Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Typical dishes in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Where can you enjoy the best Basque specialities in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port? There are several options available to you! You won't be disappointed by the friendly atmosphere at Café Ttipia in Place Foquet, or by the warm welcome from the waiters at Txitxipapa in Rue de la Citadelle. The delights of Pyrenean cuisine can also be found on the menus of Kuka and Iratze Ostatua. In short, there's no shortage of quality establishments in the area! Tomme noire des Pyrénées is an essential local product, appearing on many cheese platters and in recipes for pies and gratins. For fish lovers, it's hard to go wrong with Morue pil pil, a traditional dish that's just as popular on the French side as it is on the Spanish. When it comes to charcuterie, there's plenty to choose from, from Jambon de Bayonne to Ventrèche, a pork belly that's best enjoyed pan-fried. For lunch or dinner, Pyreneans also love Oeufs basquaise, stuffed Chipirons and Axoa. The region is also rich in Irouléguy vineyards. A red goes very well with a Cassoulet, while a white wine is the perfect accompaniment to Ardi Gasna, a sheep's milk cheese that is a firm favourite in the Basque Country. As a sweet treat, we recommend devouring Macarons de Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the ideal dessert for those with a small appetite.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its activities

Did you know that Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port was on the route of one of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela? The most religious of pilgrims wander through its narrow streets and enjoy its remarkable historical heritage. The ascent to the Mendiguren Citadel offers a majestic panorama of the village and the mountains. Then enter the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin, a beautiful Gothic building dating from the 13th century and built of pink sandstone. The Sunday mass held here in Basque literally sends shivers down your spine! The Mansart house on the Place du Marché and the Notre-Dame bridge are two other notable features of the town's architectural heritage. Combine moments of relaxation with moments of sport during your holiday! You'll be spoilt for choice in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the surrounding area. Leisure activities such as climbing and caving are guaranteed to thrill. You can also enjoy a range of white-water activities in Bidarray and Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry.

Must-see sites around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

. Just an hour's drive from your holiday rental in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the seaside resort of Saint-Jean-de-Luz! Whether you're religious or not, a visit to the sublime Saint-Jean-Baptiste church is a must. Its monumental altarpiece alone is worth the diversions, with its superb baptismal font, impressive organ and beautifully decorated stained glass windows. Lunch in its charming harbour is another opportunity to relax and make the most of your holiday! Further south, near the border, you may be tempted to put your bags down in Hendaye and contemplate its fine sandy beaches. Or head north along the Côte des Basques to reach Biarritz, another must-see destination in the region.