We present here the synthesis of Sr-doped lanthanum zirconate pyrochlores La1.95Sr0.05Zr2O6.975 with controlled grain sizes and we compare different methods of sintering. Pyrochlores are systems where it is hard to achieve high density without a significant coarsening of the sample microstructure. It is shown that the use of Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) can produce high density ceramic samples while maintaining a nanometric grain size, a key factor for enhancing electrical and mechanical properties. Furthermore, ionic conductivity is found higher in samples sintered using SPS than in those produced by hot pressing. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.