Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt near our gîtes in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-port

La Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt form a 17thᵉ century fortified complex overlooking Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, easily accessible on foot from the historic centre and ideal for discovering during a stopover in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. our gîte in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, before continuing on to Roncesvalles and the Pyrenees.

Citadel and redoubt: a landmark for your stopover

When you stay at the gîte, you take the time to discover the Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt, From the top of the Citadelle, a major viewpoint above the red roofs of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. From the cobbled streets of the old town and the Rue de la Citadelle, you will gradually reach the ramparts, then the plateau where the fortifications stand, with an uninterrupted view of the valleys and the first ridges of the Pyrenees.

Built in the 17th century on the site of the former castle of the Kings of Navarre, the Citadel was part of a defence system that was modernised at the time of the Wars of Religion and Franco-Spanish tensions. The Gastelumendy redoubt completed this system by controlling the strategic route to the passes, which explains the walls, bastions and advanced works that still surround the upper town today.

A citadel at the heart of the history of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port developed from the end of the XIIᵉ century as a fortified town at a crossroads on the way to the Roncesvalles and Bentarte passes, on the route to Santiago de Compostela. The town was protected very early on by ramparts and a castle, then by the rectangular Citadel which today dominates the whole of the medieval town.

Around 70 to 80 metres above the town, on the Mendiguren hill, the Citadelle overlooks the houses lining the river Nive and the narrow streets leading to the fortified gates. It is part of a network of strongholds in the western Pyrenees, with typical Vauban-style fortifications: glacis, ditches, walls flanked by bastions, bridges and access control systems.

The Gastelumendy redoubt, a natural extension of the Citadel

The Gastelumendy redoubt is located in front of the Citadel, in the extension of the line of defence that protects Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the routes to Spain. Designed as an advanced work, it strengthens control of the ridge and complements the bastions that frame the walls of the upper town and the Faubourg d'Espagne.

From here, you can look out over the valleys, the Basque hills and the routes leading up to the Pyrenean passes, illustrating the strategic logic that guided its location. Today, the site is a peaceful place to stroll, popular with hikers and pilgrims who take the time to observe the landscape before embarking on the mountain stage to Roncevaux.

What you discover on site

The Citadel and Gastelumendy redoubt are easily visited on foot from the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, following the Rue de la Citadelle and then the ramparts. The route alternates between cobbled sections, ramps and viewpoints over the town and the surrounding hills, allowing you to gradually feel the change in perspective between the town and the fortified plateau.

Not to be missed:

• The rectangular silhouette of the Citadelle, with its converted military buildings and thick walls.
• The walls of the upper town and the Faubourg d'Espagne, reminders of the city's former defensive belt.
• La Gastelumendy redoubt, In front of the main structure, which extends the defensive system along the ridge line.
• Plunging views of the fortified gates and the roofs of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, right up to the first slopes of the Pyrenees.

This trail is accessible to a wide range of people, as long as you have suitable footwear and a little time to enjoy the views and learn about the history of the site.

Stop off at the Le Chemin vers l'Étoile gîte

Located near the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the gîte The Path to the Star welcomes pilgrims, hikers and holidaymakers who want to take a break for one or three nights before or after crossing the Pyrenees. There are Dormitories for 8 to 10 people as well as private boxes for 2 to 4 people, These are ideal for individuals, couples, families or small groups.

The cosy dining room boasts a open-access kitchen area, The kitchen is equipped with a microwave oven, allowing you to prepare your meals simply, according to your own habits and pace. At the back of the house, a terrace, a wash-house with wringer and a private courtyard for bicycles are also available, which is particularly useful if you are combining walking and cycling.

A welcome rooted in the spirit of the Way

Eric has been running his own gîte business since 2009, and has already welcomed tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. His experience of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, which he himself travelled between Le Puy-en-Velay and Santiago de Compostela, provides the basis for a welcome based on listening, simplicity and sharing.

This approach is reflected in the atmosphere of the gîte: communal areas encourage sharing, while giving everyone the chance to relax in peace and quiet, particularly in the private boxes. Whether you're walking to Compostela or on a shorter stay in the Basque Country, you'll be accompanied in a discreet and friendly way, with practical advice on preparing the stage to Roncesvalles or organising your visits around the town.

Preparing your visit to the Citadel and Redoubt

The Citadel and the Gastelumendy Redoubt can easily be visited as a complement to a day's walk or a rest stop. To make the most of the site, there are a few simple points to guide you:

• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as there is a gradual climb up from the old town, with cobbles and slopes.
• Anticipate the weather, particularly the wind and temperature variations at altitude, especially if you are continuing on to the passes.
• Take the time to observe the relief from the redoubt, which will give you a better idea of the topography of the stage to Roncesvalles.