Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (or Donibane Garazi in Basque) is a pretty little town nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees and is the principal starting point for the Camino Francés (French Way) - the most popular pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella. There's an exhibition on the pilgrimage in the ominously named Bishop's Prison.
The town is also a hop off on one of the more obscure, and perhaps underappreciated, routes to take to Spain across the gentler and lusher parts of the Pyrenees which bisect the old Kingdom of Navarre.
For those interested in the Vauban-designed Citadel there are guided tours in July and August.
While here, it's also nice to have a stroll around the town's walls or along the river, but put on some insect repellent...
If you fancy some new footwear, you might want to pick up a pair of hand-sewn Arangois espadrilles, a tradition passed down from mother to daughter.
Highlights
Bishop's prison
Citadel
Set out along the Camino Frances and do as much as you like.
Station stroll ideas
If you have an hour or two to spare waiting for a train, why not go for a wander?
I've made a downloadable PDF with accompanying google map which will give you a feel for the place and take in the sights and set you on your way to Spain by bus or on foot...
If you would like to know a bit more about the camino that starts in Saint-Jean, then here is a video to give you a taster.
Let's go for a stroll along the first part of the Camino Frances and see if it makes us want to come back for more.
Luggage
If you want to stroll without a care in the world, including your luggage, you could try using Bounce to find a place that will take your bags.
Getting there
Around five trains a day run from Bayonne and take an hour. Cyrano de Bergerac fans might want to hop off a few stops short at Cambo Les Bains to see a museum dedicated to its author, Edmond Rostand and his equally gifted wife.
One bus a day runs between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Pamplona but check on the details with Alsa.
Useful links
The friendly, but often very busy, tourist information office is by the Porte de France. There website details are: https://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/tourisme/office-de-tourisme/
This is also useful: https://www.en-pays-basque.fr/en/territory-and-destination/saint-jean-pied-de-port-and-its-valleys/saint-jean-pied-de-port/