{"id":1912,"date":"2025-12-09T13:38:54","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T12:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pelerinage-saint-jacques-compostelle.com\/?post_type=activite&p=1912"},"modified":"2026-05-06T14:33:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T12:33:01","slug":"the-ramparts-path","status":"publish","type":"activite","link":"https:\/\/pelerinage-saint-jacques-compostelle.com\/en\/activity\/the-ramparts-path\/","title":{"rendered":"The ramparts path"},"content":{"rendered":"

As soon as you arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the\u00a0chemin des remparts<\/strong> 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 g\u00eete Le Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile<\/strong><\/a>, This is a one- to three-night stopover before continuing on to Roncesvalles and the Camino Franc\u00e9s.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Walking the ramparts<\/h2>\n

Since the\u00a0Saint-Jacques Gate<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019Iroul\u00e9guy<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

From the ramparts, you can take in the following sights:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • La\u00a0view of the citadel<\/strong>\u00a0and the houses along the Nive.<\/li>\n
  • La\u00a0Saint-Jacques Gate<\/strong>, A must for pilgrims.<\/li>\n
  • The\u00a0hills and peaks<\/strong>\u00a0which marked the start of the crossing of the Pyrenees towards Roncesvalles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    A g\u00eete in the heart of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port<\/h2>\n

    Our g\u00eete The Path to the Star<\/strong>\u00a0is 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.<\/p>\n

    We offer stays of\u00a0one to three nights<\/strong>, These are suitable for both late afternoon arrivals and early morning departures to Roncesvalles. Whether you're on your way to the\u00a0GR 65<\/strong>\u00a0(route du Puy), the\u00a0Camino Franc\u00e9s<\/strong> or simply discovering the Basque country, the g\u00eete provides a stable base between two days' walking.<\/p>\n

    Spaces designed for pilgrims and hikers<\/h2>\n

    We can provide you with\u00a0Dormitories for 8 to 10 people<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0private boxes for 2 to 4 people<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

    At the heart of the house, a\u00a0cosy dining room<\/strong>\u00a0with\u00a0open-access kitchen area<\/strong>\u00a0allows you to prepare your meals on your own. At the rear, a\u00a0outdoor terrace<\/strong>, a\u00a0laundry<\/strong>\u00a0with wringer and a\u00a0private courtyard for bicycles<\/strong>\u00a0complete the communal areas, practical if you arrive by bike or if you need to wash and dry your clothes before the next day.<\/p>\n

    On site you will find<\/p>\n

      \n
    • From\u00a0dormitories<\/strong>\u00a0to share the stage with other walkers.<\/li>\n
    • From\u00a0private boxes<\/strong>\u00a0from 2 to 4 people for more privacy.<\/li>\n
    • A\u00a0open-access kitchen<\/strong>\u00a0in a large dining room.<\/li>\n
    • A\u00a0terrace<\/strong>, a\u00a0wash-house with wringer<\/strong>\u00a0and a\u00a0enclosed courtyard for bicycles<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
      \"hikers<\/td>\n\"gite<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      A stop marked by the spirit of the Route<\/h2>\n

      Eric, a former pilgrim who walked the route from Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela, has been welcoming walkers to his g\u00eete, Le Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile, since 2009. Over the years, more than\u00a040,000 pilgrims<\/strong>\u00a0have stopped off at the house, in a spirit of simplicity, sharing and listening true to the values of the Way.<\/p>\n

      Our welcome is open to :<\/p>\n

        \n
      • At\u00a0pilgrims<\/strong>\u00a0en route to Compostela.<\/li>\n
      • At\u00a0hikers<\/strong>\u00a0on the nearby GR trails.<\/li>\n
      • At\u00a0holidaymakers<\/strong>\u00a0staying in the Basque Country to discover Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its ramparts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        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.<\/p>\n

        Preparing your stay at Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile<\/h2>\n

        Before you get started on the\u00a0chemin des remparts<\/strong>\u00a0or 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.<\/p>\n

        FAQ<\/h2>\n

        Where exactly is the Chemin des Remparts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?<\/h3>\n

        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\u00a0Saint-Jacques Gate<\/strong>, This is the traditional route for pilgrims coming from the GR 65.<\/p>\n

        How long does it take to walk along the ramparts?<\/h3>\n

        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 g\u00eete.<\/p>\n

        Is our Le Chemin vers l'\u00c9toile g\u00eete suitable for a first stop on the Camino de Compostela?<\/h3>\n

        Yes, the g\u00eete is specifically designed for\u00a0pilgrims starting or continuing their journey<\/strong>\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n

        Can I stay at the g\u00eete if I'm not a Compostela pilgrim?<\/h3>\n

        You can stay at the g\u00eete as a\u00a0hiker<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0holidaymaker<\/strong>\u00a0if 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.<\/p>\n

        How do I get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start the Camino Franc\u00e9s?<\/h3>\n

        Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is served by the\u00a0TER 54 line<\/strong>\u00a0from 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.<\/p>\n

        Are there any parking solutions for leaving my car during the pilgrimage?<\/h3>\n

        The city offers\u00a0free car parks<\/strong>\u00a0dedicated to pilgrims, as well as a solution for\u00a0Paid guarding<\/strong>\u00a0near the centre. These facilities allow you to leave your vehicle on site for the duration of your walk, then collect it on your return.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n