Red roofs

We are still in St Jean Pied de Port where we walked up to the citadel and saw the view across the town.

I am not sure why the town is so called, I think it's because its at the foot of the mountain pass into Spain. I keep thinking it's got something to do with a guy called St Jean who had his foot in the door!

The town is one of the major staging posts on the Pilgrims' routes from Northern France on the way to Santiago de Compostella. There are still modern day pilgrims which is why there are walking shops selling the sort of gear they need on their way. There is even a cafe which advertised a Pilgrim's menu - including Coca Cola! I am sure the 14th century pilgrims didn't have luxuries like this.

The biggest hardship we had to suffer today was the absence of anywhere to do any shopping as everywhere was closed for Pentecost.

It's no wonder the French economy is in a mess the number of religious holidays they have!