{"id":1869,"date":"2025-12-09T11:17:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T10:17:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pelerinage-saint-jacques-compostelle.com\/?post_type=activite&p=1869"},"modified":"2026-05-26T12:03:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T10:03:34","slug":"gastelumendy-citadel-and-redoubt","status":"publish","type":"activite","link":"https:\/\/pelerinage-saint-jacques-compostelle.com\/en\/activity\/gastelumendy-citadel-and-redoubt\/","title":{"rendered":"Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt"},"content":{"rendered":"

La Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt<\/strong> form a 17th\u1d49 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 g\u00eete in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port<\/strong><\/a>, before continuing on to Roncesvalles and the Pyrenees.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Citadel and redoubt: a landmark for your stopover<\/h2>\n

When you stay at the g\u00eete, you take the time to discover the\u00a0Gastelumendy citadel and redoubt<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

A citadel at the heart of the history of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port<\/h2>\n

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port developed from the end of the XII\u1d49 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"heritagemuseum<\/p>\n

The Gastelumendy redoubt, a natural extension of the Citadel<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

What you discover on site<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Not to be missed:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • The rectangular silhouette of the\u00a0Citadelle<\/strong>, with its converted military buildings and thick walls.<\/li>\n
  • The\u00a0walls of the upper town<\/strong>\u00a0and the Faubourg d'Espagne, reminders of the city's former defensive belt.<\/li>\n
  • La\u00a0Gastelumendy redoubt<\/strong>, In front of the main structure, which extends the defensive system along the ridge line.<\/li>\n
  • Plunging views of the\u00a0fortified gates<\/strong>\u00a0and the roofs of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, right up to the first slopes of the Pyrenees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    Stop off at the Le Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile g\u00eete<\/h2>\n

    Located near the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the g\u00eete\u00a0The Path to the Star<\/strong>\u00a0welcomes pilgrims, hikers and holidaymakers who want to take a break for one or three nights before or after crossing the Pyrenees. There are\u00a0Dormitories for 8 to 10 people<\/strong>\u00a0as well as\u00a0private boxes for 2 to 4 people<\/strong>, These are ideal for individuals, couples, families or small groups.<\/p>\n

    The cosy dining room boasts a\u00a0open-access kitchen area<\/strong>, 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\u00a0terrace<\/strong>, a\u00a0wash-house with wringer<\/strong>\u00a0and a\u00a0private courtyard for bicycles<\/strong>\u00a0are also available, which is particularly useful if you are combining walking and cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
    \"hikers<\/td>\n\"compostelle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    A welcome rooted in the spirit of the Way<\/h2>\n

    Eric has been running his own g\u00eete 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.<\/p>\n

    This approach is reflected in the atmosphere of the g\u00eete: 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.<\/p>\n

    Preparing your visit to the Citadel and Redoubt<\/h2>\n

    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:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, as there is a gradual climb up from the old town, with cobbles and slopes.<\/li>\n
    • Anticipate the weather, particularly the wind and temperature variations at altitude, especially if you are continuing on to the passes.<\/li>\n
    • 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      FAQ<\/h2>\n

      Are the Citadel and the Gastelumendy redoubt close to the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?<\/h3>\n

      Yes, the Citadel and Redoubt are located above the historic centre and can be reached on foot by following the Rue de la Citadelle and then the ramparts from the old town. The climb requires a little effort, but is still compatible with a day's sightseeing or a rest stop at the g\u00eete.<\/p>\n

      Can I visit the Citadel and the Redoubt during a stage of the Way of St James?<\/h3>\n

      Most pilgrims who stop off at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port take a few hours to discover the Citadel and its surroundings before setting off for Roncesvalles. The visit fits in well with a day's preparation, complementing the rest and organisation of the mountain stage.<\/p>\n

      How does the Gastelumendy redoubt compare with the Citadelle?<\/h3>\n

      The Gastelumendy redoubt completes the Citadel as an advanced work, placed on the ridge line to reinforce the control of access to the passes. Today, it offers an unobstructed view of the valleys and the Pyrenean routes, much appreciated by hikers.<\/p>\n

      Is the Le Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile g\u00eete suitable for pilgrims and groups?<\/h3>\n

      The g\u00eete offers both dormitories for 8 to 10 people and private boxes for 2 to 4 people, making it suitable for single pilgrims, couples, families and small groups. Communal areas, an open-access kitchen and a courtyard for bicycles make it easy to organise your stopover.<\/p>\n

      Can you combine heritage discovery with a crossing of the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles?<\/h3>\n

      Yes, many walkers choose to devote a full day to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to visit the Citadel, the Redoubt and the historic centre, and then set off the next day on the stage to Roncesvalles, which is around 27 kilometres long and has a significant climb. This way of organising the route means that you can make the most of your heritage while tackling the crossing in good conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n