What to see and do in Valcarlos

Valcarlos, also known as Luzaide, is the small border village of Navarre on the French Way, a land of forests bound up with the legend of Charlemagne and Roland's death near Roncesvalles. Visit the church of Santiago Apóstol, rebuilt in 1799-1802, the Santa Magdalena hermitage overlooking the valley, and climb to the Ibañeta pass, home to the San Salvador hermitage and the monolith to Roland, plus a 4 km circular trail through chestnut woods.

The arrival of the pilgrims to Santiago was more peaceful, and since then Luzaide has been the starting point of the Pilgrim's Way in Navarre. A village that spreads through the valley in eight neighbourhoods inhabited by hospitable people who have been able to adapt to life on the border and who have preserved their ancient traditions that have in the dance of the Bolantes of Valcarlos its maximum expression.

Church of Santiago Apostle

It was destroyed during the Convention War and rebuilt shortly afterwards between 1799 and 1802. The cloister and the tower were renovated in 1859.

Hermitage of Santa Magdalena

It is a rural building of the humilladero type rebuilt in 1976 with beautiful views of the valley.

Port of Ibañeta

It is the pass that joins Valcarlos and Roncesvalles, through long slopes and beautiful landscapes. At the top we find the hermitage of San Salvador and the monolith in memory of Roland, killed in battle and protagonist of the famous medieval song.

Hiking route

A good way to get to know the surroundings of the village is to follow the path from the Xatanerreka stream and the Azoleta neighbourhood. A circular route of 4 kilometres that runs through wooded areas of chestnut trees and riverside vegetation, mixed with pastures and farmhouses. The route is signposted and can be shortened by alternative paths depending on the strength of each person.
www.luzaide-valcarlos.net