Booking my first 3 beds.

Sometimes you can’t be sure you’ll make it in one shot. I decided to go from Saint Jean Pied de Port, to Orisson, and finally onto Roncesvalles. Mostly because the 4,000 ft assent would be easier if I broke it up. But also I couldn’t turn down another night in France.

La Vita e Bella in Saint Jean Pied de Port

Located in the heart of the Basque Country, on the GR65, between Saint Jean Pied de Port and the Bentarte Pass, Orisson is an ideal stopover before reaching the Lepoeder pass. Orisson’s position on route towards Roncesvalles provides a welcome stop, and allows walkers to undertake this mythical part of the trek in two stages.

This hostel has undergone some major renovations due to covid. First establied in 1127 by the Bishop of Pamplona at the request of King Alfonso I ‘the Battler’