Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Medieval fortress town in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a town in the French Basque Country that follows the course of the Nive through a narrow valley at the foot of the Pyrenees. Fortifications wrap around the historic center, with a citadel standing on higher ground and several stone gates marking the entry points into the old quarter.
Sancho the Strong of Navarre established the current settlement in the late 12th century as a fortified outpost against the County of Béarn after the earlier village had been destroyed. The fortification changed hands between France and Spain several times until it became permanently French after the Napoleonic Wars.
The red sandstone buildings along rue de la Citadelle reflect traditional Basque architecture, with many structures dating from the 15th century.
Pilgrims heading to Santiago can register at the office near Porte Saint-Jacques to receive credentials and route guidance for the Camino Francés. The historic area is best explored on foot, as streets are narrow and several steep sections lead up to the fortifications on higher ground.
A bakery in the old quarter displays a board showing wheat prices from 1789, the year the French Revolution began. This notice remains on the wall, recalling the economic pressures that fueled widespread unrest across the country.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Throughout France's regions lie villages that seem frozen in time. These places are built from stone, wood, and light, where history is written across facades and paved streets. Some nestle in valleys, others cling to cliffs or look out over vineyards. You find old houses, squares with arcades,...
Porte Saint-Jacques
310 m
Elizako atea
72 m
Citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
360 m
Donibane Garaziko erromatar zubia
127 m
Ramparts of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
351 m
Notre-Dame
129 m
Andredena Mariaren atea
120 m
Donibane Garaziko zubi berria
76 mEiheraberriko zubia
490 mLauribarreko zubia
707 m
Frantziako atea
108 m
Espainiako atea
301 m
Maison de Mansart, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
33 m
Prison of bishops of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
213 m
Notre-Dame de l'Assomption
573 m
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port church
129 mRedoute de Kurutchamendy
915 m
Remparts de la ville haute
68 mScenic viewpoint
254 mScenic viewpoint
929 mScenic viewpoint
559 mScenic viewpoint
308 mScenic viewpoint
1.8 kmScenic viewpoint
369 mCitadelle Vauban
539 mPont d'Eyheraberry
492 mFabrika Garazi
260 mBitxikeri
61 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes