St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a town in the inland Basque Country, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, traditionally known as the starting point for pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago over the Roncevaux Pass. The old town, crossed by the River Nive, retains a distinctly medieval character with its ramparts, the citadel built under Vauban, and the Saint-Jacques Gate, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France. The cobbled Rue de la Citadelle, lined with pink sandstone houses, leads down to the Spain Gate overlooking the river. A weekly market is held every Monday, featuring local producers selling ewe's milk cheese, Espelette pepper and Basque cake. Its proximity to the Spanish border and to walking trails in the Pyrenean foothills draws both pilgrims and passing hikers. The oceanic climate, mild and damp, keeps the surrounding countryside green throughout the year. Modest in size, the town remains a cultural crossroads between France and Spain, blending Basque architecture, craftsmanship and gastronomy within a well-preserved mountain setting.