Gite Le Lievre et la Tortue

Albergue Gîte Le Lièvre et La Tortue

Albergue Gîte Le Lièvre et La Tortue Overview

Type: The Gîte Le Lièvre et La Tortue is a private albergue / gîte that welcomes pilgrims and general travellers alike — run with a pilgrim-friendly spirit though not strictly “pilgrims only”.
Location: 30 Rue de la Citadelle, 64220 Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port (Donibane Garazi), France — right in the historic centre of the old town, very handy for those beginning the Camino Francés.
Opened: Under current management from 2019 (formerly known as “Buen Camino” before the change).
Accessibility: Located in a medieval-style building, fully renovated for pilgrim use. It offers shared dorms and private rooms; reservations accepted. Bikes can be stored inside. Because of its location in a historic building, access is straightforward though facilities are compact.
Contact:
Phone: +33 6 59 13 52 25
Email: gite.lelievreetlatortue@gmail.com
Website: (No dedicated website found; Facebook/social media presence mentioned)

Albergue Facilities

Rooms: Shared dormitories (approx. 12 beds in total) plus private room(s) (double with private bath).
Prices: Dorm bed from around **€23**; private double room approximately **€70–80**.
Total Capacity: Approximately 12 beds in dormitory plus 2-3 in private room(s).
Reservations: Yes, reservations accepted (especially for private rooms).
Pilgrim Credential: Not strictly required — general travellers are welcome.
Operating Season: Typically **mid-March (around 15 March) to end of October**.
Hours: Check-in from ~16:00 onwards. The gîte is in the old town so early morning departures are manageable.

Learn everything you need to know about Albergue life on the Camino de Santiago

Albergue Amenities

• Shared living/dining area where communal dinners are offered (homemade meals, community atmosphere).
• Breakfast available (extra charge).
• Laundry facilities: washing machine & dryer available (extra charge).
• Wi-Fi / Internet available throughout.
• Bicycle storage / covered bike shelter.
• No full communal kitchen for cooking (meals offered rather than full self-cater kitchen) — friendly social setup.
• Outdoor terrace/garden area for relaxation.
• Pets allowed (on enquiry).

Pilgrim Insight

The Gîte Le Lièvre et La Tortue is frequently praised for its welcoming atmosphere right at the start (or end) of the Camino Francés in Saint-Jean-Pied-Port. Pilgrims appreciate arriving in this historic town and settling into a comfortable spot where dinner is offered communally — a great way to commence the Camino journey. Some mention that early arrival helps secure a bed in the dorm, as it’s compact in size.

The location in the old town means you’re right on the doorstep of cafés, the pilgrim office and the famous bridge. Rooms are clean and comfortable though those looking for full self-cater kitchen may find the setup lighter on that front — instead expect a good social meal and supportive host. Overall, it’s well-valued for its community feel, location and value for money.

Check out the other Albergues in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

We have also self published a Camino Francés Journal for Pilgrims walking the route so you can record all your day-by-day memories. Have fun and journal away…