Camping 1 hour from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the Basque Country
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a small medieval town, is located at the foothills of the Pyrenean Piedmont. Nestled between Spain and the Basque Coast, it is known as a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, halfway between Le Puy-en-Velay (via Podiensis), the Pyrenean Piedmont, Vézelay, and Tours.
Camping near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with a swimming pool
To discover the wonders of the inland Basque Country and enjoy a relaxing family vacation, book a stay at a campsite near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with a pool: the family-friendly Erreka campsite in the French Basque Country offers pitches or rentals, such as cottages, in a stunning location with a welcoming, family-oriented aquatic area. The heated lagoon-style pool is the favorite meeting spot for campers of all ages to relax, have fun, and cool off before taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. The landscaped surroundings, featuring jets, palm trees, and waterfalls, create the perfect setting for unwinding in the sun on a lounge chair, with views of the Pyrenees Mountains. For your well-being, water leisure facilities are available: whirlpools, swan necks, and hydro-massage jets, ideal for relaxation and muscle relief. Both young and old enjoy improvising an aquatic dance or learning a new choreography by the pool with the entertainment team at the 4-star Bidart campsite. Please note: Sea Green cannot guarantee a minimum pool water temperature.
Camping 55 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with mobile homes
Looking for a campsite near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in Nouvelle-Aquitaine to stay in a mobile home with your family? Erreka offers recent rentals set on tree-lined plots, each with a beautiful private terrace. Whether you're traveling as a couple or with family, you'll find comfortable, fully-equipped mobile homes ranging from 23 to 40 m², accommodating 2 to 8 people (with 2 or 3 separate bedrooms). The Comfort range rentals, offering excellent value for money, provide an ideal accommodation solution for enjoying great comfort at an affordable price during your stay in Lower Navarre. For a VIP experience, choose a Privilege VIP cottage with top-quality amenities, including a second bathroom, a Nespresso coffee machine (capsules not included), and free Wi-Fi. Lastly, with the VIP cottage, you'll enjoy hotel-style services, including provided towels and bed linen. For a closer-to-nature experience, consider the CocoSweet lodge, an unusual canvas rental with comfortable bedding for 4 people.
Craftsmanship and know-how in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is not only a place of heritage and history, but also a hub for local and ancestral craftsmanship:
- In the village of Saint Etienne de Baïgorry, the Etxean Egina artisanal soap factory will introduce you to its traditional soap-making method, using local raw materials such as sheep's milk, honey, and beeswax, with delicate fragrances.
- Navarre pottery follows an ancient technique of wood ash firing to create handmade, glazed stoneware pieces, perfect for bringing home, whether for daily use or decoration.
- Finally, let's not forget another Basque emblem: the Espadrille! Come discover the secrets of making this light shoe, crafted from canvas and hemp rope, which has traveled the world and is now worn by both men and women.
A town bordering the Nive
Located on the right bank of the Nive and at the foot of the Cize passes, including the famous "Roncevaux Pass," Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port tells the story of its history through its heritage and architecture typical of the Basque Country. Take a stroll through this charming little town situated along the Nive. You'll discover the citadel built in 1625, rising 80 meters above the Nive, followed by the Castle of the Kings of Navarre, the so-called "Bishops' Prison," the Church of Our Lady of the Bridge End, built in the 13th and 14th centuries, which is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the Basque Country, and finally, the Spanish Street, leading up to Roncevaux.
Visit Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from the campsite
- The citadel: perched on the hill of Mendiguren, it overlooks the entire village and the course of the Nive River. Paths and cobbled streets descend to the riverbanks, inviting pleasant strolls.
- The Church of Our Lady of the Bridge End: the most important Gothic building in the French Basque Country after the Bayonne Cathedral, the parish church of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is charming due to its unique location by the water.
- The market: a true local institution, it takes place on Mondays and stretches around the covered market, which houses stalls from local producers.
- The Bishops' Prison: this picturesque building now hosts temporary exhibitions on the history of the area, including the long Jacobean tradition of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
- The mid-August patronal festivals: an opportunity to discover the Basque culture of the Lower Navarre province, through Tamborrada parades, pelote games on the fronton, numerous street performances, and the traditional mutxikoak dance.