From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles

(S) From the Plaza Berri municipal campsite, head right, cross the footbridge then turn left to reach the Notre-Dame Gate on the Old Bridge.

(1) Turn left and continue along Rue d’Espagne; remember to stock up on supplies. Pass through Porte d’Espagne and continue straight on, following the sign for the Way of St James on the Route de Saint-Michel. Continue along the D931 until you reach the fork.

(2) Ignore the turn-off to the right (Chemin de Mayorga) and continue on the D931 to the next fork.

(3) Turn right onto the D428 Route Napoléon to begin a long climb. Continue to the Albergue La Coquille Napoléon and Villa Goxoki, in the hamlet of Ithurbura. Please note that on the hiking map, the Albergue La Coquille Napoléon is not shown in the correct location.

(4) Continue to the fork.

(5) Keep left on Route Napoléon until you reach another fork in the hamlet of Etxeberrigaraia.

(6) Staying on the road, continue to the right to reach the hamlet of Etxebesta.

(7) Stay on the B-road towards Ithurburia Farm. Continue to the fork.

(8) Continue to the right, passing a farm at a place called Errekulusena, before reaching a junction at a sharp bend.

(9) Continue your ascent to the left (south-southeast then south), taking in the magnificent scenery, and carry on to the Ithurburai farm in the hamlet of Hunto.

(10) Carry on along the B-road until you reach a blue sign indicating Roncesvalles via the Bentarte Pass and providing information on whether the pass is open or not.

(11) You have two options:
1) If you’re feeling a bit tired, you can continue along the tarmac road, which climbs gradually, until you reach a fork and the Behicaro Fountain.
2) As shown on the route map, leave the road and follow the wide grassy path opposite. After several hairpin bends and a fairly steep climb, you will rejoin the Route Napoléon. Continue to the left for a few dozen metres to reach a fork at the Behicaro Fountain. Drinking water available here

(12) Continue uphill to the right on the D428. Pass an information board and carry on to a reservoir. Enjoy the superb view of the Pyrenees here.

(13) Continue up the hill to the Refuge d'Orisson. Toilets and refreshments available.

(14) After a well-deserved short break, continue along the Route Napoléon until you reach the access path to the Auberge Borda.

(15) Carry on past the Pic d'Orisson (on your left) before reaching the Cabane de Landarre.

(16) Stay on the tarmac road which heads to the right then makes a left turn. Drive on to the Vierge d’Orisson car park. Turn left into the car park and head to the foot of the rock where the Vierge de Biakorri, known as the Vierge d’Orisson, stands. Taking care, enjoy the magnificent panoramic view, weather permitting.

(17) Return to the D428 and turn left to continue on to the junction with the D128.

(18) Carry on straight towards Urkulu. Pass the Col d’Elhursaro and continue to the Croix Thibault. Just before the Croix Thibault, a food truck sells a selection of food items.

(19) Leave the Route Napoléon and turn right onto a grassy track towards the Col de Bentarte. Climb until you reach the French-Spanish border. A boundary stone indicates that there are 765 km left to Santiago de Compostela.

(20) Walk along the border to the left for about 0.5 km, heading south. Pass the Col de Bentarte (1,344 m) before reaching the Fontaine de Roland and a large stone marker indicating that you are entering the territory of Navarre.

(21) Cross the Canadian crossing and continue along the^GR®65on a gentle climb until you reach the junction with a hiking trail.

(22) Ignore this path and continue west-south-west through the woods. After a good walk, you emerge from the woods to find an open hill, at the foot of which lies the Izandorre Refuge.

(23) Stay on the path on the right, the^GR®65, and continue the climb along a stony path which leads onto the NA2033 as you reach the highest point of this stage, the Col Lepoeder (1,430 m).

(24) Continue along the steeply descending path, marked by a red and white signpost. Cross the NA2033 and continue through the woods on a fairly wide and well-marked path. Head straight down to the bottom of the descent. There is no risk of taking a wrong turn on the descent; there is only one path. Watch out for the risk of slipping on the large stones. You’ll reach a junction at the bottom of the descent.

(25) Continue along the path heading north-west to reach a large car park. Walk on to the chapel.

(26) Turn right, walk past the monastery to reach the reception at the end of the road, in a large white building (E).
Have your Credencial, your ID and payment for your accommodation ready.

Please note: the trail is closed in Navarre every winter, from 1 November to 31 March.
Before setting off, check the weather forecast. It is better to delay your departure than to risk walking the stage in the cold, wind, rain or snow.

Provisions: make sure you stock up before setting off from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Orisson refuge at the checkpoint (11) and food truck at the checkpoint (16). No provisions available in Roncesvalles.

The Izandorre refuge is a hut open for taking breaks in bad weather. It is possible to call the emergency services in case of an emergency.

Bivouacking in Spain: here is an article explaining the rules in Spain: Info.
For this first night in Spain, given the altitude and the cool temperatures, I preferred to spend the night in the monastery’s dormitories.

Accommodation options:
Remember to book in advance. With the number of pilgrims, available places are scarce
Hostel and Pilgrim Centre: Info Tel: +34 948 76 00 00
Hotel Roncesvalles: Info Tel: +34 948 76 01 05
La Posada: Tel: +34 948 79 03 22
Casa Sabina: Information Tel: +34 948 760 012

(14) The Orisson Refuge is a good place for a first stop. Its vast terrace, seemingly suspended in mid-air, is at the same level as the vultures gliding above the flocks of sheep scattered across the green slopes.

(20) The Franco-Spanish border near the Fontaine de Roland (21) is situated not far from the ambush where the valiant knight of the same name perished, probably in the Lepoeder ravine, between the Bentarte and Ibaneta passes. There, a large stone marks the entrance to Navarre on the Spanish side.

Throughout the stage, there are superb views of the Pyrenees mountain range.
Viewpoint at the Col d’Ibañeta or Col de Roncevaux