# Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a town of 1,500 people (2019) in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France. It is a common starting point for the French Way of the pilgrim route Camino de Santiago, to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Over 30,000 pilgrims started in this town in 2024.

## Understand

The town lies on the river Nive, 8 km from the Spanish border. It is the head town of the region of Cize (Basque: Garazi), and was the capital of the former Basque province of Lower Navarre.
The town's name means "Saint John [at the] Foot of [the] Pass"; the pass leads through the Pyrenees to Spain. That's where the pilgrims go.

## Get in
### By plane

There are several airports around, from which you can reach the town quite easily.
You can fly to Biarritz's airport (BIQ) with direct flights from several countries and international one-stop connections by Air France. From the airport take a direct city bus to the train station of Bayonne und then a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach service from Biarritz Airport to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you can contact Express Bourricot$^{[deadlink]}$, Sea-Lifts or Biarritz Airport Transfers$^{[deadlink]}$.
The airport of Pamplona is served by international one-stop connections by Iberia. From the airport you can take a taxi to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for more than €100 (January 2025). You may find other people at the airport to split the bill with.
On the French side there are the airports of Toulouse, Bordeaux, Tarbes and Pau. All these towns have direct trains (and intercity buses) to Bayonne. From Bayonne take a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
On the Spanish side you will find international low-cost flights to the airport of Bilbao. From Bilbao take an intercity bus to Bayonne and from there a train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
One more possibility is to fly the airport of San Sebastián.

### By train

There are trains from Gare Montparnasse in Paris to Bayonne: 4 hr, 4–6 trains/day. Book online at SNCF Connect. From Bayonne, there are trains onwards to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 1½ hr, 4–5 trains/day. Book at SNCF Connect (at SNCF Connect itinerary).
There are also trains from the train station of Biarritz in the south of the town from which you need to change the train in Bayonne (SNCF Connect).
From Madrid, you can take a train to Pamplona and take a taxi from there.

### By pilgrimage

Before the age of rail, most pilgrims had to walk all the way from home to reach Santiago de Compostela. Several of the routes through France pass through this town and still see use by pilgrims. However, the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Pamplona is closed from November to March every year; in these months you need to take the route via Valcarlos.

## Get around

Walk.

## See

There are many very old buildings, built of pink and grey schist, which retain distinctive features including inscriptions over their doors.
* Cobbled Ru de la Citadelle.
* 43.16241-1.237131 Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont (Église de l'Assomption de la Vierge), Rue de la Citadelle. It may have free trekking or hiking poles.
* 43.163657-1.2343392 porte Saint-Jacques. (updated May 2020)

## Do

Begin the French Way of the Camino de Santiago (Spanish also El Camino; Galician: O Camiño de Santiago, Ruta Xacobea; French: Chemin de St-Jacques, German: Jakobsweg)
About 14 percent of the pilgrims who finish the French Way in Santiago started their journey in this town. Referred to as pilgrims (pèlerins in France and peregrinos in Spanish), many international travellers choose this, as it is the starting point in France that is closest to the Spanish border. Pilgrims begin by reporting in to the Pilgrim's Office to obtain their credencial to begin their journey.
* 43.163451-1.2358291 Pilgrim Office (Accueil aux Pèlerins / Amis du Chemin de Saint-Jacques), 39 rue de la Citadelle. Daily 07:30–12:00, 13:30–20:00. Go pick up your Pilgrim Passport as soon as you arrive in town. (updated Feb 2022)

## Buy

There are ATMs.
The biggest supermarkts near the centre are Lidl, Carrefour Market and Intermarché Super.
* 43.163146-1.2360991 La Boutique du Pèlerin, 32 Rue de la Citadelle, ☏ +33 5 59 37 98 52, directioncompostelle@orange.fr. Daily 06:30-20:30. Stock up on hiking supplies you forgot such as hiking sticks, backpacks, clothes, shoes, guidebooks, etc. (updated Mar 2022)
* Free trekking or hiking poles may be available at Notre-dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. See above under See.

## Eat
### Budget

* Bar Brasserie Pizzeria. A casual spot offering a variety of savory pizzas, with a relaxed brasserie atmosphere. The focus is on classic pizza options alongside hearty brasserie-style meals. Menu from €10 (Aug 2024). (updated Jan 2025)
* Café des Sports. A traditional, cozy café serving simple yet flavorful dishes. The menu features a mix of local and French-inspired savory options in a laid-back environment. (updated Jan 2025)
* Pizz a Uhart Papy-Jo. Known for its rustic pizzeria setting, it offers a wide selection of pizzas, with an emphasis on traditional, savory toppings and a homey feel. (updated Jan 2025)
* Damico's. A comfortable and informal eatery that specializes in Italian cuisine. The savory menu includes a range of pizzas and pasta dishes, focusing on bold and rich flavors. (updated Jan 2025)
* Pizza Ona Garazi. A pizzeria with a modern vibe, offering a variety of savory pizzas. The focus is on fresh, quality ingredients with a local touch. (updated Jan 2025)

### Mid-range

* Restaurant "Comme A La Maison". A warm and inviting restaurant offering a menu filled with traditional French dishes. The focus is on hearty, savory meals made with fresh, local ingredients, served in a homely, comfortable setting. €20-30. (updated Jan 2025)
* Restaurant Cidrerie Hurrup Eta Klik. A rustic, cider-focused eatery with a regional touch, offering savory Basque-inspired dishes. The menu highlights local specialties, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients in a traditional Basque style. €20-30. (updated Jan 2025)
* Café de la Paix. A classic café with a charming ambiance, serving a variety of savory French dishes. The menu combines traditional and regional flavors, offering simple yet flavorful meals in a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. €20-30. (updated Jan 2025)

## Sleep

* 43.163298-1.2358091 Beilari (Esprit du Chemin), 40 Rue de la Citadelle (Across street from Pilgrim Office), ☏ +33 5 59 37 24 68, info@beilari.info. Check-in: 06:30, check-out: 22:00. €40 per person including dinner and breakfast.. (updated Feb 2022)
* 43.163396-1.2359552 Gite Makila, Rue de la Citadelle 35 (2 doors down from Pilgrim's Office), ☏ +33 6 63 10 13 46, info@makila-saintjean.com. Check-in: 15:00-20:30, check-out: 08:30. Nice hostel. Bunkbeds have curtain and individual electric outlets. €25 including breakfast. (updated Apr 2022)
* 43.163724-1.2347013 Refuge Municipal (Ospitalia), 55 Rue de la Citadelle, ☏ +33 6 17 10 31 89. 32 beds. Dorm €12, double €30. (updated Feb 2022)

## Go next

Spain