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Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees in southwestern France and is the core starting point of the UNESCO World Heritage "Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Camino".
This medieval town, with a population of fewer than 2,000, attracts over 50,000 pilgrims each year, making the 800-kilometer journey to Santiago, Spain. The red-tiled, whitewashed Basque architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and the majestic Pyrenees backdrop create a unique blend of history and nature.
Suitable season for visiting:
1. May-September:
The weather is sunny (20℃-36℃ during the day), all facilities are open, and there are many festivals and events (such as August Carnival Week and Basque Pelota).
The temperature is suitable (10℃-20℃), there are fewer people, and the autumn colors that paint the mountain city are particularly charming; but you need to prepare rain protection equipment as the weather in the mountains is changeable.
Recommended places to visit:
1. Pilgrims Office
Purchase a pilgrim passport, get your first stamp, and receive a route map and a list of sanctuaries. Volunteers provide multilingual services, and the wall displays the nationalities of pilgrims over the years.
2. Medieval city walls and four major gates
Porte St-Jacques: A World Heritage site with panoramic views of the Nive Valley.
Porte de Navarre: Climb the city walls for a panoramic view of the red-roofed buildings and the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
A hidden corner: Walk along the city walls to Porte de France, where you might occasionally encounter locals herding sheep.
3. Castle ruins (Château de Mendiguren)
A 14th-century fortress of the Kingdom of Navarre, only ruins and the foundations of its fortifications remain. Climbing to the summit offers a 360-degree view of the town and the Pyrenees, a prime photography spot.
4. Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Port
This 13th-century Gothic church boasts a beautiful pointed-arch colonnade at the main entrance, and a black wooden statue of the Madonna is enshrined inside. Pilgrims often pray here before departing.
5. Main Street (Rue de la Citadelle) and the Market
Basque-style houses with red windows and wooden doors, shops selling pilgrim supplies (shell pendants, walking sticks), and handmade pottery workshops.
Monday market: Place Charles de Gaulle: try local cheeses, Kintoa ham, and buy chili products.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a historic town in the French Basque Country, famous as a starting point for the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Its medieval walls, citadel, and cobblestone streets reflect its strategic importance and cultural heritage.
Located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of southwestern France. Accessible by train from Bayonne or Biarritz, by bus from nearby towns, or by car. Walking is ideal within the town center.
The town is open year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Shops and attractions typically operate from morning to early evening.
Most of the town is free to explore. Entry to the Citadel or museums may cost around 3–5 EUR per person; tickets are purchased onsite.
Advance booking is generally not required except for guided tours or during peak summer season.
2–4 hours are sufficient to explore the old town, visit the citadel, and enjoy local shops and cafes.
Guided tours are available in French, Spanish, and English. Audio guides may be available in multiple languages depending on the museum or citadel.
Start at Porte Saint-Jacques, walk through the old town streets, visit shops and cafes, then climb to the Citadel for panoramic views, finishing with a stroll along the town’s riverbanks.
Night walks in the town are possible; special tours may be offered during festivals, but there are no regular light shows.
Peak season is summer; early mornings or weekdays are less crowded, especially outside July–August.
Public toilets, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and benches are available throughout the town center.
The old town streets are cobblestone and hilly, which may be challenging for wheelchair users and elderly visitors; children can explore with supervision.
Most restaurants and shops accept cards, but small local vendors may prefer cash (EUR).
Several cafes and restaurants offer Basque cuisine, including La Table des Cordeliers, Chez Rémi, and smaller local bistros.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some restaurants; halal options may be limited but can be requested in larger establishments.
