For many, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is where the Camino truly begins: the classic starting point of the full Camino Francés, at the foot of the French Pyrenees. From this town to Santiago de Compostela it’s around 765 kilometres, the complete route to Santiago that crosses the whole of Spain. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Saint-Jean, you ride the Camino at your own pace, and you leave it with us when you reach Santiago. No boxing up your bike, no flying with a bike bag, and no going back to the start.
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, far more than a starting point
Set in the heart of the French Basque Country (Lower Navarre), Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is one of those towns that seem frozen in time. Its name — “Saint John at the foot of the pass” — says it all: it stands right at the start of the Pyrenean passes that pilgrims have crossed for centuries on their way to Santiago. The walled citadel, a fortification reinforced by Vauban, crowns the town; and the rue de la Citadelle, cobbled and steep, drops between houses of reddish sandstone to the Porte Saint-Jacques and the bridge over the river Nive, a scene that is already a Camino classic.
The surroundings are pure green Pyrenees: gentle mountains, manech sheep, postcard farmhouses. And the French Basque cuisine is a treat before you set off: Bayonne ham, the Ossau-Iraty sheep’s cheese, the piment d’Espelette that seasons everything, the Basque cake filled with custard or cherry, and the wines of the small Irouléguy appellation. Beginning the Camino with this much history and flavour, and with the thrill of the Pyrenees ahead, is part of the experience.
The Camino Francés from Saint-Jean: route, distances and what to expect
The first day from Saint-Jean is the most legendary and demanding of the entire Camino: the climb into the Pyrenees and the crossing into Spain over the Roncesvalles pass, a tough but unforgettable mountain stage among high pastures and vast views. Once in Navarre, the Camino drops down to Pamplona, crosses the Alto del Perdón, continues through Estella, Logroño and La Rioja, and carries on through Burgos, the meseta, León and Galicia to Santiago. From Saint-Jean to Santiago is around 765 kilometres.
Most cyclists complete the full Camino Francés from Saint-Jean in 12 to 15 days, depending on their pace. The first Pyrenean day is the hardest — it’s best to be well rested and to have good weather — after which the Camino alternates flat stretches, the meseta and the final climbs of León and O Cebreiro. It’s a demanding, thoroughly complete route, and an e-bike makes all the difference right at that mountainous start. From Saint-Jean you comfortably clear the 200 kilometres required for the Compostela: this is the Camino Francés in its full version.
How we work: your bike ready at a shop, right before you set off
Whenever possible, we don’t leave the bike waiting for you at a hotel reception: we deliver it to a partner bike shop at your starting point. Why? Because that way, after transport, a professional mechanic gives it a final check right before you leave: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, saddle and handlebars set to your size. This matters especially here, where the first day is high mountain: you set off with the bike perfectly ready. If a holiday or logistics make a shop delivery impossible, we arrange delivery to your accommodation.
The rest of the service follows the “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick the bike up in Saint-Jean and return it in Santiago, with no need to go back. You ride the Camino with complete freedom and we handle the logistics from start to finish. We deliver bikes throughout Spain and Portugal.
What your rental includes
Every bike goes out ready for the Camino, with panniers, a rear rack, a lock and a repair kit, serviced before delivery. We include delivery at the start and pick-up in Santiago, and we stay with you with phone and WhatsApp support in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. The helmet is not included, for hygiene and fit: bring your own. The rental is for the full route, with a 7-day minimum rate and prices from €345 (VAT included); see models and prices on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both work beautifully. A gravel or mountain bike is the natural choice if you ride with confidence and feel up to the Pyrenean start. An e-bike — with 750 to 800 Wh batteries — turns the dreaded climb to Roncesvalles and the ramps that follow into an enjoyable challenge, and lets you arrive fresh at the end of each stage; you simply recharge it each night. It’s the most popular choice on demanding routes like this one. Those who ride an e-bike, cover the distance and get their credential stamped can also request the Compostela (confirm it at the Pilgrim’s Office).
More services to round off your Camino
We can take care of transporting your luggage, offer you our optional assistance insurance — breakdowns, punctures and bike replacement — and handle the deposit simply and refundably. We’re specialists in the Camino de Santiago by bike.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the bike in Saint-Jean and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it to you in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, already checked, and you return it when you reach Santiago.
How many days do I need from Saint-Jean?
The full Camino Francés usually takes 12 to 15 days. The rental minimum is 7 days.
Is the first day over the Pyrenees hard?
It’s the toughest stage of the Camino: a long mountain climb. It’s best to be well rested and have good weather; on an e-bike it’s far more enjoyable.
Why do you deliver the bike to a shop and not the hotel?
Because that way it gets a final professional check after transport, right before you set off. It matters even more before a mountain stage.
Do you carry my luggage between stages?
Yes. We can arrange to transport your luggage so you ride light.
At Bicigrino we deliver the bikes in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and in any city across Spain and Portugal. See all the models, prices and conditions on our bike rental page.
Ready to set off from Saint-Jean?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, serviced and ready for the Camino. Write to caminosantiagobike@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 627 92 82 13; we answer in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Buen Camino!
