SightPorte Saint-JacquesThe UNESCO World Heritage gate at the top of town where pilgrims arriving on the French routes have entered for centuries. Great views of the mountains from here.
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.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the traditional starting point of the Camino Frances, a picturesque walled town in the French Pyrenees on the banks of the River Nive. The cobblestoned Rue de la Citadelle, lined with red and white Basque houses, leads pilgrims down through the old town to the Porte d'Espagne and the start of the climb over the Pyrenees.
The town has a full range of services including the Pilgrim Office (where credencials are issued and the route over the mountains is explained), multiple albergues, hotels, restaurants, outdoor shops, ATMs, and a pharmacy. The municipal albergue fills quickly in peak season.
Saint-Jean sits at the convergence of three of the four historic French pilgrimage routes, giving it deep significance in Camino history. Pilgrims should arrive by early afternoon to allow time to visit the Pilgrim Office and prepare for the demanding first day over the Pyrenees.
Every kind of bed in one place: online booking, direct-contact albergues, walk-ins and donativos. Live prices for your night.
The Camino through town, with prices where the beds are. Amber is the route; each pin is a place to stay.
How to reach your starting point from major cities and airports.
Take the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne (approx. 5 hours), then a scenic local train from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (1 hour). From Madrid, travel to Bayonne via TGV or Renfe connections through the Basque Country.
The nearest airport is Biarritz (Pays Basque Airport), approximately 45 minutes by taxi or shuttle. Bilbao Airport (2.5 hours) and Pamplona Airport (1.5 hours) are also well-connected alternatives with onward buses or taxis.
Alsa and regional operators run buses from Pamplona to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. From Biarritz, local buses connect to Bayonne, from where you take the train.
Private transfers are available from Biarritz, Bayonne, and Pamplona airports. Many transfer companies specialise in Camino pilgrims and can drop you at the Pilgrim Office.
Your checklist for arrival day in Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Visit the Pilgrim Office at 39 Rue de la Citadelle. In season (April to October) it is typically open 7:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 8pm, though hours vary. Your Credencial is your official Camino passport. You will need it to stay in albergues and to receive your Compostela in Santiago.
Our Koala Picks first, then donativos, albergues and hostels, hotels, and everything else. Within each group the best-reviewed places lead.
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Everything you need to know for your time in Saint Jean Pied de Port.
39 Rue de la Citadelle. Open daily during the main season, generally from early morning to evening with a midday break, though hours vary. Quieter outside peak months.
There are ATMs on the main street (Rue de France and Rue d'Espagne). Many albergues along the route are cash-only, so stock up before you leave.
There are pharmacies along the main street, generally open Monday to Saturday with varying hours. A good place to stock up on blister prevention supplies before you start.
There are small supermarkets and grocery shops around Rue d’Espagne. Pick up snacks, trail food, and a water bottle for the next day.