Honto

Honto is a tiny cluster of houses in the commune of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, situated a few kilometres south of the town on the Route Napoleon as it begins its ascent toward the Col de Lepoeder. The settlement consists of traditional Basque farmhouses set in open hillside pasture at around 400 metres elevation.

The hamlet marks the first significant point above the valley floor on the main Napoleon Route crossing. On clear days the high Pyrenean ridge is visible above, while below the Basque foothills stretch northward. A fountain here has historically been a first water source for pilgrims beginning the long ascent.

For most pilgrims, Honto is reached within the first hour of walking from Saint-Jean, before the gradient steepens significantly.