Camino de Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port
The Camino Frances to Santiago (or French Way) begins in the French town of St. Jean Pied de Port in the French Basque Country and continues through the Pyrenees until reaching Pamplona. The Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port is very popular among pilgrims.
Pamplona is a world-famous city for its running of the bulls, known as San Fermin. This section is one of the most difficult but also one of the most beautiful routes on the entire Camino de Santiago.
The so-called ‘Napoleon Route’ is so beautiful because it passes through Roncesvalles at an altitude of 1,450 meteres. The views from Roncesvalles are spectacular and from there we can see the Pyrenees in all its splendour. You will certainly have an unforgettable experience walking from St. Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona.
St Jean Pied de Port
St Jean Pied de Port is the most popular French starting point for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. Approximately 25,000 pilgrims start the Camino Frances from St Jean Pied de Port every year.
St Jean Pied de Port is a beautiful walled city, with its amazing Citadel and the gateway to Santiago. Pilgrims from all over the world come to St Jean Pied de Port to start their Camino de Santiago journey.
Overnight: St Jean Pied de Port
From St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
The beginning of this route departs from the city of St Jean Pied de Port and starts by walking up the famous Roncesvalles mountain pass in the Pyrenees. This route is demanding, probably the hardest on the entire Camino Frances.
The so-called ‘Napoleon route’ begins with a steep climb from where we will be able to see beautiful country houses before reaching the typical uplands. On this route, we will also have some spectacular views of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Then we will walk through beautiful forests heading towards the Spanish border and we will head downhill until reaching the town of Roncesvalles. Alternatively, we can also walk to the village of Valcarlos. In Roncesvalles we recommend visiting the Collegiate Church and the Chapel of Santiago.
Length: 26 km
Overnight: Roncesvalles
Optional from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles, staying overnight in Valcarlos
If walking 26 km for approximately 8 hours all one go seems too difficult, we can choose to divide the route into two sections. First we will walk 12 km from St Jean Pied de Port to Valcarlos. Valcarlos is a pretty, welcoming village.
Spending the night in Valcarlos is ideal, especially in the winter months when snow can make the route even more difficult. The second day we will walk for 14 km from Valcarlos to Roncesvalles.
Length: 12 km and 14 km
Overnight: Valcarlos
From Roncesvalles to Zubiri
We will start the day in the town of Roncesvalles. Roncesvalles is a popular starting point for many pilgrims from Spain. In Roncesvalles we recommend visiting the Chapel of St. James as well as the Royal Collegiate of Santa Maria.
The trail between Roncesvalles and Zubiri crosses beautiful forests of beech and oak trees. This trail also crosses two mountain passes: Alto de Mezquíriz and Alto de Erro. After crossing the passes, we will make our way down to the town of Zubiri where we can visit its famous ‘Puente de la Rabia’ located over the River Arga.
Length: 20 km
Overnight: Zubiri
From Zubiri to Pamplona
Once we leave Zubiri, the trail continues along the River Arga to the city of Larrasoana, an important city during the Middle Ages due to its influx of pilgrims. Little by little we will make our way towards the city of Pamplona.
Pamplona is famous for its running of the bulls, specifically its San Fermin festival. Pamplona is an interesting city to visit; we can go to its old town, visit the cathedral, try its rich local cuisine (don’t forget the wine!), or we can go visit the city’s main square, the ‘Plaza del Castillo’.
Length: 20 km
Overnight: Pamplona
Pamplona
We will spend the last day of the first section of the Camino Frances in Pamplona. Pamplona is world renowned for its San Fermin festival, during which the running of the bulls takes place in its streets in July. Pamplona is a city with a great vibe and it is worth thoroughly visiting this city.
General information
All the rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Our team checks on site the quality of all the accommodation offered in order for pilgrims to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable experience on the Camino de Santiago.
Availability
When working with quality accommodation with limited capacity, the exact name of the accommodation will be provided 30 days before the start of the Camino.
All accommodation on the Camino de Santiago is subject to availability. In case we can't offer any of them due to lack of capacity, we'll accommodate you in one of equal or better quality.
Single rooms
Single rooms are subject to availability. Reservations must be made in advance and come at an additional cost.
Where am I going to stay?
All our accommodation has been selected to ensure tranquillity, rest and enjoyment during your Camino de Santiago:
St Jean Pied de Port
Roncesvalles
Valcarlos
Zubiri
Pamplona
Included Services
Accommodation in Hotels and Country Cottages.
Rooms with private bathroom.
Meal plan of your choice.
Baggage transfer between stages.
Complete route itinerary.
24 hours Telephone assistance on route.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Assistance vehicle in case of emergency.
Information pack for the Camino de Santiago.
VAT.
Additional Services
Additional single room.
Extra night in Pamplona.
Transfer from Pamplona to St Jean Pied de Port.
Travel assistance insurance.
Cancellation insurance.
In order to resolve pilgrims’ doubts, here we answer the questions that are most frequently asked when we receive your enquiries.
If you have any other questions, you can contact us and we will be happy to help you resolve all your queries.
General Information
What is the best time to do the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago can be started on any day of the year, always taking into account the weather and the season in which you want to travel, so that your clothes are the right ones for that time.
How do I get to my starting point on the Camino?
The best way to get to the starting point of your Camino de Santiago is to arrive at the airport, train station or bus station nearest to the town from where you will start walking.
Once you confirm your Camino, you will send us the arrival information for your flight, train or bus and, from there, we will organize a private transfer to the town where you should start your Camino.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, you can. All the routes on the Camino de Santiago are suitable for pilgrims to travel solo.
Also, whether you are travelling alone, or travelling accompanied but want to sleep in a single room, Santiago Ways offer this option to you.
We can book all your nights of accommodation in single rooms at an additional cost. We suggest you book well in advance since they are usually in high demand.
On the Camino de Santiago, you will find hundreds of pilgrims walking on their own. Many of them may have come to the Camino alone; others have probably moved away from their fellow travellers for a few hours because of the difference in speed when walking.
In any case, all the routes on the Camino are very well signposted, so you will have no problem if you go on your own.
Am I going to have an accompanying guide on el Camino de Santiago?
Most routes on the Camino de Santiago are done in a self-guided mode. Thus, each traveller has the opportunity to advance on their own and at their own pace along the routes marked on the complete itinerary of the route, which is sent one month before starting the Camino.
However, we also offer organized groups with accompanying guide on the stretch from Sarria to Santiago. We have specific dates already established, and we carry them out in groups of up to 15 people, with guaranteed departures. The guides in charge of these routes speak English and Spanish.
We already have all the dates published until 2021, so you are encouraged to reserve your place before the groups are filled.
What does the complete route itinerary consist of?
The complete route itinerary is a guide that we prepare for you with information about the maps, route profiles and places of interest, kilometre by kilometre on each of the stages that you will go through on the Camino de Santiago.
The travel distances and travel times indicated for each route on both the website and the itinerary we send you are based on reference values. It depends on each pilgrim exactly how they adapt to these times and distances, according to the speed at which they progress.
When do I get the complete route itinerary?
You will receive it by email one month before starting your Camino along with all the documentation for the trip: accommodation reservations, baggage transfers, among others.
How many kilometres should I walk on each stage?
In Santiago Ways, we adapt each stage to the needs of our pilgrims, so that they can travel according to their physical capability and the number of days they have available.
On average, a stage of the Camino de Santiago has 15 to 20 km. On most routes, however, we can organize your Camino so that you walk fewer kilometres, dividing some stages into two parts, depending on what is most comfortable for you.
Advice
What should I consider to prepare physically?
Both sedentary people and those who regularly exercise should physically prepare for doing the Camino de Santiago.
Sedentary people can start with moderate activity and continue progressively. They should start by taking small 20-minute walks, two or three times a week. It is suggested to increase the time until you reach walk about 4 or 5 kilometres every hour.
People with regular physical activity can start by walking from 45 to 60 minutes a day and increase the amount of time and kilometres they travel in the same span of time.
Generally, it is recommended to start training for about three months before starting the route.
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
There is no minimum number of days in advance to book, although on certain dates the occupancy of the accommodation is higher, especially in high season, and in dates of religious interest such as the San Fermin Festivals in Pamplona, from 7th to 14th July, or the Feast of Santiago the Apostle, on July 25th.
Therefore, in order to guarantee availability in the best accommodation, we suggest you book as much in advance as possible, so that we can meet all of your needs.
What clothes and hiking equipment are indispensable?
For any of the Caminos, we suggest you to bring the following items: light and fast drying clothing, waterproof jacket and trousers, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a pair of shoes suitable for hiking, trekking poles, a pair of shoes to rest in, a jacket that doesn't take up much space and a bottle to carry water.
Depending on the time of year in which you make the route, these items may vary.
Remember that with Santiago Ways, you have included a baggage transfer service between stages, so we will take your backpack from one accommodation to another so that you only worry about walking (maximum 1 piece of 20 kg per person).
For this reason, we suggest you prepare a second backpack, much smaller, that you can carry with you every day with water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, documents, some food and cash.
How does the baggage transfer between stages work?
Every day, at 8:00 am, you must bring your luggage, properly labelled, to the reception. One of our carriers will pick it up and take it to the place where you are going to stay on your next stage.
Delivery time varies according to the distance between stages and the carrier's delivery route. Usually, delivery is made before 4 p.m.
Should I take out travel insurance?
To complete any of the routes on the Camino de Santiago, it is advisable to have travel insurance with all the necessary coverage, especially emergency evacuation and medical care.
To do this, we suggest you take out the Travel Assistance Insurance and Cancellation Insurance that we offer you in Santiago Ways. If you want more information about it, we will be happy to answer your questions.
Accommodation
Do all rooms have a private bathroom?
Yes, all rooms you book with Santiago Ways to do the Camino de Santiago have a private bathroom.
Can I sleep alone in a room?
Yes. We offer accommodation in single rooms and double rooms, according to the requirements of each pilgrim.
Single rooms have a special surcharge and are subject to availability according to the location.
When will you tell me where I am going to stay?
We work with multiple accommodations in all locations which allows us to guarantee the best quality rooms for our pilgrims, provided that they are booked well in advance.
The name and exact location of each hotel is sent about one month before the start of the Camino with all the documentation related to the trip.
Am I going to share a room with strangers?
No. All the accommodations we book for our pilgrims have private rooms with private bathrooms in order to guarantee all the comfort needed torest properly.
Is the accommodation close to the route that I should follow?
All the accommodations that we book are in the centre of the towns or villages. In any case, depending on availability, if any accommodation is somewhat far from the centre, most of them are accessible on foot.
When necessary, Santiago Ways could offer a round trip transfer so that the pilgrim can reach their accommodation in the most comfortable way possible and return the next day to the point on the route from where he must continue the Camino.
What type of accommodation do you reserve?
All the accommodation that we book in Santiago Ways offers the necessary comfort to rest after long days of walking.
We work with hotels, traditional Galician homes, country cottages, and charming hostels, always a room with a private bathroom.
We want to talk to you now about one of the most charming routes on the Camino Frances. In fact, we refer to the route of the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. It is one of the most popular for many reasons that we will explain later.
By the way, we offer in this, and in other articles on our web, all the necessary information to be able to complete your adventure on the Camino of Santiago on any of its routes.
Why choose the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona?
There are many reasons to do the Camino de Santiago de Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. Next, we will detail some of them with the intention of encouraging you to complete one of the most beautiful and popular routes of all the possible itineraries of the Camino.
1.- The natural surroundings: One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is its great landscape and environmental richness. For example, roads littered with forests before entering the final point, Navarre, are impressive.
Also, this section of the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona includes mountain stretches (two of them) where we can enjoy a wonderful experience.
2.-Historical heritage: In general, the Camino Frances is full of valuable cultural, historical and artistic heritage. However, for its stretch between Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona this is especially visible.
For example, in Saint Jean Pied de Port we can find its genuine medieval bridge and the Rue D’Espagne, a medieval aspect whose charm still remains intact.
The carving of the Virgin of Biakorri, in the area of Aquitaine, in France, is another example of this. Later, in the section of sites of interest, we will detail other places that you cannot miss. However, and to whet your appetite, it must be remembered that these points constitute for themselves another reason why to complete this route on the Camino Frances to Santiago de Compostela.
3.- Gastronomy: one of the most noteworthy points of the Camino Frances of Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is, without doubt, its great variety and gastronomic richness. This is due to the great variety of cultures that it crosses, even in the culinary sense.
Thus, along the route, and as we will detail in the section of the best restaurants, we can find gastronomic wonders to delight any pilgrim. A journey that, to culminate, has its strong point in one of the gastronomic capitals of our country and, by extension, of the whole world: Pamplona.
4.- Infrastructure: it is necessary to say on the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona that it very wll served in terms of infrastructure. It is for this reason that, ahead of other routes of the Camino de Santiago which are less crowded, the popularity of all the Camino Frances ensures that it is spectacularly equipped.
The road is well signposted, avoids overcrowding, the terrain is well prepared for pilgrimages and, the locals who are found along the way live its culture with more passion (if that is possible) than the pilgrims themselves.
Information about the route between Saint Jean Pied de Port and Pamplona
The Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is a route that forms part of the so-called Camino Frances to Santiago. It finishes its route in Pamplona and is divided into four stages. It has a total length of 68 kilometres that run by unparalleled landscapes, cultural and historical.
It is one of the busiest routes and, in addition, it is one in which most of the pilgrimage paths to Santiago converge for many centuries. When we finally get to Pamplona, this route allows us to go around its historic quarter to enjoy one of the key cities since the early Middle Ages.
St. Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles
Stage map from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles – Zubiri
Stage map from Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Zubiri – Pamplona
Stage map from Zubiri to Pamplona
Profile of the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
Here we present all the information regarding the profile of the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona.
In general, we can say that it is a highly recommended section for those who want to start on the route: the highest level of the entire route is the Collado Lepoeder pass at 1430 metres. Later, it includes a steep descent into the town of Roncesvalles.
St. Jean Pied de Port – Roncesvalles
Stage profile from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles – Zubiri
Stage profile from Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Zubiri – Pamplona
Stage profile from Zubiri to Pamplona
In general, we can say that it is a very recommended section for those who want to start on the route: the highest level of the entire route is the Collado Lepoeder pass at 1430 metres. Later, it includes a steep descent into the town of Roncesvalles.
Stages on foot
We also detail what the walking stages are that we must face in this Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Stage from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Stage from Roncesvalles to Zubiri
How long does the Camino de Santiago Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona take?
The total length of this section of the Camino de Santiago Frances is 66 kilometres. These are distributed in a total of 4 nights and 5 days. This is the proposed itinerary from Santiago Ways.
In any case, we want you to remember that it is always possible that this duration will lengthen if you fall in love with any of the spots that you may find along the route.
The best time to do the Camino de Santiago Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
While the question of when to do the Camino de Santiago, in general, depends on the taste of each individual, we want to talk now about what is the best time of the year to complete the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port.
We will detail according to each month what advantages and disadvantages there are in each of them, although we can anticipate that weather instability is especially noted during the seasons of autumn and winter and that, in general, except in the mountain stages, the temperatures are mild throughout the route.
January
The month of January is a moment chosen by many people to complete this route, especially taking advantage of the last days of the Christmas holidays. One of the most powerful reasons to do it during this month is the beauty of the environment, especially in mountain regions. You have to go well covered up, warm and prepared for possible rains, yes.
February
In February the weather is a little milder in respect to mountain temperatures. As we have said, most of the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port runs through areas of Atlantic or transitional climate. This means that the winters are mild.
March
In March the temperatures begin to rise. It is the moment when spring begins to show its influence and therefore it is a good time for those who feel the cold. With good planning, we can avoid the rains, yes.
April
In April the temperature is mild and the rains are more intermittent. The whole environment of the Camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona is dressed in beautiful colours that will make our experience unforgettable. In this month, our route can coincide with Easter.
May
In May there is a potential risk of increased rainfall. However, as we always advise, we will be able to avoid these drawbacks with an adequate forecast especially when it comes to your equipment. The temperatures are mild, even up in the mountains.
June
When summer comes it is when most pilgrims are encouraged to do the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port. They do so for obvious reasons that have to do with increasing temperatures and the lower risk of precipitation.
July
The same goes for the month of July. In July, it is when the local festivities of Santiago take place, between the 15th and the 31st. This month is another favourite of the year for pilgrims. In fact, temperatures increase even more, which increases the popularity of the itinerary but also the levels of possible precipitation.
August
August is, by far, the favourite time of year to do the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port. It is because it is a period of ideal temperatures and, above all, when most people have more available time.
September
It is the month when the autumn begins and when, in a way, the probability of precipitation reappears. However, this time of year also brings many beautiful colours to the whole landscape.
October
Although rainfall is more abundant in October, it is a great time to enjoy all the beautiful landscapes that come together along the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port.
November
In November, this is the month in which the winter is about to fully begin. Therefore, temperatures fall, although there is still a risk of precipitation. Contrary to what happens during the rest of the winter, in this month the cold is not excessively worrying.
December
December is also a good time to do the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona because during this month the city is dressed up for its Christmas festivities.
Guide to the places you cannot miss on the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
We also want to offer to name of some of the most emblematic places that you will be get to know on this Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona.
Places of interest
Roncesvalles
The whole historical combination in this town is worth it. However, the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria de Roncesvalles must be highlighted among all the town’s heritage. It is a church of imposing appearance and beautiful architecture.
Alto de Mezquiriz y el Alto de Erro
Between Roncesvalles and Zubiri are these two wonderful spots where we can make a stop to enjoy the views of the surroundings.
Pamplona Cathedral
Pamplona Cathedral is one of the most interesting architectural monuments due to its appearance and unmistakable facade. It has a gothic interior that constitutes one of the most valuable architectural jewels in Spain and, by extension, in all of Europe.
Where to sleep – the best lodgings
In Santiago Ways, we offer you the best selection of hotels to make your pilgrimage an unforgettable journey and to give you all the rest you deserve.
Where to eat – The best restaurants
Gau Txori: This emblematic restaurant located in Zubiri offers the best of Navarre’s gastronomy. It is an elegant place where you can taste a good menu at a relatively affordable price.
Casa Sabina: This restaurant offers us a popular menu at reasonable prices. It is located in Roncesvalles and is one of the obligatory stops that you mustn’t miss on the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona.
Asador Olaverri: In Pamplona, we can have a celebration after completing the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port with Navarre specialties and, above all, with its exquisite traditional style roasts.
Origin of the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
The Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona connects its own history with the Camino Frances. This emerged as an alternative to the so-called Camino del Norte when, as the Reconquest progressed, this route was opened, and was much more practical than the previous one.
Since then, the Camino de Santiago Frances and, of course, the route from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona has been completed by thousands of people. It is, in fact, the most popular route of all possible options on the Camino de Santiago.
The Camino of St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona with Santiago Ways
Ideal footwear for the Camino de Santiago from Sarria
Other sections on the Camino Frances
- St Jean Pied de Port – Pamplona
- Pamplona – Logroño
- Roncesvalles – Logroño
- Logroño – Burgos
- Burgos – Sahagún
- Sahagún – León
- León – Ponferrada
- Ponferrada – Sarria
- Sarria – Santiago de Compostela
Other users’ opinions about the Camino de St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
So that you have all the information on what other people who have already completed the Camino with Santiago Ways think, here we offer you some of their opinions.
Photos and videos of the Camino de St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
We enclose finally some pictures and videos of the Camino from Saint Jean Pied de Port so that you get an idea of all the beauty that awaits you.
The Camino de Santiago with Santiago Ways
Other Caminos de Santiago
- Camino Frances
- Camino Portugues
- Camino Portugues coastal route
- Camino del Norte
- Camino de Finisterre
- Camino Ingles
- Camino Primitivo
- Camino Lebaniego
- The Way of Lighthouses
- The Via de la Plata
Here you can see all the stages of the Camino de Santiago.
In Santiago Ways, we will advise you on which route of the Camino de Santiago is the best fit for you.
Other ways to complete The Camino de Santiago
- The Camino de Santiago in an organized group
- The Camino de Santiago with a dog
- The Camino de Santiago on bike
- The Camino de Santiago as a couple
- The Camino de Santiago at Easter
The quietest Caminos de Santiago
The most reserved routes from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
Among all the possible options that exist within the Camino Frances, some of them can link directly to the Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port. Others arrive directly in Pamplona and follow the route of this magnificent pilgrimage path.
Now, we want to talk to you about the other most popular route along with the one we are discussing.
Camino Frances from Sarria
With a length of 111 kilometres, the Camino Frances can also start from Sarria. In this section, there is a large number of pilgrims, so it is an excellent opportunity to make friends on the pilgrimage.
Route of the Camino from St Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
Maps of the Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
To follow, we enclose the maps of the Camino Frances to Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona.