STAGE 1B: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Roncesvalles (via Valcarlos)
Stage overview
- Distance: 27.5 km (17 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Average time: 6-8 hours
- Gradient: Mixed
- Surface types: Roadside walking, forest tracks, paved village roads
- Waymarking status: Consistent arrows; signage improves after Valcarlos
- Alternative routes: 1A Route Napoléon
About this stage
A lower‑altitude alternative that follows roads and forested paths through the Valcarlos valley. The final climb to Roncesvalles is steep but sheltered, making this route safer in poor weather.
Accommodation and Services on this stage
| Town |
Campground |
Albergue/hostel |
Guesthouse/hostal |
Hotel |
Coffee shop |
Restaurant/cafe |
ATM |
Pharmacy |
Medical Services |
Veterinarian |
Supermarket/convenience store |
Outdoor equipment store |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ |
| 8.1 km | ||||||||||||
| Arneguy | ─ | ─ | ─ | ✓ | ─ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ | ─ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ |
| 3.3 km | ||||||||||||
| Valcarlos | ─ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ | ─ | ✓ | ─ | ─ |
| 16.1 km | ||||||||||||
| Roncesvalles | ─ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ─ | ✓ | ─ | ─ | ─ |
Need help planning? See our gear guide and download the free Camino Francés albergue list PDF, and if you prefer everything organised for you, compare the main Camino Francés tour operators on our tour guide comparison page.
Stage notes
Expect road walking; stay alert for traffic on narrow sections.