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.
