Camino Francés: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona
About this trip.
Comparing firms? Every Camino holiday on Mooch, route by route.
Before you book: Walking holidays vs cycling holidays — when each one is the right answer · Which Camino route is right for you — an honest opinion on each of the seven
Over the Pyrenees from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
This is the opening stretch of the Camino Frances. It starts in the French town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and finishes in Pamplona. From Saint-Jean the path follows the Route de Napoleon over the Roncesvalles Pass, which climbs to 1,500 metres, and down into the Basque country. After that you walk through the gentler countryside of Navarra.
The Napoleon Route is closed from 1 November to 31 March. During those months you take the alternative route via Valcarlos instead.
There are enough places to stop along the way, but there are some noticeable gaps between them. Carry at least two or three snacks, or a light lunch or sandwich, for the longer stretches. Drink plenty of water and keep eating between stops.
Saint-Jean, Roncesvalles and Pamplona
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, or Donibane Garazi, is the traditional starting point of the Camino. Pilgrims gather here before heading into the Pyrenees. Walk through the Port St Jacques, a UNESCO-listed historic gate, and visit the 14th-century Gothic church.
In Roncesvalles is the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria, which has taken in pilgrims since the 12th century. There is also a monument to the Battle of Roncesvalles in 778, when the Basque army defeated Charlemagne's army and its leader, Roland.
Pamplona was once a central part of the Kingdom of Navarre. Each July it holds the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermin festival, which Ernest Hemingway described in The Sun Also Rises. The city is full of Gothic architecture, from the medieval walls to the Cathedral of Santa María la Real. You could easily spend hours walking the streets that inspired Hemingway, then finish the day with a meal, either a traditional Basque dish or something more modern and fusion.
What the holiday includes
Accommodation is hand-picked and booked on a bed and breakfast basis. You also get a holiday or pilgrim pack, 24/7 on-call support and a face-to-face briefing by video call before you leave. Luggage transfers between hotels are not included in the starting price, but you can add them.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on the Camino. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
