Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles is a town with only 22 neighbors and, nevertheless, it is one of the most important points on the French Camino de Santiago.

For many centuries the life of this small town revolves around the coming and going of pilgrims. Which explains the majesty of its Pilgrims Hospital and the entire set of the Collegiate Church of Santa María.

Of course, it has a hostel for pilgrims and an inn. Also a hotel and a hostel, so there are accommodation options for all tastes.

If you need to stop for something to eat, the inn and the hotels have a bar-restaurant.

You will find a fountain at the exit of the town if you follow the road bike route, just after the inn.

Roncesvalles (Roncesvalles in Castilian and Orreaga in Basque) is a Spanish municipality at 900 m. of altitude, in the autonomous community of Navarre, not far from the Pyrenean pass of the same name.
It has only a few dozen inhabitants, but it is famous both for the battle between the knights of Charlemagne and the Moors (in 778 AD) and because it marks the beginning of the Spanish route to Santiago de Compostela called Camino Francés, which starts from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Pilgrims can reach it either on asphalt (by bicycle) or (on foot) by choosing the path through the woods, more fascinating, but challenging as well; Roncesvalles usually corresponds to the goal of the first stage of the Way. In fact, in the small town there are two hostels for welcoming pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela.

Even if you don't plan or have the ability to walk the entire Camino Frances, the stage that reaches Roncesvalles is a must for the beauty of the landscapes and the evocative atmosphere it offers, especially when—descending from the Ibañeta Pass—the boundless Spanish landscape suddenly opens up before your eyes in the golden light of sunset. It's a magical moment, ideally shared with other pilgrims and then enhanced with a visit to the Collegiate Church.
The stamp on the Credencial is also beautiful.