Camino Francés · Stage 1
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles on the Camino Francés: 24.1 km, 1,339 m up and 563 m down. Elevation profile, villages, albergues, water and tips.
- kilometres
- 24.1
- ascent
- 1,339 m
- descent
- 563 m
- highest point
- 1,426 m
- lowest point
- 171 m
- difficulty
- very hard
Surface: 58 % asphalt, 37 % track and 5 % footpath.
The most famous stage of the Francés and the hardest: you cross the Pyrenees in a single day. The Napoleon Route climbs by road and track to the pastures of Orisson and the Lepoeder pass, at more than 1,400 metres, then drops steeply through beech woods to Roncesvalles. There is almost nothing between Orisson and the finish, so carry water and food. In winter, and in fog or snow, the high route is closed: you then go by Valcarlos, down the valley, with less climbing and villages all the way.
Villages and services on this stage
The villages the stage passes through, with the distance from the start and what each one has. Services change: check them on the day.
| Km | Village | Albergues | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | 20 | bar · shop · pharmacy · ATM · fountain |
| 0.3 | Larroinea | 2 | bar · shop · ATM · fountain |
| 2.8 | Zihe | 2 | — |
| 5.1 | Huntto | 2 | bar |
| 7.4 | Orisson | 3 | bar · fountain |
| 8.0 | Bixkarrea | — | shop · fountain |
| 8.0 | Anttonenea | — | shop · fountain |
| 8.2 | Pertole | — | shop · fountain |
| 9.4 | Pekotxeta | — | bar · shop |
| 9.7 | Arnéguy | — | bar · shop |
| 12.4 | Luzaide / Valcarlos | 4 | bar · shop · pharmacy · ATM · fountain |
| 12.6 | Elizaldea | 2 | bar · pharmacy · ATM · fountain |
| 24.1 | Orreaga / Roncesvalles | 4 | bar · shop · fountain |
PeregriNeo data based on © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and Copernicus DEM GLO-30 elevations (© DLR e.V. 2010-2014 and © Airbus Defence and Space GmbH 2014-2018, EU and ESA).
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FAQ
How far is it from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles?
About 24.1 km along the Camino, with 1,339 m of total ascent and 563 m of descent, by our measurements.
How long does the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles stage take?
At an easy pilgrim pace, between 7.5 and 9.5 hours of walking, not counting stops. Hills count: every 100 m of climbing adds about 10 minutes.
Where to sleep in Roncesvalles?
There are 4 albergues in Roncesvalles, plus other places to stay. Book ahead in high season.