Camino Frances: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Logrono

Arrive in Saint Jean Pied de Port. Within its walls you will feel like time stops in an idyllic setting at the foot of the Pyrenees. You will enjoy walking through its cobbled streets and observing its picturesque houses. In this ancient city, different variants of the French Way converge that run through the south of France: the Arles route, the Lepuy route, the Vélezay route, the Tour route and the Piedmont route. Tonight, a beautiful hotel awaits you so you can begin your French Camino de Santiago rested and in good spirits.

You will begin your Camino Frances from Saint Jean Pied de Port, one of the best-known starting points for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. You will enter the impressive natural landscapes of what is known as the Napoleon Route to reach Spain. A tough stage due to its ascent, but with the reward of the spectacular valleys and mountains of the Pyrenees. After crossing the natural border between France and Spain, following in the footsteps of Napoleon, you will reach your destination, the picturesque and historic Roncesvalles, the starting point of the French Way in Spain.

From Roncesvalles, a fundamental enclave for all those who pilgrimage the French Way, you will depart towards Akerreta. Although Roncesvalles is a place of legends and a meeting of cultures, unique and special places dedicated to kings await you. You will pass through the towns of Burguete and Espinal, small towns surrounded by wild nature, to ascend to the height of Mezkiriz. From there, you will begin the descent and follow the course of the Arga River to Akerreta.

From Akerreta, in the incredible Esteríbar Valley, you will begin today's stage. You will once again follow the course of the Arga River to pass through small towns such as Irotz where the 16th century Church of San Pedro is located. You will continue your French Way through Villava and Burlada. The latter announces the early arrival in Pamplona, the first city on the French Way from Saint Jean Pied de Port.

You will follow the Camino from Pamplona towards Zariquiegui where you will be welcomed by the Sanctuary of San Andrés, which has a beautiful Romanesque doorway. Additionally, in Zariquiegui you will see the Gambellacos fountain or also called La Reniega. Legend has it that in the place where the fountain is today, the devil had offered a pilgrim water in exchange for him renouncing God, the Virgin and Santiago. The pilgrim refused and the devil disappeared and a fountain emerged that would supply water to all the thirsty pilgrims. Your French Camino de Santiago will guide you to Alto del Perdón where you will get beautiful views of Pamplona. You will continue through Uterga, Muruzábal and Óbanos until you reach Puente la Reina.

You will leave Puente la Reina crossing the Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, and head to the next town, Mañeru. After Mañeru you will pass through Cirauqui, crossing one of its gates in the old wall. Continuing your way and leaving Cirauqui, you will continue along a piece of the Roman road. Your journey continues towards Lorca and later Villatuerta until you reach Estella, the well-known "Toledo of the north".

You will depart from Estella, a monumental place that houses great works of art; A good example that attests to this is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, from the 12th century. You will continue to Ayegui where you will find the famous and traditional Fuente del Vino and the Irache Monastery. Your Camino will be marked by agricultural landscapes and vineyards. You will continue towards Villamayor de Monjardín and after a few kilometers you will reach Los Arcos, created by the repopulation of old Roman mines.

Like the previous towns, Los Arcos offers interesting heritage elements. Furthermore, the historical and current importance of the pilgrimage is reflected through emblematic buildings such as the 3 pilgrim hospitals of the Middle Ages. Leaving behind the Baroque-looking villa, you will begin your path through a rural landscape. Your end of the stage will be announced from Viana. A few kilometers away you will be able to see the city of Logroño, your final destination on the French Way!

Your Camino ends this morning following breakfast. Check out and depart for onward travels.