21 September 2023
Saint-Jean-le-Vieux to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - 6 kms
Today we walked into Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the end point of the Chemin du Piémont Pyrénéen from Lourdes. We have completed the first of the three chemin/camino routes we have planned to walk.
We woke to a different day weather wise. There was a soft warm wind and the sky was cloud covered which made walking very easy. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk as it was interesting to approach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on foot for the first time.
Initially the path took us on quite busy roads but before long it changed to minor roads and we walked past farmland again which passed through the small settlement of La Madeleine then onto the outskirts of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is busy with pilgrims and tourists alike. We went straight to the pilgrim office to get our final stamp in our credential. Later in the day pilgrims were queuing down the street, waiting to get their first stamp before setting out on the Camino Frances.
It started to rain before midday and has been wet on and off since.
Church of St Pierre, Saint-Jean-le-Vieux.
Church of St Pierre, Saint-Jean-le-Vieux.
Walking through Saint-Jean-le-Vieux.
On our way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Out on to country roads again.
La Madeleine is a small settlement before Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Another bright doorway. This one has the camino scallop shell symbol.
Walking through La Madeleine, getting close to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port now.
We've seen apples trees full of the late season fruit - we would loved to have been able to sample some as we walked by.
This house was built in 1673.
Our first sighting of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Looking down on Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
We entered Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port through the Gate of St Jacques (Saint James).
We had to record the moment 😀
Some photos of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - before it started raining.
Getting our credentials stamped to finish our Chemin du Piémont Pyrénéen from Lourdes.
The Pilgrim Office, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Our apartment is in this building, opposite the Pilgrim Shop in Rue de la Citadelle.
Rue de la Citadelle.
The Gate of Notre-Dame and the entrance to the Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont.
Church of Notre-Dame-du-Bout-du-Pont. We're going to Mass at 7pm and will receive a pilgrim blessing.
The view from our window - the pilgrim shop. Although it is now used as a shop, it is actually the oldest surving house - Arcanzola House -built in 1510. The white cross on the top left-hand corner commemorates the death of St John de Mayorga, a Jesuit, who was martyred in the Canary Islands. He was born in the house in 1531.
