Pyrenean travel agency specializing in your hikes and treks in the Pyrenees, the GR10 and more
BASQUE COUNTRY: Maison IPUTXAINIA, 64220 ASCARAT
ARIEGE: 20 chemin de la montagne, 09000 FOIX
+33 (0)5 34 14 51 50 - +33 (0)6 10 97 16 54
GR10 self-guided Section 1 : From Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port
French Bask country
Self-guided GR10
Self-guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 535,00 €
Who wouldn't be tempted to traverse the entire Pyrenean mountain range on foot. The mythic GR10 starts at the Atlantic ocean and crosses over more than 258 miles of dazzling mountains to arrive at the Mediterranean coast. You amble through stunning scenery that varies enormously, from flower filled meadows, sparkling lakes, cirques and high summits. You'll get a taste of many different cultures, from the Basque country through to Catalonia. Each valley you pass through has its own distinct flavour. It is a great way to explore local life and to absorb the differences, the Pyrenees is a unique blend of many different people.
The first section, from Hendaye to Saint Jean Pied de Port, covers a variety of landscapes typical of the Pays Basque region, set in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees.
The scenery has a charm and regional originality that you won't find elsewhere. Rolling hills, magical villages, such as Sare, Ainhoa and Dancharia that are seeped in Basque tradition, and a rich pyrenean flora and fauna are all waiting to be discovered. At the end of the walk you will reach the villages of Bidarray and Saint Etienne de Baigorry with the sumptuous Iparla mountain ridge in the background.
Dates and Prices
Departures
Every days from April to the end of October (according to availabilities).
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).
From 01/04/2023 to 30/10/2023 :
Prices with luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
695€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
655€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
635€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
620€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
610€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
555€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
550€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
545€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
540€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
535€ |
Extras :
- Extra departure in July/August/September : 25€/pers
- Extra for a single room : 120€/pers
- Transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye on week days : 150€/transfer
- Transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye on Sundays or public holidays: 170€/transfer
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room : 60€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room : 85€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room July/August/September : 70€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room July/August/September : 95€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast double room : 70€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast single room : 105€/pers
- Half-board except day 1 in BB
- Luggage transfers depending on the option chosen
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)
- GPS tracks if you ask us + access to the detailed itinerary on the Mhikes GPS mobile application
Price doesn't include:-Holiday and travel insurance
-Evening meal day 1
-15€ for booking fees
-Additional transfers
-Entrance fees, additional activities
-Drinks and picnics
Day 1 : Start of holiday in Hendaye
Depending on your arrival time, after checking into your hotel, you may choose to walk in the region of Domaine d’Abbadia. A fantastic natural site of 65 hectares situated right on the coast. You will find a great mix of landscapes, moors, prairies, heather and high cliffs. You can also visit the famouse neogothic castle, the Domaine d'Abbadie. Distance : 5.5km, duration : around 2h00, altitude gain : +80m, descent : -80m
Day 2 : from Hendaye to Ibardin
Hendaye lies on the estuary of the River Bidassoa, which forms the border with Spain. The GR10 walking route begins its course on Hendaye Plage. Rising rapidly above the Atlantic, this first stage of the walk is pleasant. The landscape, scattered with villages, is peaceful and harmonious with the rolling hillsides. The ambience is very basque but there is no sign yet of the high dramatic mountains to come. Distance : 15km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +845m, descent : -460m.
Day 3 : from Ibardin to Sare
During this stage, the path will pass by the
massif of La Rhune (larrun: place of pasture, in Basque),
considered as the first Pyrenean summit of the chain and which,
from the top of its 905m, remains the sacred mountain of the
Basques and a place full of history. Then you will reach the pretty
village of Sare and its typically Basque architecture which has
managed to integrate the originality of the surrounding
environment. Distance : 16,5km, duration : around 6h,
altitude gain : +700m, descent : -1000m.
Day 4 : from Sare to the Col des Veaux
During this stage, you will cross at first the pleasant and
preserved Basque countryside before arriving at Ainhoa, magnificent
village-bastide of the XIIth century. Then, crossing small summits
and passes, the route goes around the Ereby (583m), further on the
Atxulegi (617m), and soon appears the Zuccuta pass, a superb
belvedere. From there, depending on the weather conditions, you can
reach the Col des Veaux by the trail or, if the weather is good, by
staying on the ridge, off the GR10, continue to Gorospil Peak
(691m), and enjoy the panorama of the Basque
mountains. Distance : 22km, duration : around 7h, altitude
gain : +800m, descent : -300m.
Day 5 : from the Col des Veaux to Bidarray
The GR10 continues to alternate between the Pyrenean summits and mountain villages that have a strong Basque identity. The trail heads in the direction of the Col de Méhatché situated at an altitude of 716m. You pass into a rocky landscape that is home to the griffin vultures that circle high above. You descend to Bidarray village, an emblematic nightstop that is vibrant with the characteristic Basque culture and lifestyle. Distance : 11,5km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +360m, descent : -800m.
Day 6 : from Bidarray to the Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
This sporty stage is one of the most beautiful hiking routes
in the Basque Country. From the charming village of Bidarray, you
will start the ascent towards the Iparla ridges. From the bottom of
the valley, they look like a long, impassable wall. From the top,
you will enjoy an immense panorama... Then you will descend towards
Saint Etienne de Baigorry, a magnificent village in the Basque
Country, with many typical Basque architecture buildings. Distance
: 18,5km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent :
-1050m.
Day 7 : from Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port
A stage in the heart of the Basque Country. The track rises
above St Etienne de Baigorry to reach the Oylarandoy and Munhoa
massif, culminating at 1021m and overlooking St Jean Pied de Port,
which you will reach after a long descent. Surrounded by pink
sandstone ramparts, the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is
attractive with its cobbled streets lined with old houses, its old
bridge over the Nive river, its picturesque facades on the water's
edge, its sentry walk and its imposing citadel reworked by Vauban.
Distance : 19,5km, duration : around 7h, altitude gain : +960m,
descent : -955m.
This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
Welcome
Day 1 at your accommodation in Hendaye (64), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Saint Jean Pied de Port (64), after your walk.
Level
Level 3/5
Regular walker, in good physical condition with experience of mountain hiking. Hiking 6h-7h per day on average, altitude difference 700m-1000m on average, on fairly easy trails, with some small technical difficulties.. The walking times mentioned are given as an indication, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walking without counting the break times. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace can also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of climb per hour.
Accommodation
Half board except day 1 in Bed & Breakfast
- 4 nights in hotels** in room days 1, 3, 5 et 6
- 1 night in Spanish venta equivalent hotel** in room day 2
- 1 night in gite in room days 4
Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals, often based on local specialities include a starter, a main and a dessert. Evening meal in Hendaye, restaurants available.
- Pic-nics not included. Can be bought there.
- Drinks not included.
Luggage porterage
You will need to carry a day backpack only. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks. Your main luggage (that should please be easily transportable) will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport.
Supervision
Self-guided walking, without guide.
