Camino Frances Stage 1

Camino Francés from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Roncesvalles, Spain. This walk is through the Pyrenees mountains that divide France and Spain. This route had strategic importance during the Napoleonic wars and it is the route Napoleon took to cross into Spain following the old Roman road the Via Traiana. It was also used as a route through the Pyrenees by Emperor Charlemagne.

Notre Dame Gate.

Starting point in St Jean Pied de Port.

View from bridge over Nive river just outside the Note Dame gate.

St.Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles

• Distance – 25 km/15,5 mi
• Time – 5h30min.
• Ascent – 1400 m
• Descent – 650 m