The Camino de Santiago from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona are the first kilometres on the Camino Frances. On this route you will have the opportunity to depart from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port and cross the border on foot, just as Napoleon and his troops did. Hence the first kilometres are known as the Ruta de Napoleon.
The first part of the tour is made through a mountain environment, characterized by the presence of the Pyrenees. Then the terrain eases up and you will have the opportunity to walk surrounded by olive trees and vineyards.
The icing on the cake on this section is found in Pamplona, a city internationally known for the San Fermín festival, which is celebrated every year in July. In it you will find many places to visit and a lively atmosphere to enjoy.
Get up to four quotes from Camino de Santiago travel agencies. It’s free!
We recommend you take advantage of your day of arrival to stroll through its small streets and to visit places as picturesque as the Citadel or the Church of Notre Dame. The vast majority of visitors to the town are pilgrims who stay overnight to begin the Camino Frances.
Accommodation: Overnight in Saint Jean Pied de Port (France).
During the day, you will have to face a slope of 1,250 metres, but the effort is rewarded by the spectacular landscape of the French Aquitaine and the Pyrenees.
At this stage you will find two paths. One is the one known as Ruta de Napoleon, which is completed following the ancient Roman road that linked Bordeaux and Astorga, much more beautiful, but more demanding. The other is the so-called Valcarlos variant, which runs much closer to the road, allowing you to split the stage in two.
Distance: 26 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Roncesvalles.
Option: If you want to have a shorter stage, you can stay overnight in Valcarlos (Spain). This option is especially recommended during the cold months, as it is possible to find snow on the route. Please contact us for more information.
In the company of the River Arga, you will have the opportunity to discover the Estibar Valley. On a pleasant walk along the riverbank you will reach the town of Zubiri, where the stage ends. In the afternoon, you can take advantage of the bucolic environment that surrounds el Puente de la Rabia. An idyllic place to rest and relax!
Accommodation: 20 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Zubiri.
The main feature of this stage of the Camino Frances from Roncesvalles are the various medieval bridges that you will cross during the route. The day ends in Pamplona, a city internationally known for the San Fermin festival.
Distance: 20 kilometres.
Accommodation: Overnight in Pamplona.
In Pamplona you will also find a wide gastronomic selection and an exquisite tapas culture. If you have time, we recommend adding an extra night in Pamplona so that you can fully enjoy all that the city has to offer. Please contact us for more information.
On the other hand, if 5 days and 4 nights on the Camino Frances seem insufficient, do not hesitate to contact us to add some of the stages that link Pamplona and Logroño.
Selection of hotels and cottages
Our partner travel agencies only works with accommodation that have private bathrooms and that guarantee maximum comfort and convenience to those pilgrims who book with us.
Since reservations are subject to availability, the name of the hotels and cottages you will stay in will be provided to you 1 month before you start your pilgrimage.
Booking single rooms
You can book your stay on the Camino de Santiago by staying in single rooms, which also include a private bathroom. Single rooms are subject to an additional charge for the selected route.
Accommodation in single rooms is subject to availability in hotels and cottages as it is a highly sought-after service. Reservations must be made in advance.
Commitment to quality
To ensure the quality standards of the accommodation with which we collaborate, our partner travel agencies teams travels to each of them to check that their facilities and services, as well as the quality of their attention, are excellent. Only in this way, can we guarantee you the best rest and an unforgettable stay while you are on the Camino de Santiago.
In addition, if due to the low capacity of some of the hotels or cottages with which we collaborate, there is no availability, we guarantee that they will offer you other accommodation of the same range or even of superior quality.
Accommodation partners
All hotels and cottages have been selected with the utmost care, to guarantee your rest and comfort on all stages of the Camino de Santiago
- Staying in hotels and cottages.
- Accommodation with a private bathroom in your room.
- Detailed itinerary of the reserved route.
- Selected meal plan.
- Baggage transfer between stages.
- Personal assistance 24/7, by phone, throughout the trip.
- Emergency assistance car available
- Information dossier for the Camino de Santiago from St Jean Pied de Port.
- Taxes included.
- Booking of single rooms at an additional cost.
- Picnics to go (includes sandwich, drink and dessert).
- Additional nights (breakfast included).
- Transfers according to your needs.
- Assistance insurance during the tour.
- Travel cancellation insurance.