The famous El Camino ends in the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwest Spain, but there are multiple towns where hikers and pilgrims can start the journey. Perhaps the most renowned start town is Saint Jean Pied de Port in the French Basque country at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. In addition to hikers, the town attracts tourists who like to explore the ancient town center, fortress and the surrounding countryside, and enjoy local wine and food.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was established in the 12th century. The Kingdom of Navarre, with Pamplona as its capital, ruled the region where Saint Jean Pied de Port was the northernmost community. For Navarre, the village had a perfect location at the foot of the Pyrenees to guard the territory from the Kingdom of France. The original fortress was constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries. The borderline construction had to be repaired and renovated multiple times during the years, but the fortress we see today was completed by Vauban in 1728.

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For me, the highlights of Saint Jean Pied de Port are enjoying a slow walk along narrow streets of the compact old town, exploring local shops, and viewing the surrounding scenery at the top of the fortress walls. The town is one of localities along the basque country cheese route, which explains the wide range of choices for cheese in shops and restaurants. The pretty rolling landscape around the town is easy to explore by car or by bicycle. Next village is never far from the previous community, and high mountains are near as well. Biarritz and even more rewarding destination Bayonne are not far on the Atlantic coast.

The curious name Saint Jean Pied de Port indicates its location at the foot of the port over the mountain to Spain.

Most travelers arrive in Saint Jean Pied de Port in a vehicle, but this region is a popular cycling country as well. The town has very limited parking space in general and finding a place for a vehicle anything larger than a compact car is truly difficult particularly during the high season in July and August.

More information about the French Basque Country and Saint Jean Pied de Port here.