Ostabat-Asme to Saint Jean Pied de Port
Stage 20 · Le Chemin du Puy
Ostabat-Asme → Saint Jean Pied de Port
About this stage
Ostabat-Asme to Saint Jean Pied de Port · 22 km · up 570 m, down 590 m
The final stage of the Le Puy route descends into Saint Jean Pied de Port, the iconic starting town of the Camino Frances. The path crosses the Basque foothills with views of the Pyrenean peaks ahead.
Saint Jean Pied de Port ('at the foot of the pass') has been the gathering point for pilgrims before the Pyrenean crossing since the Middle Ages. The cobbled Rue de la Citadelle is lined with 16th-century stone houses, many bearing carved lintels. The pilgrims' office at the bottom of the street issues credentials and offers route advice. The town's fortified citadel sits above, offering panoramic views.
The evening atmosphere in the town's restaurants and albergues, as pilgrims prepare for the Pyrenean crossing, is electric with anticipation.
Terrain: Hilly Basque countryside, mountain approach paths, steep descents, cobblestoned town streets
The day, stop by stop
- 0km
Ostabat-Asme
villageA historic Basque village where three of the four medieval French pilgrimage routes converge. Has gites and basic services in a deeply atmospheric setting.
View town guideRestaurantCafe - 4.4kmView town guide
Larceveau
village - 9.7kmView town guide
Gamarthe
village - 10.6kmView town guide
Mongelos
village - 15.8kmView town guide
Bussunarits
village - 18.2km
Saint-Jean-le-Vieux
villageA small Basque village just 7.5 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the final stop before Le Chemin du Puy connects with the Camino Frances.
View town guideRestaurantCafe - 22.2km
A picturesque Basque town in the French Pyrenees and the traditional starting point of the Camino Frances. The medieval citadel and cobblestoned Rue de la Citadelle set the tone for the journey ahead.
View town guideRestaurantCafeGroceryWaterPharmacyATMBusTrainPilgrim OfficeClinicPost Office
Places to stay along this stage
Koala Picks first, then each town in walking order. Where a place does not book online, walk in, call or message them.
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Planning the Le Chemin du Puy?
Add this stage to your day by day plan and see how it fits with the stages around it. Day 0 is the night you arrive in Ostabat-Asme. Choosing is never booking.