Honto (Huntto)

Honto, also written as Huntto or Hunto, is a small hamlet in the French Basque Country on the Route Napoléon section of the Camino Francés.

It sits above Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the lower slopes of the Pyrenees, around 5 km into the walk. This makes it one of the first small settlements pilgrims reach after leaving Saint-Jean.

Historically, this area was part of the old mountain route used by travellers, traders, shepherds, and pilgrims crossing from France into Navarra. The hamlet itself is rural and agricultural, with traditional Basque farmhouses rather than major monuments or sightseeing stops.

For pilgrims today, Honto is mainly useful as an early rest or overnight stop before the harder climb toward Orisson and the Col de Lepoeder. There is accommodation at Ferme Ithurburia, which also serves meals, but services are very limited. Pilgrims should not expect shops, multiple restaurants, or a full village centre.

Honto is best understood as a quiet mountain hamlet with practical Camino value: a place to sleep, eat, catch your breath, and ease into the Pyrenees before the route becomes more exposed.