Santiago Plan

Stage 1 of 33 · Camino Francés

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Roncesvalles

Pyrenees

Updated on August 16, 2026

Distance
24 km
Time
7 h 20 min
Ascent
+970 m
Descent
−200 m
Difficulty
Hard
Where to sleep in Roncesvalles
2

Elevation profile

Ascent

+970 m

Descent

−200 m

Altitude

178–1054 m

4761611850 km6 km12 km18 km24 km

Stage map

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Where to get your credential stamped

Places on this stage that usually stamp the pilgrim's credential. Remember: over the last 100 km you need two stamps a day.

Points based on the hostels and parish churches along this stretch (OpenStreetMap data). We can't guarantee that each one stamps at all times: opening hours and availability change. Many bars, cafés and town halls also stamp.

Don't have the credential yet? See where to get one →

The queen stage: you cross the Pyrenees over the Puerto de Lepoeder (~1,430 m) to the collegiate church of Roncesvalles. Tough and spectacular; the Napoléon route closes in winter (alternative via Valcarlos).

🧭 How to get there

Find out how to travel from your city to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by train, bus, car or plane.

See routes and prices
Open in Google Maps →Links to external planners; schedules and prices on their website.

🚕 Taxis

Taxi ranks and services near this stage.

Camino taxis and transfers

Companies specialising in pilgrims that cover this route: transfers between stages, luggage transport and airport.

Search for taxis in Roncesvalles →Confirm availability and price by phone. Data © OpenStreetMap.

Variants of this stage

Ruta de Napoléon (por Orisson)

La opción clásica y más espectacular: sube directa a los Pirineos por el collado de Lepoeder (~1.430 m). Muy dura y expuesta; permanece CERRADA por seguridad de noviembre a marzo (y con mal tiempo). No hay servicios entre Orisson y Roncesvalles.

Ruta de Valcarlos (por la carretera)

Alternativa más baja, segura y abierta todo el año, siguiendo el valle por Valcarlos. Menos desnivel de golpe y con población intermedia; la recomendada en invierno o con previsión de niebla, viento o nieve.

Hostels on this stage

Hostel data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). It does not include beds or price, which are not always in the source; check with the hostel. Is one missing or wrong? Write to us.

Towns on this stage (7)

Places this stage passes through, in walking order. Open each one for history, services, hostels and where to sleep.

Frequently asked questions about this stage

How many kilometres is stage 1?
The stage from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles is about 24 km according to our track.
How long does this stage take?
About 7 h 20 min at a moderate pace (24 km and +970 m). This estimate excludes breaks; with rests, photos and meals, add 1-2 hours.
How much elevation does this stage have?
It gains about +970 m of ascent and −200 m of descent, calculated on the real profile of the stage.
Is this stage difficult?
We rate it as hard difficulty, with about 40 m of ascent per kilometre. It is an estimate based on elevation; heat, rain or the surface can make it harder.
Where to sleep at the end of the stage, in Roncesvalles?
We list 5 pilgrim hostels in the corridor of this stage (with phone and website when available). You can also book a hotel or guesthouse in Roncesvalles.

Xacobeo 2027

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Keep planning

All stages of the Camino FrancésCompare the routesHow to start the CaminoThe credential and the Compostela
All stages2. Zubiri →