The Starting Point: St. Jean Pied de Port

Traditionally, St. Jean Pied de Port is the starting point for the Camino de Santiago.  It sits at the bottom of the Roncevaux Pass across from the Pyrenee Mountains, 8 km. from the border of Spain.  The name literally means "St. John at the foot of the mountain pass".  Historically, this is the pilgrims' last "easy" stop (from any other area in France, if they are not starting at St Jean) before crossing into rough mountain territory on their continued pilgrimage.

Aside from many landscapes and period-style houses, streets and rails (apparently there is a great train service!), one may want to check out the citadel, or the 14th century church, Notre Dame du Bout du Pont.  The town itself appears to be one giant road with walls on each side.but 

We didn't spend too much time here, as we have many, MANY places to cover in such a short period of time, but it was long enough to take in some of the simple beauties of the town.  Actually, it was a bit like I had anticipated; there were hotels welcoming pilgrims (with the display of the scallop, which represents the Camino), restaurants, and gift shops as well as local meat and cheese dealers lining the street. 

We took a few minutes to look over the pilgrims' pass, where for centuries multitudes of pilgrims have gathered and begun their painstaking journey toward Santiago de Compostela.  I was enamored by the stonework in the streets and buildings, as well as the doors that complemented them.  We took a gander inside the church, and, although it was a bit dim inside, we were able to see its contents; a little simpler than others we have seen, but glorious nonetheless.  Unfortunately I did not see any trains, though I did catch a bike gang hanging out there for dinner.  I really liked this place, and to know that so many others have been across these streets, to me, is mind blowing.

Take Care All.

~Jenna

Fish I saw in the stream from the bridge

Classmates lighting candles inside the church

Doorway leading from inside the village to the outside

The Camino's THAT way!

This sign declares that, unfortunately, there is no room in the inn for the night.

Yet another lovely door!

Looking out upon the village

Looking up at the city walls

                           A stone owl perched on the side of a building

                                            The lovely village of St. John Pied de Port

                                               A horse rests outside the village