Tourists in France

First breakfast and Lauds at Corazón Puro. István and Barbara drove us to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. We are in France!

We stopped in at the pilgrims office for our orientation and map. Then to Boutique du Pelerin to pick up our new hiking poles and an Opinel (with a corkscrew, naturally).We walked up to the citadel – the medieval castle was apparently knocked down by the Spanish at some point, and a new bastion was built in the 17th century.

   
    
 The views from the citadel are truly breathtaking, though I concede that the mountain altitude may have had something to do with it!

We had lunch in a very local Basque place and generally played tourist most of the afternoon. We’re planning on attending Mass at the little medieval church of Notre Dame du Pont later this evening. 

   
    
 
   

  

  

  

(Originally posted to Pilgrims on the Way.)