The best traffic-free bike rides around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
4.5
(157)
1,600
riders
34
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port are situated in the French Pyrenees, characterized by a landscape of challenging mountain passes, green river valleys, and rolling foothills. The region features diverse terrain, from ascending mountain roads to serene beech groves and verdant landscapes. The Nive River flows through the area, with many routes following its banks or traversing nearby vineyards. This setting provides varied elevation profiles for touring cyclists.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
- The most popular…
Last updated: October 21, 2026
4.3
(10)
44
riders
46.7km
03:17
840m
830m
This difficult 29.0-mile touring cycling loop from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port offers 2741 feet of elevation gain and scenic Pyrenean views.
4.9
(15)
116
riders
54.3km
04:06
1,300m
1,300m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.8
(4)
125
riders
65.6km
04:59
1,610m
1,610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.0
(7)
76
riders
47.2km
03:32
1,080m
1,080m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
4.5
(2)
25
riders
52.5km
04:04
1,360m
1,360m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
Camino Francés and Camino Finisterre – Cycling pilgrimages in Spain
The flavours of France’s southwest – cycling through the delicacies
The Pilgrim Route — EuroVelo 3 through Spain
Hexatrek, the western and central Pyrenees – Between mountains and the ocean
Basque Country mountain passes – Panorama rides
Santiago de Compostela – A journey through northern Spain (10 days)
Coast to coast across the Pyrenees on your road bike
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean – Route des Cols in the Pyrénées
An Iberian pilgrimage – French Way of Saint James
The Western Pyrenees – crossing the Pyrenees on the GR 10
Other adventures around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
Tips from the Community
Immediately after passing the Sain Jaques city gate, the path leads downhill on this busy medieval street. The section of the Camino de Santiago, always bustling with numerous pilgrims, is lined with pilgrim hostels and massive sandstone houses with colorful doors and shutters.
1
0
Lake Iraty (Lac d'Iraty) a Peaceful Mountain Reservoir. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Basque mountains, Lake Iraty (Lac d'Iraty) is a serene reservoir surrounded by the vast beech canopy of the Iraty Forest. The calm, clear waters mirror the rolling green hills, making it one of the most picturesque stops along the surrounding trails.
1
0
Pretty little lake located in the forest, at the edge of the road.
0
0
Starting point for several climbs that allow you to cross the border and reach Spain. It is a very quiet town where you can take a break and get water. I remember that on hot summer days... the heat is oppressive because there is a lot of humidity. It is a typical town in the area where you will also find some bars where you can have a drink.
0
0
One of the most inhospitable and spectacular mountain passes in the eastern Pyrenees, with several slopes, all of them very difficult. The landscape is wild and wonderful. You can breathe absolute tranquility and you can dedicate yourself exclusively to enjoying the views, the horses, the sheep, the cows and the suffering on the bike. The summit is on the border with Spain, although there is no road that crosses the border, so the pass runs entirely in France. I have climbed it on 2 of its slopes. The first time I climbed it on the slope that crosses the Col d'Orgambide, on the D428 road, which starts from Estérençuby. The first 3 km are very easy, until you cross the detour to go up to Artaburu, where the road begins to have slopes of more than 10%. From there, to the summit, the climb is very hard, around 9%, on a very rough and bumpy road, with a lot of humidity and crossing a wonderful beech forest. Once you reach the top of the Col d'Orgambide, you turn right and continue climbing for another half kilometre with a gradient of 11%. There comes a small descent, to face the last 3 kms, the first 2 very hard with several 13% gradients. The last kilometre is very easy and has panoramic views that are simply wonderful. The second time I climbed it on the side that starts from Arneguy and Ondarolle. This side is harder than the previous one, with a central section that is hellish, being 6 kms at an average of 10%, and a very hard km at 12% and 18% gradients!!! The final part is more gentle. You cross the Croix de Thibault in the penultimate kilometre of the climb. The final kilometre is very gentle and with beautiful and exciting panoramic views.
1
0
Magical place, one of my favorite French villages.
2
0
This is the border between France and Spain. But it is not particularly spectacular.
4
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
There are 27 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Most of these routes are considered difficult, offering significant challenges and rewarding experiences for experienced cyclists.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes primarily traverse the Pyrenean foothills and mountains, offering diverse terrain from rolling hills and lush forests to dramatic mountain passes. While many routes feature well-paved surfaces, be prepared for demanding climbs, with some passes like the Col de Bagargui known for gradients exceeding 12%.
Are there any circular no-traffic touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port are circular. Examples include the challenging Col de Gamia Loop from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which covers nearly 47 km with over 800 meters of elevation gain, and the longer Bagargiak Pass – Porte Notre-Dame loop, spanning over 70 km with nearly 1800 meters of ascent.
What are some notable landmarks or viewpoints along these routes?
The region is rich in natural and historical landmarks. You can encounter stunning mountain passes like Aharza Pass and Col de Gastangarte. For panoramic vistas, look for highlights such as the Superb view of the Pyrenees. The historic town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port itself, with its medieval charm and La Citadelle, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic touring cycling in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
The best time for touring cycling in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is generally from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the mountain passes are typically clear of snow, offering optimal conditions to enjoy the challenging routes and stunning Pyrenean landscapes.
Are there any easier no-traffic touring cycling routes for beginners or families?
While most routes in the area are rated as difficult, there are a couple of easier options available. These routes offer a less strenuous introduction to the region's beauty, though they may still involve some elevation changes characteristic of the Pyrenean foothills. Always check the route details for specific difficulty levels.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the routes in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 109 ratings. Reviewers often praise the challenging climbs, the breathtaking Pyrenean vistas, and the unique experience of cycling in a region steeped in history, particularly as the starting point of the Camino Francés.
Can I find routes that pass through vineyards or river valleys?
Yes, many routes in the region incorporate picturesque scenery beyond the high mountain passes. You can find routes that follow the Nive River valley or traverse areas with vineyards, such as the Irouléguy vineyard, offering incredible views over the village and the Pyrenees.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic touring cycling routes that connect to larger networks?
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is strategically located within broader cycling networks. Routes here connect to the famous EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims Route and are part of the larger Route of the Pyrenean mountain passes, offering opportunities for extended touring adventures across the Pyrenees.
What are some of the more challenging no-traffic touring cycling routes in the area?
For experienced cyclists seeking a significant challenge, routes like the Porte Saint-Jacques – Bagargiak Pass loop offer substantial elevation gains, exceeding 1600 meters over 65 km. Another demanding option is the Porte Saint-Jacques – Burdincurutcheta Pass loop, which features over 1100 meters of ascent in just under 50 km.
Most popular routes around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
Most popular attractions around Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
