Located on the north bank of the River Nive as it flows to Bayonne St-Jean is a famous stopover for pilgrims before they cross the Pyrénées into Spain on their way to Santiago de Compostella.

The fortifications date from the 15th Century when the town was part of Navarre & the 17th century following the Treaty of the Pyrénées (1659). The history of the town goes back well before that of course and Pilgrims have always come this way. In fact the name reflects the fact that it lies at the foot of a pass, in this case the pass over the mountains at Roncevalles.

The Pass has been famous since Medieval times as folklore contends that Charlemagne’s Army was ambushed and routed here by fierce Basque Mountain people in 778 after campaigning against the Saracens in Spain. The Epic ‘Song of Roland’ (one of Charlemagne’s generals) was written about this event.

Be sure to check out the main street, Rue de la Citadelle and the Vieux Pont across the the Nive.

Practical Info

Tourist Website

Tourist Office of Basque Country 20 Boulevard Victor Hugo 64500 SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ