St Jacques de Compostelle

For over 10 centuries pilgrims from all around the world have gathered here in the Bearn-Basque Country in order to join one of the holiest shrines of Europe, the Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The ‘Way of St James' (Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle) is one of the most important Christian pilgrimages known, as it rates among the three sites where all sins can be forgiven.

Today the pilgrimages have been made softer through the use of path guides, transportation options, comfortable lodgings and a delectable cuisine. Pilgrims must walk 100km or biked 200km in order to be honoured with a certificate called the Compostela from the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago.

Over 20,000 pilgrims of 60 different nationalities pass through St Jean Pied de Port each year

St Jean Pied de Port


The beautiful city of St Jean Pied de Port lies directly on one of the most well known and used paths of St James pilgrimages. Profit a day or two in this Southern Basque town and take in the surrounding scenery and enjoy the hospitality and local cuisine. Visit the historical sites and appreciate the history behind them, as they hold many tales of those who have crossed these paths in the past.