For the first pilgrims that came from distant earth, to cross the Pyrenees represented, an authentic challenge. Today it continues being one of the hardest stages of the Way, but also one of most beautiful.

Saint Jean Pied de Port, is a gorgeous French locality, where the three great Jacobeans routes link together within the French territory, the one that came from Paris, the one that came from Le Puy and the one that came from Vecelay.

Pilgrims leaves Saint Jean from the Church of Ntra. Señora, then they cross the bridge on the Snow River and they continues by the centric and commercial Rue d´Espagne, and then they leave the village going out through the old enclosure wall by the Door of the same name.

The 2 first kilometers are a strong ascent by one narrow asphalted track, indicated like Chemín de Compostela or Route de Napoleón.

After 5,3 kilometers walking the pilgrim arrives to Huntto, a small village and last place that offers some services.

The pilgrim has chosen also the named Imperial Route, but we must indicate that at winter time it is not advisable to take this itinerary because there are very often fogs and snows, being the alternative: The asphalt of the highway that runs by Valcarlos.

Past 12 kilometers of strong ascent the pilgrim will reach the hill of Bentartea or passage of Napoleón, in whose place a fountain to the left is the reference that guides, after a small reduction, towards a forest zone.

Later and after a crossroad to the right it is arrived at the hill of Lepoeder.

The pilgrim, is already in Spanish territory, enjoying one of the most beautiful landscapes and where he can glimpse the valley of Roncesvalles