Bussunarits

Bussunarits (Basque: Duzunaritze) is part of the commune of Bussunarits-Sarrasquette in the Cize region of Lower Navarre, with about 206 inhabitants. The Basque name means "oak grove of aspens" -- a beautiful etymology for a place set in the green foothills approaching SJPP.

The Eglise Saint-Jean-Porte-Latine dates from the 15th century and contains a 17th-century statue of the Virgin and Child. The unusual dedication -- to Saint John before the Latin Gate, referring to the tradition of John the Evangelist's attempted martyrdom in Rome -- is worth noting. The Col de Gamia nearby has a restaurant serving pilgrims and hikers.