Home > > Camino De Santiago > Camino Frances > Accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port
Best Accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port: Albergues, Hostels and Hotels (2026)
Some of my links may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no cost to you. See our Privacy Policy for details. And this post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)
I’ve been visiting St Jean Pied de Port for over a decade, staying in more than a dozen different hotels and albergues. I’ve travelled alone, with Gerry, whilst leading my walking club and during my time working in the Pilgrim Office.
Pilgrims often arrive in St Jean from a long journey, they are tired and anxious and need to know that they have somewhere to sleep. And whilst some pilgrims like to leave their bed to kismet, many others (myself included) like to book ahead.
If you’re like me and looking for pilgrim accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port, you’re in the right place. I’ll share my favourite places to stay, from budget-friendly albergues with communal dinners to private rooms in hotels, apartments, and even camping spots; including a few wonderful options I discovered during my stint volunteering at the pilgrim office.
Accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port – Why You Must Book Ahead
Every year, thousands of pilgrims arrive in St Jean Pied de Port to start their Camino and I’ve seen first hand how quickly the town fills. In peak season, pilgrims have even been moved to accommodation out of town or even ended up sleeping on the floor of the fire station.
In quieter months, many albergues and hotels close, meaning your options can be just as limited. Which is why I always recommend booking your first night in advance.
I totally understand that some pilgrims like to keep their options open but for me, peace of mind for the first few days on the trail is more important. Book ahead, and you can plan calmly from home and regardless of a flight or train being late, you know that you have a bed.
In this guide, I’ll share:
Quick Picks – My First Choices
These are my favourite choices for St Jean Pied de Port. But I will say they do all book very quickly so if there is no room for your dates, don’t worry, there are more great choices below!
My Favourite Albergues in St Jean Pied de Port
If you’d prefer to stay in pilgrim-style accommodation, there are plenty of albergues, auberges, and gites in St Jean Pied de Port but as with all my guides, I try to stick solely to places I know or where I’ve stayed and would choose again!
Accommodation does change year to year (my old go-to albergue closed and reopened in 2025), so this list reflects my most up-to-date experiences, including a few wonderful options I discovered during my time at the Pilgrim Office.
My Top Private Albergues in St Jean Pied de Port
I love starting the Camino in an albergue; it’s a brilliant way to meet your fellow pilgrims. I know that shared rooms aren’t for everyone, but don’t dismiss them too quickly. There are a few wonderful options in town and the right place can feel like a welcoming home.
When I book for myself or my groups, I look for cleanliness, comfort, Camino spirit, and (ideally) a communal dinner. These private albergues in St Jean Pied De Port tick all those boxes and I’d use all of them again.
All three are located in the heart of St Jean Pied de Port and directly on the Camino.
1. Gite Beilari
Gite Beilari is a stunning little hostel and it really does feel more like someone’s home. The owners are from St Jean and have created a peaceful oasis which oozes with the spirit of the Camino.
They believe it’s not about the number of pilgrims they welcome, but the spirit of hospitality they offer, gathering people around a shared table to become a camino family, even if just for one night.
2. Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques
Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques feels more like a pilgrim retreat than a hostel. It’s designed, by pilgrims for pilgrims and is full of Camino character. When I last stayed here only bunk beds were available but they are excellent, the ladders to upper bunks are easy to manage and there is a curtain. You also have your own locker for your rucksack.
Dinner was wonderful (with gluten-free and vegan options), and the pilgrim blessing before leaving in the morning made it feel even more special.
Top Tip : large luggage and suitcases are now allowed in dorms but backpacks are. Also stays are limited to one night only.
3. Maison Mâje
Maison Mâje was once my favourite albergue in St Jean. It was sold a few years ago but has been transformed into Maison Maje. And wow—the new owners have done a great job.
I visited last year and it’s a fabulous little place to stay. The new owners are incredibly kind and the refurbishment is wonderful. It offers both bunks and a private room, and while there’s no communal meal, there’s a shared kitchen.
This is a glorious place to stay and I’m so glad it’s back in business!
4. A Few More Private Albergue Recommendations
During my time at the Pilgrim Office in St Jean, I learned of a few other recommended albergue. Whilst I’ve not stayed here, they were all highly praised by the team. They are all in a good location for the Camino, all very responsive to pilgrims and they certainly helped us when folks arrived without a bed.
Want to learn more about the Camino? Then hop over to my Free Private Facebook Group | Walking The Camino De Santiago.
Municipal Pilgrim Albergue (Ospitalia Refuge)
There is a municipal pilgrim hostel in St Jean, located just a few meters up the hill from the Pilgrim Office and this traditional albergue is open year-round. You cannot reserve beds, but several bunk beds are available across different shared rooms.
The albergue fills very quickly during peak season. If you’re arriving on a late train, I strongly recommend that you opt for a private albergue instead and that you book your bed in advance, to avoid being stranded.
Feeling overwhelmed with planning your Camino?
Instead of searching endlessly, take a look at my Camino Planning Workshops. I turned over a decade of experience into a library of 20+ hours of practical, short, easy-to-follow videos, answering every question a pilgrim could have and plenty you’ve not thought to ask yet!
My Favourite Hotels in St Jean Pied de Port
For some pilgrims arriving in St Jean Pied de Port, the idea of a shared dorm and bathroom after a long haul flight is just out of the question. And to be fair, for some couples, a private room can offer better value for money.
I’m happy in a bunk but Gerry needs his own space and bathroom. Our favourite type of accommodation is an albergue that offers private rooms but if like Gerry, you’re looking for a little extra comfort and privacy, a hotel will be your best bet. This option is also ideal if you plan on spending a few days in town before starting the walk to Roncesvalles.
Below are my top hotel picks in St Jean Pied de Port. Again I’ve either stayed here, visited, or one of my pilgrims have recommended it for quality and pilgrim-friendly service.
1. Les Chemins d’Elika
Les Chemins d’Elika is glorious and almost a cross between a small hotel and the best kind of hostel. There is a beautiful garden with wonderful views, free WiFi and a terrace. As well as your own private room, you have the use of a shared kitchen. All rooms include a kettle (I love a kettle!) and of course a private bathroom.
2. Maison Laurentzenia
Maison Laurentzenia definitely feels more like a boutique hotel and you can expect a very comfortable stay. Not the cheapest place in town but if you need a good nights sleep this would be the place to book. Expect ensuite bedrooms, very comfortable bed, great breakfast and even an outdoor swimming pool.
3. Hotel des Pyrenees
Hotel des Pyrenees is a former coaching inn is a few minutes walk from the centre of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Now a 4-star hotel, it offers all the comfort you need; ensuite bedrooms (complete with bathrobes and slippers), an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. If you’re looking for a ‘formal’ hotel to get over your jetlag and relax then this is a good choice. I will add that a few friends have mentioned the hotel is looking a little tired these days but they were nonetheless happy with their stay.
4. La Villa Esponda
La Villa Esponda is on the main street in St Jean, almost opposite the Tourist Information office, this small hotel offers a choice of rooms. I stayed here alone and also with my group. The rooms are simple, but very clean, I had a small kitchen area which was ideal for coffee and snacks. The shower was hot and the welcome very warm. This is a good choice if you’re looking for a private room but be prepared for a little wait during check-in.
5. Hostel Ramuntcho
I noticed Hostel Ramuntcho as I last walked through St Jean in April. It’s a hotel on the main Rue de la Citadelle and was having some major renovation work. I’m not sure if only the restaurant or the hotel itself was under renovation, but it was definitely closed and buzzing with activity every time I passed by.
Whilst I haven’t stayed, one of my group did before our Camino in May 2025 and they were very happy with their room. If you’re looking for a private room, this could be a good choice.
Apartments in St Jean Pied de Port
I love an apartment. We’ve stayed in St Jean Pied de Port just for a weekend visit and not as part of a Camino and booked an apartment over a hotel. If like me you have dietary restrictions or you think Jetlag might mean sleeping at strange hours an apartment might be perfect for you too!
Studio Real Camino: What can we say about this pretty house. It is quirky and perhaps more of a cross between an apartment and hotel? It’s well appointed but not too fancy and the kitchen is more of a kitchenette but still, it’s absolutely perfect for a few days. There is a lovely private terrace, a quiet corner to sit and relax and you can enjoy a really great breakfast before you start your hike. If you want a place to stay for a few days then this is the perfect spot!
Plan B : I love the name but should be Plan A as this is a lovely stay! Another really great choice in the heart of town, near the Camino and a cross between a small casa rural and an apartment. The owner is very helpful, it’s more of a kitchenette than kitchen but it’s perfect for a short stay – and breakfast is also provided. It’s very clean, very comfortable and would be the ideal place to recover from a long journey.
Résidence Parc Arradoy : I wasn’t sure about including this apartment but we did stay here and we had a lovely comfortable visit. It’s a traditional holiday apartment and offered us all that we needed for a long weekend. We visited in October so the pool was closed and the complex was quiet. It’s a little bit of a walk from the centre but we enjoyed that and we discovered a few artisan shops en route. I’d certainly stay here again.
Camping in St Jean Pied de Port
There is a municipal campsite in St Jean Pied de Port : Camping Municipal Plaza Berri. The campsite offers a variety of pitches, including tent pitches, caravan pitches, and spaces for campervans and is open from April to October.
Albergue, Hostel, Gite or Auberge Accommodation : What’s The Difference?
If you’re looking for accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port, you’ll find a mix of albergues, hostels, hotels, apartments, gites, and campsites. But what’s the difference between them?
Albergue or Refugio
These are Spanish terms for pilgrim hostels along the Camino de Santiago. In France, they’re called auberges or refuges.
Albergues offer simple, comfortable, and affordable pilgrim accommodation. Municipal albergues tend to be more basic (and some say more authentic or traditional), while private albergues often offer extra comforts like curtains on bunks, private rooms, kitchens, and communal areas.
Do remember that albergues usually offer bunk-beds in dormitories, communal bathrooms, mixed-gender bedrooms and an area where you can wash your clothes.
Top Tip : Some municipal albergues are wonderful — but not always! One of my worst nights on the Camino was in a cold, soulless albergue that’s thankfully now closed.
Auberge or Refuge
These are the French equivalents for albergues or refugios or hostel.
But, in France, an auberge can sometimes be just a restaurant or bar without accommodation. In our village, for example, the Auberge de Commerce is now just a restaurant and it’s days of offering accommodation ended long ago.
Hostels
Hostels are simply the anglicised word for albergue or auberge. Most offer similar services, but some hostels aren’t exclusively for pilgrims which can mean :
Pilgrim accommodation usually has a ‘lights-out’ policy by 10pm but hostels may have open doors and folks are still awake and talking at midnight. But I have stayed in some amazing hostels; like Quartier Leon Jabalquinto in Leon (stay there if you’re in Leon!).
Top Tip : If a quiet night is important before your Camino start, check the house rules!
Gite
Gite is a French word usually meaning self-catering rural accommodation.
However, many places in St Jean Pied de Port call themselves “gites” but operate like pilgrim hostels, offering meals, communal spaces, and pilgrim-friendly services.
Book Accommodation In St Jean Pied de Port In Advance
If you plan to start you Camino in St Jean Pied de Port then I strongly recommend that you spend at least one night in town and I strongly recommend that you reserve your accommodation in advance. St Jean is a popular tourist destination and if you’re travelling during the busy season (May-September) then accommodation will fill quickly.
It is not unknown for St Jean Pied de Port to be full; I led a group in September 2023 and we heard that some pilgrims spent the night on the Fire Station floor; so do book ahead!
Top Tip : If you find yourself without a bed then head to the Pilgrim Office in Rue de Citadelle; they may be able to offer assistance.
How Many Days Do You Need in St Jean Pied de Port?
I always recommend at least one night in St Jean Pied de Port but if you can spare the time then spend two. If you’ve had a long journey or a long-haul flight then the extra night will give you the rest that you need and will help you prepare for the challenging first stage, crossing the Pyrenees. And there is so much to see and do in St Jean that you will easily fill your time exploring.
However long you decide to stay in St Jean, please do take my advice, decide where you will stay and book your bed in advance.
Where to Stay in Roncesvalles
Just as I recommend booking ahead in St Jean, I also offer the same advice for Roncesvalles. There are just 5 options for staying overnight in Roncesvalles and I’ve listed those choices below. Checkout these accommodation choices and get booking!
Ready to Start Your Camino Frances?
Now that you’ve booked your accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port, it’s time to start planning your first steps on the Camino Frances! Fortunately I’ve written step by step guides for every stage!
If you’re planning to walk the Camino De Santiago you may find these posts useful too :
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance. None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.
I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.
MondialCare : Due to increasing limitations, mainly due to age, we have recently switched to MondialCare for our travel insurance. We have taken an annual policy at a very reasonable cost that includes medical and other travel cover. There are no trip length limits and the upper age for cover is 84. For Camino walkers and travel in Europe they have a low cost Schengen policy with no age limit.
TrueTraveller : We have used this policy and were very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.
Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.
Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.
Try Our Trip Planning Tools
Start here to find the best accommodation
Start here to find flights for your adventure
Start here to find the best sightseeing tours
Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!