Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the Camino Francés
Camino de Santiago · albergues, accommodation, baggage transport & pilgrim guide
Everything you need for Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the Camino Francés (Camino de Santiago): albergues and pilgrim hostels, hotels and private rooms, where to eat, baggage transport between stages, what to see, weather and practical tips for pilgrims walking to Santiago de Compostela.
About this town
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the classic French starting point for the Camino Francés and a bustling pilgrim hub with medieval streets, hostels and outfitters. Many pilgrims assemble here before undertaking the steep Pyrenean crossing into Spain, making it an important logistical and social waypoint.
Where it's located
Located in the foothills of the French Pyrenees in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, on steep, winding terrain at the western approach to the Roncevaux Pass.
Points of interest
Recommended restaurants
- • Albergue municipal / communal kitchen — hearty pilgrim meals and communal dining
- • Bar Restaurante local — tapas and Basque-influenced regional dishes
Albergues in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port — prices, beds and how to book
Traditional pilgrim hostels — not bookable on Booking.com. Call or email to reserve, or arrive early (first-come, first-served).
Gite Bidean
€21
per night
12 beds
Located in the historic district on the road leading out of town toward Spain, this small gîte offers a quiet dorm and a self-catering kitchen. It is praised for its cleanliness and the welcoming hospitality of the owners.
11 Rue d'Espagne, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-22:30
Apr–Oct
Reservations accepted
Gite Le Lièvre et la Tortue
€23
per night
14 beds
Formerly known as Gite Buen Camino, this hostel is located in a historic medieval building with a lovely garden. It provides a community atmosphere through its shared living space and optional communal meals.
30 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
16:00-22:00
Mar–Oct
Reservations accepted
Maison Mâje
€40
per night
12 beds
This newly renovated and stylish pilgrim house is situated next door to the official Pilgrim Office. It offers a very personal and peaceful atmosphere with comfortable beds, a garden, and a fully equipped guest kitchenette.
37 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-21:00
Mar–Oct
Reservations accepted
Gite Esteban Etxea
€23
per night
16 beds
Located on the main ascent of Rue de la Citadelle, this private albergue offers dorms and private rooms. It is known for its friendly management and communal pilgrim dinners that help travelers connect before the first big stage.
29 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-22:00
Feb–Nov
Reservations accepted
Hostel 20 Ramuntcho
€24
per night
20 beds
A lively and modern hostel located in the heart of the old town ramparts. It offers mixed and female-only dormitories, a shared lounge bar, and high-quality services including family-style dinners.
1 Rue de France, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-21:30
Mar–Dec
Reservations accepted
Gite Izaxulo
€21
per night
22 beds
Conveniently situated near the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port train station, this modern and efficient gîte is ideal for arriving pilgrims. It offers clean facilities, a shared kitchen, and comfortable bunk beds with personal sockets and lighting.
2 Avenue Renaud, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-21:30
Apr–Oct
Reservations accepted
Refuge d'étape Zuharpeta Randonneur Pèlerin
€18
per night
23 beds
Located on a quiet side street just off the main pilgrimage path, this hostel features a peaceful garden and its own traditional French restaurant. It provides a more relaxed environment with both dorms and private twin rooms.
5 Rue Zuharpeta, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
16:00-21:00
Mar–Oct
Reservations accepted
Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques
€29
per night
6 beds
A high-quality, boutique-style pilgrim hostel located near the town's upper gate. It features comfortable beds with privacy curtains, secure lockers, and a highly recommended communal meal prepared by the hosts.
51 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-21:00
Apr–Oct
Reservations accepted
Gite Le Chemin vers l'Etoile
€24
per night
50 beds
This large gîte is located in a 16th-century house and is managed by a former pilgrim named Eric. It offers a variety of dormitory styles and 'private boxes' for extra privacy, along with extensive laundry and storage services.
21 Rue d'Espagne, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
16:00-23:00
Feb–Oct
Reservations accepted
L'Auberge du Pèlerin
€24
per night
40 beds
A charming stone hostel offering mountain views and a welcoming atmosphere for pilgrims starting their journey. It is well-regarded for its home-cooked meals and communal dining experience, located right on the main street of the old town.
25 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:30-22:00
Mar–Nov
Reservations accepted
Gite Ultreia
€25
per night
15 beds
A cozy and friendly hostel run by former pilgrims who provide personalized attention and advice. The building is one of the oldest in Saint-Jean, offering comfortable dorms, a fully equipped guest kitchen, and a shared lounge.
8 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-22:00
Mar–Oct
Reservations accepted
Albergue Beilari
€47
per night
14 beds
Formerly known as L'Esprit du Chemin, Beilari is famous for its warm hospitality and excellent communal vegetarian dinners. It occupies a beautifully restored 16th-century house in the heart of the pedestrian old town.
40 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-22:00
Mar–Oct
Reservations accepted
Refuge Accueil Paroissial Kaserna
€25
per night
14 beds
An intimate parochial gîte that emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the pilgrimage and shared communal life. It is strictly reserved for pilgrims on foot without baggage support and includes a communal dinner and breakfast.
43 Rue d'Espagne, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
15:00-20:00
Apr–Oct
Reservations accepted
Refuge Municipal Ospitalia
€15
per night
34 beds
This traditional municipal hostel is housed in a 17th-century building and is managed by the Association Terres de Navarre. It offers a classic pilgrim experience with volunteer hospitaleros and is located just a few steps from the Pilgrim Office.
55 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France
14:00-20:30
All year
First-come, first-served
💼 Baggage Transport
Use our global baggage transport integration service or the one below →Correos (El Camino con Correos)
Caminofácil
Jacotrans
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Quick answers about this town
How do I get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start the Camino Francés?
You can reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port — the starting point of the Camino Francés — by plane, train, bus or car. The guide below details the nearest airports, train and bus connections, driving directions, and the exact point where the walking Camino route begins. The nearest airports are Biarritz (BIQ) and Pamplona (PNA). From Biarritz, take a bus or train to Bayonne, then the regional TER train to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The town has its own station, Gare de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It is served by regional TER trains connecting via Bay
How do I get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
Most pilgrims arrive by flying into Biarritz Airport and taking a local train or bus to Bayonne, where you can catch a connecting train directly to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It is a scenic route that serves as the gateway to your journey across the Pyrenees.
Where to stay in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
There are 14 pilgrim hostels in town, ranging from the famous municipal albergue to various private options. Since this is the primary starting point for the Camino Francés, it is highly recommended to book your bed in advance during peak season to ensure a stress-free start.
What is the distance from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela?
The distance from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela is approximately 780 kilometers. You will typically spend about 30 to 35 days walking this route, beginning with a challenging but rewarding stage over the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles.
Where can pilgrims sleep in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port offers 14 albergues and pilgrim hostels (municipal, parochial, private and donativo), plus hotels and private rooms. Use the availability search on this page to reserve your stay on the Camino Francés.
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