Travelled:62km from Saint Palais to St Jean Pied de Port France to Roncesvalles Spain (stayed in the carpark 43.0087, -1.3193)
After dumping the grey and black water we were off to St.Jean Pied de Port, also an important Santiago Compostela stopping point before crossing the Pyrénées into Spain. The town was founded by the kings of Navarre during the 12thC as a frontier town which is reflected in the walls that still surround the town and the citadel perched high up. We walked through the portals in the wall. then along the ramparts to the citadel to admire the views.
It was built to serve the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, although the route through here has a very long history dating back to the Romans.
The church dates back to the 13th C.
After a restless sleep through a stormy night we had our coffee and ventured into town of Saint Palais. It is a southwestern city in the Pyrenees-Atlantique department but also in the Basque Provence in the Lower Navarre region. This is an area historically shared with Spain and thus has many features that are similar.. the white buildings with red or green shutters, the game Basque Pelota (similar to Jai Alai where you throw a ball onto a wall with a hand throwing basket).
We strolled through the market in town.
These guys arrived at 5am to put their food on by 6am for it to be ready to sell by 9am.. it smelled delicious. They do 4 markets a week and it takes them a day to prep all the veggies etc.
After dumping the grey and black water we were off to St.Jean Pied de Port, also an important Santiago Compostela stopping point before crossing the Pyrénées into Spain. The town was founded by the kings of Navarre during the 12thC as a frontier town which is reflected in the walls that still surround the town and the citadel perched high up. We walked through the portals in the wall. then along the ramparts to the citadel to admire the views.
We strolled along the river.
After a kebab for lunch, we tried the local delicacy in various flavours. 
Then it was back to Bluey and over the pass into Spain! Unfortunately Puerto de Ibaneta was in the clouds but we got out and took a few photos. 
Just 1.5km down the mountain in Roncesvalles, we were welcomed with clear skies and sunshine! Amazing. We parked up behind the huge complex and set off to explore.
It was built to serve the pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela, although the route through here has a very long history dating back to the Romans.
The church dates back to the 13th C.
Then it was back to Bluey for some research of where to go next…
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