Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the routes to Santiago de Compostela
Situated between the Basque coast and the Spanish border, on the right bank of the Nive and at the foot of the Col de Cize («Col de Roncevaux»), Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, classed as one of the « Loveliest Villages in France », has typical Basque architecture and heritage which recounts the multiple facets of its history : that of a famous stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela, a stronghold of the Kingdom of Navarre and a trading centre which it remains today.
saint-jean-pied-de-port
History is still very visible today in the urban structure of the village : the church of Notre-Dame, the most important Gothic building in French Pays Basque, Porte Saint-Jacques, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the citadel and fortifications, whose design heralds the techniques used by Vauban, the enigmatic prison «des Evêques»...
The fortified citadel is a lively place all year round and the Monday market is an absolute must for all local producers. Major cultural and sporting events or nature walks, there is always something happening in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. You can hear Basque being spoken, its music and songs, admire its dances and games and of course taste its delicious gourmet food : ewe’s milk curd cheese with black cherry jam, piperade, chipirons (marinated calamar), eels with parsley and garlic and other specialities like trout from the River Nive which you can see wriggling in the river which runs through the village. St Jean-Pied-de-Port is surrounded by the marvellous Irati Forest and the Irouléguy vineyards. A day out in Saint Jean-Pied-de-Port is a wonderful experience !
Our selection of accommodations
Lodging
CHEZ AGUIRRE
in SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT - Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Guest house
HARRIA
in SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT - Pyrénées-Atlantiques
