Camino Francés · Stage 1 of 33Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles

The legendary opening stage crosses the Pyrenees on the Napoleon route from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a long, demanding climb through high pastures to the Lepoeder pass, then down to the monastery at Roncesvalles.

24km
↑1368m ascent
↓598m descent
6–7 htime
743.4km to Santiago
Harddifficulty

Stage elevation profile

1423 m170 m
km 0km 12.0km 24

Town by town

Where to sleep

A selection for this stage. Not a ranking.

Beilari (formerly Esprit du Chemin)Albergue · Private · Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port · km 0
47 €
14 bedsDryerDinnerBreakfast

From their website: beilari.info

Le Refuge OrissonAlbergue · Borda · km 7.5
45-50 €
28 bedsBreakfastDinner

From their website: refuge-orisson.com

+44 more places to stay on this stage

The app has them all, with phone, directions, pilgrim reviews and the "full today" warning.

See them in the app

Did you know?

Roncesvalles is where, in the year 778, Charlemagne's rearguard was ambushed; the event inspired the medieval epic poem 'The Song of Roland'.

At the end of the stage

Water fountainsPharmacyATMSupermarketHealth centre

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