Walk the Le Puy Camino: Aire sur l’Adour to St. Jean Pied de Port

Arrive in Aire-sur-l’Adour, a peaceful market town set along the banks of the River Adour. Its history dates back to Roman times, when it was known as Atura — a name that later evolved into Adour. Today, the town stretches south along Rue Gambetta and Rue Carnot, where you’ll find a selection of small shops and local businesses.

Walk through lush green countryside dotted with small hamlets and historic landmarks, including medieval chapels and traditional wash-houses known as lavoirs. As you enter the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, the snow-capped Pyrenees begin to appear on the horizon. Along the way, pass the impressive 11th-century Church of Miramont-Sensacq, once dedicated to St James, and continue through Pimbo, one of the oldest villages in the Landes.

Today the route leads you deeper into the scenic Béarn region. With the Pyrenees rising to the south, you’ll walk across gentle rolling hills, pass through the historic bastide town of Arzacq-Arraziguet — founded in the 11th century and known for its two central squares and traditional lavoirs — and continue through charming villages such as Louvigny.

Today’s walk leads you to Larreule, home to its historic Benedictine monastery, before continuing on to Uzan. Along the way, visit the charming rural Church of Sainte-Quitterie and a traditional stone fountain. From Pomps, the route brings you close to Arthez-de-Béarn, known for its distinctive Basque architecture.

On this stage, the trail winds through peaceful woodlands, passing churches and chapels before arriving in the small village of Maslacq. Later, continue past a historic sanctuary and the former monastery of La Sauvelade.

The rolling trail leads through peaceful countryside toward Navarrenx, the first town in France to be fortified with Italian-style ramparts.

Continue across the final stretches of Béarn, crossing small streams and climbing gently through fields and wooded paths. Along the way, pass a local pâté producer and Mongaston Castle before reaching the small village of Lichos, birthplace of Saint Grat, Bishop of Oloron. From here, continue on to Aroue in the French Basque region, where you will spend the night.

Pause to visit the Romanesque Church of Saint-Étienne in Aroue, and consider a short detour to admire the charming Romanesque Church of Saint-Just in Olhaïby.

Please note that your accommodation in Saint-Palais is located slightly off the main Camino route. The town lies approximately 4.5 km north of the GR65, and this distance is included in today’s total walking distance. From the Stele (marked by a scallop shell), leave the main GR65 and follow the route toward Saint-Palais.

Today you will pass the Stele de Gibraltar, the symbolic point where the main French Camino routes converge. From here, continue across gently rolling countryside toward the chapel of Soyarce, where sweeping views of the Pyrenees await. The route then leads to Ostabat, now a quiet village but once a significant gathering place for medieval pilgrims.

Today marks your final walking stage. Cross the peaceful landscapes of the rural Basque Country before arriving at the St James Gate and entering the beautiful medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, set at the foothills of the Pyrenees.

This small border town on the River Nive is lively with Camino pilgrims, as it serves as the traditional starting point of the French Way to Santiago. For centuries, it has been a key gateway on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, standing at the base of the Roncevaux Pass. Its name, Pied-de-Port, translates to “foot of the pass” in Pyrenean French.

Your Camino journey concludes after breakfast in the charming village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.