Ibañeta Pass – Roncesvalles loop from Arnéguy

Ibañeta Pass – Roncesvalles loop from Arnéguy

Hard

riders

Ibañeta Pass – Roncesvalles loop from Arnéguy

03:20

56.7km

1,290m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.22 km

At the Ibañeta Pass (1057 meters above sea level) it ends the steep slope that from the French town of Saint Jean Pied de Port crosses the Spanish border and the Pyrenees, for the first leg of the Camino Francés to Santiago de Compostela.
At Arneguy, it begins a foot-path that climbs in the woods: as it is quite bumpy and challenging, in case of bad weather it is advisable to choose the route for bicycle, on asphalt.
After the pass, sloping down for nearly 2 kilometres, there is the village of Roncesvalles.

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17.7 km

Ibañeta Pass and the Roland Monument

Highlight • Mountain Pass

In the 11th century, the monastery of San Salvador is said to have stood here at the top of the pass, on the foundations of which a small chapel was built in the 1960s. A little further up the hill is the Roland Monument, which commemorates the Battle of Roncesvalles by the Basques against the French army under Charlemagne on August 15, 778. Above all, the panoramic view from up there is really breathtakingly beautiful!

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19.3 km

Roncesvalles

Highlight • Settlement

Roncesvalles is a town with only 22 neighbors and, nevertheless, it is one of the most important points on the French Camino de Santiago.

For many centuries the life of this small town revolves around the coming and going of pilgrims. Which explains the majesty of its Pilgrims Hospital and the entire set of the Collegiate Church of Santa María.

Of course, it has a hostel for pilgrims and an inn. Also a hotel and a hostel, so there are accommodation options for all tastes.

If you need to stop for something to eat, the inn and the hotels have a bar-restaurant.

You will find a fountain at the exit of the town if you follow the road bike route, just after the inn.

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19.4 km

Collegiate Church and Monastery of Roncesvalles

Highlight • Religious Site

The monastery of Roncesvalles is one of the first important pilgrimage sites on the Camino Francés after crossing the Pyrenees. Pilgrims can also find accommodation here for the night in a monastic atmosphere - an experience not to be missed on the Camino.

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28.1 km

Mezkiritz Pass (922 m)

Highlight • Mountain Pass

The Metkiritz pass is a very easy and accessible climb that offers cyclists a pleasant experience with its spectacular natural landscapes. The road is in perfect condition although there is traffic as it is a national road.
The views from the top are not attractive, although the surroundings are.

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38.5 km

Climb to the Ibañeta Pass from Arnéguy

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

This climb is often included in Camino de Santiago itineraries. It is 17.5 kilometers long, with an average gradient of 4.6% and inclines of almost 14%.
The road surface is in good general condition and there is usually little traffic.

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56.4 km

Arnéguy

Highlight • Settlement

A very small and well-preserved village of Iparralde in the lower part of a very closed and narrow valley, where 3 small high mountain streams converge. It has the charm of the villages in the area.

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56.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

44.9 km

7.92 km

3.86 km

< 100 m

Surfaces