3 Best Sights in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, The Basque Country, Gascony, and Hautes-Pyrenees

Walk into the old section of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port through the Porte de France, just behind and to the left of the tourist office; climb the steps on the left up to the walkway circling the ramparts; and stroll around to the stone stairway down to the Rue de l'Église. The church of Our Lady of the End of the Bridge, known for its magnificent Gothic Rayonnant doorway, is at the bottom of this cobbled street. Built in the 12th century and designated a church in the 13th century, it is a characteristically Basque three-tier structure.

From the Pont Notre-Dame you can watch the wild trout in the Nive (also an Atlantic salmon stream) as they pluck mayflies off the surface. Note that fishing is forbidden in town. Upstream, along the left bank, is another wooden bridge. Cross it, and then walk around and back through town, returning to the left bank on the main road.

Several sights of interest line Rue de la Citadelle, including the Maison Arcanzola (Arcanzola House) at No. 32 (1510), the Maison des Évêques (Bishops' House) at No. 39, and the famous Prison des Évêques (Bishops' Prison) next door to it. Continuing up you'll reach the Citadelle itself—a classic Vauban fortress built between 1625 and 1627, now occupied by a school. The views from the top, complete with maps identifying the surrounding heights and valleys, are panoramic.