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Surrounded by a fortified wall, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port enchants visitors with its medieval cobbled streets lined with beautiful houses, its old bridge over the Nive, picturesque house facades along the water and the imposing citadel, rebuilt by Vauban, whose silhouette rises above the rooftops of the town.
Many pilgrims begin their journey on the Way of St. James in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This is where three of the four branches coming from France converge. As a result, in summer it is crowded with pilgrims from all over the world.
All of the sights are located within the city walls. The route across the River Nive bridge leads through the Porte de Navarre into Rue de Citadelle. This brings you to Notre Dame Church. Continue along Rue de Citadelle to reach Porte Saint Jacques and the path to the citadel.
The citadel, which towers over the town on a rocky outcrop, has preserved traces of Vauban, including a cobbled ramp leading to the monumental arch. Today, it houses a school.
