Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a fortified town

Donibane Garazi

Not to be missed
Where are we?
In the heart of the village
Gastronomic tradition
Handicrafts
Hiking
Agenda

Saint Jean Pied de Port (“Donibane Garazi” in Basque) is commonly known as the capital of the Basse Navarre. A fortified town at the foot of the Basque Pyrenees, it was founded in the 12th century. Only 50 km from the Basque coast, you’ll be able to enjoy strolling through the old town, with its cobblestone streets, overlooked by the citadel. Every year since the Middle-Ages, the town has welcomed walkers heading to Santiago de Compostela. The town’s location at the foot of the mountains offers many stunning walks along the GR10 and GR65.

Not to be missed

The citadel

Zitadela

Located on Mendiguren hill at an altitude of 80 m, it was built on the ruins of the ancient fortified castle. It was redesigned by Vauban in 1685. The ravelin, or demi-lune, view point, in front of Le Roy gateway, allows you to admire a breathtaking view of the village below, the Munhoa and Oilandoi peaks in the distance, and the Irouléguy vines on the Arradoy slopes.

Citadel of Saint Jean Pied de Port

The citadel street

Zitadelako Karrika

In the heart of the old town, at one end of the street you will find the Porte Saint-Jacques (St. James gateway), and at the other Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont church. Many pilgrims walk this street every year on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Make sure to stop and admire the facade of the Arcanzola house. It has one of the oldest sculpted lintels in town, dating back to 1510.

Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont church

Donibane Garaziko Eliza

Built in the 13th century, it’s the second largest Gothic building in the northern Basque Country, after Bayonne Cathedral. Its facade is covered in local pink sandstone.

Porte Saint Jacques (St. James gateway)

A UNESCO world heritage site, it’s a required passage for all pilgrims passing through the village.

Spanish Street

Españako Karrika

This street has been home to traders and craftsmen since the Middle-Ages. You will be able to admire many sculpted lintels dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Eyheraberry bridge

Eiheraberriko Zubia

Also known as the Roman bridge, as its arch shape recalls these structures. Made of stone, it crosses the river Nive which runs through the village. This is an ideal, shady spot for a picnic.

Where are we?

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is probably one of the most well-known villages in the Basque Country. Famous for its citadel and the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, this medieval village is situated at the foot of the passes leading towards the Spanish border just 10 minutes away. Here you will find yourself in the heart of the Irouléguy vineyards, the vines terraced on the surrounding hillsides, 30 minutes from Saint-Palais and Cambo-les-Bains, and 45 minutes from Mauléon-Licharre.

Origins of the name Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Did you know? Origins of the name Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port : “Saint Jean” after Saint Jean Baptiste, patron saint of the village, featured on the church bell tower, and “Pied de Port”, because the village is located at the foot of the mountains towards Spain, the “port” in the Pyrenees, referring to the mountain pass (from the latin “portus”, one meaning of which is “narrow pass”).

In the heart of the village

Donibane Garaziko Bihotzean

The Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the last stopover on the Camino de Compostela in France, before embarking on the mythical crossing of the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles, in Spain.

Since the 12th century, the village has been the obligatory point of passage for thousands of walkers wishing to reach Santiago de Compostela on foot, via the GR 65. On the Napoleon route, which crosses the mountains, walkers can take a break and say a prayer to the Virgin of Orisson (or Virgin of Biakorri). The Thibault Cross, a few kilometres further on, is the ideal place to make a last wish, symbolised by a ribbon tied to the monument, for a peaceful path. All along this 27 km climb, walkers enjoy a splendid panorama of the Basque Pyrenees. After about 7 hours of walking, and an arduous descent through the Roncesvalles forest, the pilgrims reach the Spanish village.

The address to remember for the Camino de Compostela in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is n°39, rue de la Citadelle. This address is the reception office for Compostela pilgrims. Do you have a question about preparing your journey, or when you arrive in the village? They will answer it!

La Prison dite "des Évêques"

A village shaped by the Compostela route

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, capital of the Pays de Cize, is the final French stage of the “Camino Frances” on the historic route known as the Way of St. James. In 2019, more than 57,000 pilgrims passed through the village, heading towards the legendary leg of the journey that crosses the Pyrenees: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Roncesvalles.

+ zoom on the Prison des Evêques which explains the connection between the Compostela route and the commune

salle des croises de la prison des eveques de saint jean pied de port avec armures et boucliers en presentation — Pierre Carton

pelerins en route vers saint jacques de compostelle dans la rue de la citadelle de saint jean pied de port — Pierre Carton

Gastronomic-tradition

Dynasty of gourmet chefs

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of those Basque villages where a passion for the land and good products is passed down from generation to generation. The Arrambide family of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a perfect example. For more than forty years, the Arrambide family has been perpetuating the tradition of excellence of the Pyrenean hotel-restaurant. First the parents, Firmin and Anne-Marie, and now the children, Philippe, a Michelin-starred chef, and Sandrine.

More than restaurants, institutions

Some of these restaurants in the village are more than just restaurants. The Ttipia café, run by the chef Michel Ybargaray, welcomes regulars every morning of the year to have coffee and chat about the latest news. On Mondays, pelota day, the restaurant in Paxkal Oillarburu is packed with cancha aficionados who come to watch the bare-knuckle pelota games at the Trinquet Garat.