Profile St Jean to Roncesvalles

Don't be lulled into a state of false security if you have to choose the road route from St Jean to Roncesvalles. I walked that route in 2004 and although not as rural - or countryside-scenic as the Route Napoleon - it was tough!! The snow falls just as heavily on both routes but the road route might be ploughed. If you do have to take the road route DO NOT follow the camino markers that point to detours or alternate country-side paths. Stay on the road. Last year in April Chris Phillips - an experienced fell walker and hiker was found only 50m from the road (he died before arriving at Pamplona hospital).

Here are comparative profiles of the two routes.

Yes - it is also the 'authentic route as it goes through Valcarlos (Luzaide in Basque) the place where Charlemagne's troops were defeated. According to locals, Valcarlos is the proper starting place for pilgrims walking to Santiago not St Jean or Roncesvalles.