At the gateway to Spain: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

(S/E) With your back to the campsite, head south-west along Avenue du Fronton. Walk past the garages and then along the ramparts to reach the Porte d’Espagne. Turn left to go through this gate, then left again onto the Chemin d’Olhonce. Walk along the ramparts on your left to reach the entrance to the fronton in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Head right to walk alongside the Nive de Béhérobie and continue to the Pont d'Eyheraberry.

(1) Cross the bridge and head left to follow the river on your left along the Allée d'Eyheraberry. You’ll come to a ‘No Entry’ sign blocking the path. Continue along the gravel path to reach a footbridge spanning the river. Walk a few dozen metres towards the church until you reach a stone staircase.

(2) Ignore the ramp leading up to the bridge. Instead, take the stone steps climbing to the right inside the ramparts. Be careful: the path is lined with large-leaved plants that partially cover the way. Once at the top, turn right onto the path that goes round the Citadel of Mendiguren. You will arrive at the Citadel Park (picnic area). Head left onto the gently sloping tarmac road to reach the entrance to the Citadel of Mendiguren and the school (not open to visitors).

(3) Head north then north-west to walk along the ramparts on your left and reach the Porte du Roy. Go through the gate to the bastion to enjoy the panoramic view of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Retrace your steps then turn left at a hairpin bend. After Rue de la Citadelle, you’ll arrive in front of the municipal refuge.

(4) Turn right towards the Porte Saint-Jacques. Do not go through this gate, but take the small gate just before it, following the path along the ramparts. Stay on the rampart walk until the end, then go down the stairs to reach Rue de l’Église.

(5) Head right to pass through the Porte de Navarre, then, once past Place Charles De Gaulle, turn left to cross over the river. Walk a few hundred metres, then cross carefully to reach the crossroads. Head right towards Pamplona, then at the Brasserie des Remparts, carefully cross Rue Floquet. You are now in front of the Porte d’Uhart.

(6) Do not go through the gate, but enter the passage in the wall which, after climbing a few steps, leads you into a park. Explore and walk through this park to come down Rue Zuharpeta. Take the pedestrian crossing on the left, cross carefully and continue right along Rue Zuharpeta. Walk on until you reach the Stop sign at the Porte d’Espagne.

(7) Turn left and continue along Rue d’Espagne, wandering at your leisure through the small side streets. Gradually make your way up Rue d’Espagne, cross the bridge and pass under the Porte Notre-Dame, then continue to the Prison des Évêques (museum, open to visitors).
Retrace your steps, go through the Porte Notre-Dame and immediately turn left before the bridge. Turn left. Walk down the ramp alongside the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin to find yourself in front of the stone staircase that climbs to the left inside the ramparts.

(2) Walk on to the footbridge, cross it and you will find yourself on Avenue du Fronton. Walk on to the entrance of the campsite (S/E).

If you are walking the Camino de Santiago, don’t forget to get your pilgrim’s passport stamped at the Pilgrims’ House.
Take the opportunity to pick up useful information for your journey in Spain (lists of accommodation, route stages, etc.)

Places to see
The town and its narrow shopping streets
(1) Eyheraberry Bridge
(3) Mendiguren Citadel, Porte du Ry and Bastion with panoramic views of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
(4) Watchtower path
Bridge and Notre Dame Gate
Bishops’ Prison
Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin