About This Walk
Walk the dramatic opening stretch of the French Way, starting at the foot of the French Pyrenees in St Jean Pied de Port and crossing into Spain toward the historic town of Estella. Over 5 walking days, you’ll tackle mountain passes, peaceful foothill trails, medieval bridges, and historic Navarre towns.
Pricing
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Base Price: From €650 per person (twin share)
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Single Supplement: €280
Highlights
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Pyrenean Crossing: Cross the French-Spanish border over the Pyrenees mountains via the scenic Napoleon Route or Valcarlos Pass.
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Historic Roncesvalles: Visit the historic 12th-century Royal Collegiate Church of Roncesvalles.
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Pamplona: Explore Navarra’s vibrant capital city, famous for its historic Old Town and Castle Square (Plaza del Castillo).
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Alto del Perdón: Pass the iconic metal pilgrim statues offering sweeping views over the Navarre countryside.
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Bridge of the Queen: Cross the famous 11th-century Romanesque bridge in Puente la Reina.
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Historic Estella: Finish in Estella-Lizarra, “The Star of the Camino,” known for its rich Romanesque architecture and cobblestone streets.
Day 1: Arrive in St Jean Pied de Port
Arrive in the picturesque medieval town of St Jean Pied de Port at the foot of the French Pyrenees. Check into your accommodation, register at the Pilgrim Office to collect your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), and explore the cobblestone streets before your walk begins tomorrow.
Overnight: St Jean Pied de Port
Day 2: St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles
Walk from St Jean Pied de Port to Roncesvalles (25 km)
Tackle the classic mountain stage over the Pyrenees. Ascend through mountain pastures with panoramic mountain views into Spain before descending to the historical monastery village of Roncesvalles. (Note: An alternative lower-elevation Valcarlos route is available during bad weather).
Overnight: Roncesvalles
Day 3: Roncesvalles to Zubiri
Walk from Roncesvalles to Zubiri (22 km)
Descend through peaceful oak and beech forests, passing tranquil Basque hamlets like Burguete and Espinal. Cross the Arga River over the medieval “Rabies Bridge” (Puente de la Rabia) into the village of Zubiri.
Overnight: Zubiri
Day 4: Zubiri to Pamplona
Walk from Zubiri to Pamplona (20 km)
Follow the Arga River along green valleys, passing ancient stone bridges and small country villages. Reach Pamplona through its historic city walls and explore the old town’s famous tapas bars and gothic cathedral.
Overnight: Pamplona
Day 5: Pamplona to Puente la Reina
Walk from Pamplona to Puente la Reina (24 km)
Climb to the famous wind turbines at Alto del Perdón for sweeping views over Pamplona and the valley below. Descend past wheat fields to Puente la Reina, where all French Camino branches merge at the 11th-century stone bridge.
Overnight: Puente la Reina
Day 6: Puente la Reina to Estella
Walk from Puente la Reina to Estella (22 km)
Walk along ancient Roman roads and through rolling farmland, vineyards, and olive groves. Pass the hilltop village of Cirauqui before arriving in the historic town of Estella-Lizarra, known as “The Star of the Camino.”
Overnight: Estella
Day 7: Departure from Estella
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before check-out. Departure transfers are not included in the standard package, but private driver transfers to Biarritz (BIQ), Pamplona (PNA), or Bilbao (BIO) airports can be pre-booked through UWalk.
Please note that the daily walking distances listed on our website are estimates from town to town. Your daily distance may vary slightly depending on your hotel’s location.
What’s Included:
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✅ Accommodation: 6 nights hand-picked accommodation in traditional private hotels or family-run pensions (en-suite rooms).
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✅ Meals: Breakfast included daily.
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✅ Luggage Transfers: Daily luggage transfer between accommodations (1 bag per person, max 20 kg).
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✅ Walking Pack: Detailed walking notes, official Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), and route maps.
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✅ Support: 24/7 emergency support line while on the trail.
What’s Not Included:
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❌ Flights: Flights to/from France or Spain.
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❌ Airport Transfers: Day 1 arrival transfer to St Jean Pied de Port and Day 7 departure transfer from Estella (can be organized by UWalk on request).
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❌ Meals: Lunches, dinners, and drinks along the trail.
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❌ Travel Insurance: Compulsory for all walking tours.
We have chosen popular family run hotels / pensions along the route. Accommodation is simple and follows the character of the area.
Single Supplement: €249
Planning & Customization
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How difficult is the Pyrenees crossing on Day 2?
Day 2 involves a steep 1,250-meter climb over 25 km. A reasonable level of fitness is required. An alternative winter/bad-weather route via Valcarlos offers a lower elevation path.
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Can I split the mountain stage into two days?
Yes. We can add an overnight stop in Orisson (8 km from St Jean) to break up the Pyrenees climb into two shorter walking days.
Luggage & Baggage Transfer
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How does daily luggage transfer work?
Your main suitcase or duffel bag (1 piece per person, max 20 kg) is transferred directly between your accommodations each day. Simply leave your labeled bag at hotel reception by 8:00 AM, and it will be waiting at your next hotel by early afternoon.
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What should I carry during the day?
A light 20–30L daypack is all you need. Pack 1.5L of water, daily snacks, sun protection, a light waterproof jacket, your Pilgrim Passport (Credencial), and cash/cards for local cafes along the trail.
Travel, Airports & Transfers
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Which airports are best for this stage?
For arrival in St Jean Pied de Port, fly into Biarritz Airport (BIQ) in France or Pamplona Airport (PNA) in Spain. For departure from Estella, use Pamplona (PNA), Bilbao (BIO), or Zaragoza (ZAZ). Private UWalk transfers are available on request.
On the Trail & Navigation
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Is the route well-marked?
Yes, the Camino Francés is the most thoroughly marked trail in Europe, using yellow arrows and scallop shell markers throughout.
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