Stage 1

You leave Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and climb into the Pyrenees on the classic first day of the Camino Francés. Plan for about 6 hours 15 minutes on forest paths and open hillside, with a stiff ascent whether you take the high Napoleon route or the lower Valcarlos option.

Roncesvalles sits just over the Spanish border in a wooded valley with a historic abbey and pilgrim hostel. Book ahead in peak season - this is one of the busiest overnight stops on the whole route.