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Pyrenean landscape

The Pyrenean landscape of the Way of Saint James

The first stage of the French Way enters Spain through Saint Jean Pied de Port, a French town in the Atlantic Pyrenees. Pilgrims who start their journey to Santiago de Compostela here can enjoy the Pyrenean landscape for two stages.

Up to Roncesvalles, the Way crosses mountainous areas characterised by steep slopes. From Saint Jean, the Route passes from 172 metres above sea level to the 1,430 metres of the Lepoeder pass. This point is close to the Spanish border and is believed to be the place where the famous Battle of Roncesvalles happened.

To reach Roncesvalles, pilgrims can first choose to climb the Ibañeta Pass. It is considered the gateway to Europe, and from its summit, you can see the valleys of the Navarrese mountains and the plains of mainland Navarra.

From Roncesvalles, there are several hiking routes that pilgrims can enjoy if they have time. Forest of Basajuanberro walk is one of the most popular. The mountain landscape gives way to a forest of beech and oak trees with a legend behind it. Here lives the Basajaun, the lord of the forests, a character from Pyrenean mythology.

Typical flora and fauna of the Navarrese Pyrenees

The Pyrenean mountain range is a natural area that runs along the border between France and Spain for more than 400 kilometres. It stretches from the Bay of Vizcaya to Cape Creus. Because of its size, the Pyrenees can be divided into different areas, all with very different climates, flora, and fauna.

The mountain range has more than 4,500 different species of flora, 160 of which are endemic to the area. The Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago crosses the Pyrenees through Navarra. In this area, the flora is characterised by the presence of trees species like black pine and heathland, as well as a variety of grasses. In areas at lower altitudes, oak and beech forests can also be found.

As for the Pyrenean fauna, the “Quebrantahuesos” is the most iconic bird of prey. Although its largest population centre is in the central area, efforts are being made to expand its population in the Navarrese Pyrenees. Its silhouette is like that of a large falcon, and it nests on the vertical walls of the mountains.

Quebrantahuesos

Quebrantahuesos.

Other characteristic birds of the area are the “chovas piquigualdas” and the Alpine sparrow. Among the mammals, the Alpine marmot stands out. It is one of the largest rodents in the Iberian fauna. Likewise, the “rebeco” is another of the most characteristic and amusing animals in the Navarrese Pyrenees.

Beyond the Way

Just over 30 kilometres from Saint Jean Pied de Port is the Irati Forest. It is the second-largest beech-fir forest in Europe. Its 17,000 hectares are home to wild animals of all kinds, such as robins, trout, foxes, and wild boars. It has a network of signposted trails with different levels of difficulty that are ideal for getting lost in nature.

Pilgrims who can afford to deviate a little further from the Pilgrim’s Way and get to know the area should not miss the west coast of France. An hour’s drive from Saint Jean Pied de Port, the pilgrim leaves the mountainous landscape behind and welcomes the Atlantic Ocean. In the area, towns such as Bayonne, with the mouth of the Adour river, San Juan de Luz or Hendaye are well worth a visit.

Ciudad de Bayona

The city of Bayonne.

In the opposite direction, and with completely mountainous geography, is the Pyrenees National Park. It is a protected natural space, with more than 45,000 hectares, perfect for hiking and enjoying the Pyrenean landscape. It is an hour and twenty minutes by car from Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Winter sports lovers can also enjoy winter sports at the Candanchú ski resort in the province of Huesca. Just thirty kilometres away is the city of Jaca, another starting point on the Pilgrim’s Way for many pilgrims.

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