Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Things to Do

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The Porte Notre Dame is interesting because it serves as both a gate and a clock tower for the Church next to it. It opens the ramparts of the old city onto the Nive and provides the continuation of the Rue de la Citadelle into the newer part of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. There is an interesting statue as well beneath the clock, adding to the mixed usage of the Gate. This is a copy of the original Virgin and Child, which was taken away for safe-keeping during the Wars of Religion but was never returned to its proper place. In all, it provides a good landmark and interesting completion to the Rue de la Citadelle, but unfortunately I don't believe you are allowed to enter the Gate or climb up in the tower.

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The Église Notre Dame is a rather small, unassuming church at the end of the Rue de la Citadelle inside the ramparts of the old city. In fact, it is actually right up against the rampart walls, and part of the church juts out on the other side of the defensive line (see the fifth picture). It has an interesting statue of Jesus (I think that's supposed to be Jesus) near its large doors, and some interesting stained glass inside. On the whole, however, this is not a spectacular church, which makes it blend in well with the pretty but simply surroundings in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. There is an organ in the church, and from time to time you may be able to hear quite good performances on the organ. I entered the church during one and it really does change the entire atmosphere of the building. The church is in Gothic style, but built on an earlier Romanesque foundation, and the organ dates from the 19th century. Actually, the name Notre Dame is not entirely correct: it used to be called Notre Dame, but is today known as the Assumption of the Virgin.

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The route to the Citadelle is as much its own attraction as the Citadelle itself. It is not an easy climb, so if you cannot take the difficult and steep route, you should consider driving up on the other side of the ramparts. However, those who hike their way up will be treated to magnificent views and the sense that time has stood still in this part of France. There are still huge trees that cover some parts of the approach, making you feel like you are walking down a country avenue up to an estate of the Ancien Régime. The hike also allows you to explore more fully the various defensive structures on the approach to the Citadelle, which would have protected it should an invading force have breached the outer ramparts (and, likely, killed off the unlucky civilian population of the town).

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The Citadelle of Donebane Garazi was designed by Vauban, who is responsible for a number of Citadelles all throughout France - including the one in neighbouring Bayonne. This Citadelle was erected in the mid-17th century, although there were some additional improvements to the structure in the 18th century too. It is a massive structure that not only overlooks the town but essentially all of the valleys and passes around the town too. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the Citadelle itself today, as it merely houses a school for children and thus tourists are not really welcome. You can, however, explore the moat and defensive structures around the Citadelle, and you can walk up to the various munitions depots and the like. Even better than the Citadelle are the views from the Citadelle - after all, the military planners were supposed to be able to keep watch on the entire valley.

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Four coaches, most with backpacks and very obviously headed for the Camino de Santiago.

After arrival follow the masses and head for the old street rue de l Citadelle

St.Jean-Pied-de-Port is in the shadow of the Atlantic-Pyrenees at the edge of the Bearn area. It is increasingly a winter sport center and has become increasingly a place where maize is grown.

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Below the center of town on the river us a weir to control the flow of water past the town. Along the river are several pleasant restaurants.

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At the far end of town after a hill toward toward the South is the Way toward the border only 7 km further. On this end of town there are extensive ramparts which run down to the river