Between Saint-Palais and Uhart Mixe stands the Gibraltar stele.  A symbolic site, it lies at the crossroads of the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela from Tours, Vézelay and Le Puy.

From Uhart-Mixe, the route becomes very challenging on a touring bike. It follows part of the pilgrims’ route, with some very steep gradients. It’s a good idea to stop for a break to take in the view of the lush green valleys, admire the traditional houses or sample the famous Ossau-Iraty cheese.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, with its medieval streets, pink city walls and citadel, is a stopover town steeped in history.