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
The best of the Basque Country, guided walking
French Bask country
Guided walking
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
5 Activity Days
From 865,00 €
This accessible hiking tour takes you to the foothills of the Pyrenees, offering an immersive discovery of the Basque Country ! Explore numerous unique villages nestled in lush green valleys, as well as the iconic Rhune Mountain.
This tour is an opportunity to experience an exceptional cultural identity as you walk along coastal cliffs between Hendaye and Spain, and from village to village, across ridges and through forests.
Your guide, a Basque Country specialist, will introduce you to this rich culture through encounters in the many villages you'll pass through.
You'll follow sections of the legendary GR10, the Trans-Pyrenean trail that stretches from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, crossing the entire Pyrenean range. You'll also trace the footsteps of pilgrims on the Way of St. James, starting from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Your guide will inspire you with the vibrant Basque culture and traditions.
And, of course, the gastronomy will be a highlight: Itxassou black cherries, Espelette pepper, Bayonne ham, sheep's cheese... enough to delight your taste buds!
Dates and Prices
EVERY WEEK FROM MARCH 30 TO NOVEMBER 2, 2025
Departure guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants.
Price per Person:
865€ in April, October and November
895€ in May and June
915€ in September
940€ in July and August
Supplements/Discounts:
- Single Room Supplement (Standard): €195 per person
- Single Room Supplement (Standard) IN JULY/AUGUST: €225 per person
- Extra Night (B&B, Double Room): €52 per person
- Extra Night (B&B, Single Room): €80 per person
- Full-board accommodation from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Transfers during the tour
- Guidance by a certified mountain guide (BE AMM), specialist in the Basque Country
- Insurance
- Meals not specified in “Price Includes”
- Transfers not mentioned in the program
- Entrance fees for visits
- Drinks
- Booking fees: €15
Day 1: Start of the Tour in Bayonne
Meet
at 6:00 PM in Itxassou (or at 5:25 PM at Bayonne train
station).
Check into your accommodation, a 3-star hotel with a
swimming pool, where you'll stay for the entire week.
Welcome drink and briefing about the tour.
Day 2: Typical Basque Villages
Explore the villages of
Ainhoa (listed among "The Most Beautiful
Villages of France") and Espelette,
world-renowned for its peppers that decorate the façades of village
houses. This is the perfect introduction to the “Basque
World,” its culture, gastronomy, and lush green
landscapes.
Note: When the group has fewer than 9 participants, the
hike is a loop. For groups of 9 or more, the hike may be linear,
from Ainhoa to Espelette.
Distance: 12 km, duration: 5 hours, ascent: +490 m, descent: -530
m, transfer: 20 minutes
Day 3: A Foray into Spain via the Stunning Coastal Trail
Today, we’re heading to Spain.
Facing the Bay of Txingudi, which separates Hendaye from the
Spanish port of Hondarribia, we’ll reach Cabo
Higuer, the westernmost tip of the Pyrenees! From there,
the trail alternates between cliffside paths and lush green
valleys, offering a perfect blend of the Basque
Country-where ocean meets mountains!
Beach stop in Hondarribia at the end of the hike
!!
Distance: 12 km, duration: 5 hours, ascent: +390 m, descent: -580
m, transfer: 1 hour
Day 4: Ascent of “Larrun,” an Iconic Peak of the Basque Country
La Rhune (or Larrun
in Basque), rising to 900 m, overlooks the Basque coast and the
mountains of both the French and Spanish Basque Country. The
exceptional panoramic views are well worth the
effort! This mountain also reflects the Basque people’s strong
connection to traditional practices like livestock farming. Bonus:
Our route avoids the crowds, allowing us to fully appreciate the
beauty of this massif.
Note: For those who prefer not to hike, there’s an
option to take the scenic train to the summit. Advance booking is
recommended at the start of the tour!
Distance: 11 km, duration: 5h30, ascent: +680 m, descent -820 m,
transfer: 30 minutes
Day 5: The GR10 and the Penas de Itsusi
The
Basque Country is closely linked to the GR10,
which begins on the beach of Hendaye. Around
Itxassou, the trail follows the ridge known as the "border crest,"
marking the boundary between France and Spain. It then approaches
the Penas de Itsusi, a favored refuge for
vultures, giving us plenty of opportunities to observe these
majestic birds.
To top it off, we’ll enjoy a traditional farm lunch at
Marie-Pierre’s-a typical Basque shepherd’s meal that will
warm our hearts !!
Distance: 16 km, duration: 5h30, elevation gain: +580 m, elevation
loss: -580 m, transfer: 20 minutes
Day 6: In the Footsteps of St. James' Pilgrims
A
deep dive into the “Jacobean world”: we’ll start with a visit to
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of the inland Basque
Country and a major pilgrimage site. Then, we’ll set off
on a hike into Spain, following a historic path trodden by
countless pilgrims over the centuries!
Distance: 11 km, duration: 3h30, elevation gain: +300 m, elevation
loss: -300 m, transfer: 1 hour
Day 7: End of Your Tour
The tour ends after breakfast. For those who arrived by train, a transfer to Bayonne train station is provided, with an expected arrival at 9:30 AM.
The itineraries have been planned based on the latest information available at the time of writing. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, and situations beyond our control could alter the program. On-site, our guides are the best judges and may adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions or if required for the safety of the group.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 6:00 PM at your accommodation in Itxassou (64 – Pyrénées-Atlantiques): Hotel Txistulari.
For participants arriving by train: Meet at 5:25 PM in front of the Bayonne SNCF train station. It is MANDATORY to notify us one week in advance via SMS at +33 6 10 97 16 54 to reserve the shuttle between the train station and the hotel.
Dispersion
On Day 7, around 9:30 AM, after breakfast.
For participants who arrived by train, a transfer to Bayonne train station is provided, with an arrival time of 9:30 AM.
Level
Terrain Type
Fairly easy hikes on good trails, with varied terrain, but often rocky.
Level 2
These tours are designed for those seeking an active vacation. A reasonable level of physical fitness is required. Expect to walk for 4 to 5 hours per day. Uphill speed: +300 m per hour.
* Please note that walking times are average estimates, accounting only for actual walking time and excluding rest breaks.
Accommodation
6 nights in a 3-star hotel with a swimming pool, in a double room.
www.txistulari.fr
The TXISTULARI Hotel Restaurant has been our trusted partner for several years. It is a family-run hotel where Jean-Jacques and his son Michel prepare delicious Basque specialties, along with some dishes inspired by fresh, local products. Anne-Marie’s warm hospitality will also delight you.
Single rooms are available upon request, with an additional fee and depending on availability. Private parking is available for those traveling with their own vehicle.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
On certain dates, depending on the size and distribution of the group and the type of rooms, we may work with the Gure Gostuan guesthouse, a very charming and comfortable guesthouse located 200 meters from the Txistulari Hotel. If this is the case, you will be informed before your registration is confirmed, so that you can make the decision.
For those staying at Gure Gostuan: breakfasts will be served on-site, but dinners will be shared with the group at the Txistulari Hotel. You will also have access to the Txistulari Hotel’s swimming pool, as the Gure Gostuan House does not have one.
Here is the link to the Gure Gostuan guesthouse website if you’d like to take a look before agreeing to stay there: www.gites64.com/Chambre-d-hotes-Itxassou-Ithurry-borgeais-Coeur-Pays-Basque-64G441006.html
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Dinner often includes Basque specialties, with a starter, main course, and dessert
- Picnic lunches included
- Drinks not included
Luggage porterage
Only personal items for the day and your picnic need to be carried.
Group
Group of 4 to 15 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified mountain guide (BE Accompagnateur Montagne), specialist in the Basque Country.
