Stage 1 of 33

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port – Roncesvalles

First the Pyrenees, then Spain.

Route Napoléon: closed in winter!From 1 November to 31 March inclusive, the pass over the Route Napoléon is closed. Never cross the pass during this period, even if the weather looks good: take the route via Valcarlos instead. In winter in particular, it is extremely dangerous. Pilgrims who ignored the ban have come to a bad end. Even outside winter, the weather up there can turn quickly: check the forecast before you set off and ask at the pilgrim office in Saint-Jean whether the pass is open.

Distance

23.4 km

Ascent

↑ 1,409 m

Descent

↓ 586 m

Walking time

≈ 8 h 45 min

Difficulty

Hard

Highest

1,436 m

Steep climb: 586 m of ascent over 5.0 km

Weather in Roncesvalles2 days and the sun

Forecast for the end of the stage · Open-Meteo

Download GPX

Your legs will know after an hour: this is going to be a long day. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port you start climbing almost straight away, up into the Pyrenees, and it never really flattens out. The steepest part comes early, up to Orisson after about 8 kilometres. After that you get space, wind and views. Somewhere along the way you walk into Spain, with no customs and no fuss. The last stretch takes you down through forest to Roncesvalles.

Before you set off, register at the pilgrim office, Accueil des Pèlerins on the Rue de la Citadelle. There you can pick up your credencial or a stamp, plus a list of albergues and stages. You can stay the night in Orisson, but book well in advance. This is the Route Napoléon, which you can only walk when the pass is open. In winter you go via Valcarlos. Take it easy, Roncesvalles isn’t going anywhere.

Tips for this stage

Pilgrim office, Rue de la Citadelle: pick up your credencial or a stamp and the list of albergues.
If you want to sleep in Orisson, book well in advance.
Pass closed from 1 November to 31 March inclusive: walk via Valcarlos.