As soon as you arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the chemin des remparts allows you to discover the town from the heights, along the fortified belt that frames the medieval town and the Nive valley. Just a stone's throw from this walk, we welcome you to our gîte Le Chemin vers l'Étoile, This is a one- to three-night stopover before continuing on to Roncesvalles and the Camino Francés.
Walking the ramparts
Since the Saint-Jacques Gate, A stone path leads you around the old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. You follow the ancient ramparts, with uninterrupted views of the citadel, the red-tiled roofs and the river that runs through the town.
Along the way, you can see the relief of the Basque country, the hills that herald the Pyrenees and, in the distance, the vineyards of’Irouléguy, another symbol of the region. The loop is short and accessible, making it an ideal end-of-day outing, before or after a stage on the Camino de Compostela.
From the ramparts, you can take in the following sights:
- La view of the citadel and the houses along the Nive.
- La Saint-Jacques Gate, A must for pilgrims.
- The hills and peaks which marked the start of the crossing of the Pyrenees towards Roncesvalles.
A gîte in the heart of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Our gîte The Path to the Star is located right next to the old centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in a house full of character where we welcome travellers from all over the world. A few minutes' walk will take you to the main street, the ramparts, the Porte Saint-Jacques and all the shops you need to prepare for your next stopover.
We offer stays of one to three nights, These are suitable for both late afternoon arrivals and early morning departures to Roncesvalles. Whether you're on your way to the GR 65 (route du Puy), the Camino Francés or simply discovering the Basque country, the gîte provides a stable base between two days' walking.
Spaces designed for pilgrims and hikers
We can provide you with Dormitories for 8 to 10 people and private boxes for 2 to 4 people, These are designed to meet the needs of solo travellers, couples, families and small groups. The sleeping arrangements make it easier to recuperate after several hours' walking, while encouraging exchanges between pilgrims and hikers.
At the heart of the house, a cosy dining room with open-access kitchen area allows you to prepare your meals on your own. At the rear, a outdoor terrace, a laundry with wringer and a private courtyard for bicycles complete the communal areas, practical if you arrive by bike or if you need to wash and dry your clothes before the next day.
On site you will find
- From dormitories to share the stage with other walkers.
- From private boxes from 2 to 4 people for more privacy.
- A open-access kitchen in a large dining room.
- A terrace, a wash-house with wringer and a enclosed courtyard for bicycles.
 |
 |
A stop marked by the spirit of the Route
Eric, a former pilgrim who walked the route from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela, has been welcoming walkers to his gîte, Le Chemin vers l'Étoile, since 2009. Over the years, more than 40,000 pilgrims have stopped off at the house, in a spirit of simplicity, sharing and listening true to the values of the Way.
Our welcome is open to :
- At pilgrims en route to Compostela.
- At hikers on the nearby GR trails.
- At holidaymakers staying in the Basque Country to discover Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its ramparts.
We pay particular attention to the atmosphere in the house, so that everyone can relax, chat if they wish and leave the next day with a lighter mind.
Preparing your stay at Chemin vers l'Étoile
Before you get started on the chemin des remparts or towards Roncesvalles, we invite you to take a few moments to prepare your stopover: check your bag, get your credential stamped and find out about the services you will need for the rest of your pilgrimage. Tourist offices, car parks for pilgrims and regional transport services are organised around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to make your arrival and departure easier.
FAQ
Where exactly is the Chemin des Remparts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
The ramparts path encircles the old town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and is partly overhanging the River Nive. It can be accessed from a number of points, including the Saint-Jacques Gate, This is the traditional route for pilgrims coming from the GR 65.
How long does it take to walk along the ramparts?
The complete tour of the ramparts usually takes less than an hour, with stops to take in the views of the citadel, the valley and the surrounding peaks. It's a walk you can easily fit into your end-of-day routine before or after your stopover at the gîte.
Is our Le Chemin vers l'Étoile gîte suitable for a first stop on the Camino de Compostela?
Yes, the gîte is specifically designed for pilgrims starting or continuing their journey in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Sleeping accommodation in dormitories and private boxes, communal areas and practical facilities such as a wash-house and bicycle storage area make it easy to prepare for the next stage to Roncesvalles.
Can I stay at the gîte if I'm not a Compostela pilgrim?
You can stay at the gîte as a hiker or holidaymaker if you're passing through the Basque Country, even if you're not continuing on to Santiago de Compostela. Its location close to the ramparts and various walking routes makes it a pleasant base from which to explore Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the surrounding area.
How do I get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start the Camino Francés?
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is served by the TER 54 line from Bayonne, as well as several regional bus routes and links from Pamplona on the Spanish side. Depending on your point of departure, you can combine train, bus and, if necessary, a journey from Biarritz, Pau or Santiago de Compostela airports.
Are there any parking solutions for leaving my car during the pilgrimage?
The city offers free car parks dedicated to pilgrims, as well as a solution for Paid guarding near the centre. These facilities allow you to leave your vehicle on site for the duration of your walk, then collect it on your return.
