest stage of the entire pilgrimage route, play in its favour. Also made popular because of the fact that, 20 kilometres before here Ostabat is located, the place where three of the major routes that pass through French territory coincide (those that depart from Le Puy, Limoges and Tours). In the middle Ages many pilgrims gathered in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to face, together, the tough climb and subsequent descent to Roncesvalles.

The centre, founded in the XII century on the initiative of the King of Navarre and located 8 kilometres from the border with Spain, has conserved its authenticity and its medieval charm, through its buildings, cobbled streets and its ever-vigilant Citadel. Its military past, and strategic position as the beginning of a natural pass way through the Pyrenees. The translation of its name confirms this: San Juan at the foot of the port. In this town pilgrims will find all the facilities they need to rest before their long journey to Compostela.