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
Discovering in comfort of the Basque Country via the GR 10
French Bask country
GR10 Discovery & comfort
Self-guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 690,00 €
Starting from Hendaye, a fishing port and privateer town nestled on the edge of the bay of Txingudi, this fairly easy hiking route follows the mythical GR 10 Trans-Pyrenean trail which crosses the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in an 800 km hike.
It will take you to the first foothills of the Pyrenees, to discover the Basque Country, with its many unusual villages nestled in green valleys, surrounded by the first peaks, such as the emblematic Rhune.
You will encounter an exceptional cultural identity as you walk through villages, ridges and forests, with the presence of typical Basque animals such as the betisu, small wild cows, or the pottoks, Basque ponies living in the wild. You will also discover the no less mythical villages of Sare, Ainhoa, Itxassou, and Saint Jean Pied de Port, historical and gastronomic highlights!
Dates and Prices
Price includes
Departures
Every day from the beginning of April to the end of October (according to availabilities).
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).
From 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024 :
Prices with luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 840€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 785€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 760€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 745€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 735€
Prices without luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 715€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 705€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 700€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 695€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 690€
Extras :
- Extra Single room : 210€/ pers.
- Extra departure in July/August: 50€/pers.
- Extra transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye, on a week day: 160€/transfer
- Extra transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye, on a week day: 180€/transfer - Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room : 80€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room : 120€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room July/August/September : 95€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room July/August/September : 160€/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 : 110€/pers
- Half-board accommodation except day 1 in Bed & Breakfast
- Transfer on day 7
- Luggage transfer 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
- Holiday and travel insurance
- Evening meal day 1
- Booking fees : 15€
- Drinks and picnics.
Day 1 : Start of holiday in Hendaye
Depending on your arrival time, after checking into your hotel, you may choose to have a walk in the area 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 famous néo gothic chateau, the Domaine d'Abbadie. Distance : 5.5km, duration : 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 : 5h30, altitude gain : +850m, descent :
-450m.
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 the first Pyrenean summit of the chain and which, at 905m, remains the sacred mountain of the Basques and a place full of history. Then you will go back down towards the village of Sare, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Distance: 16,5km, duration: around 6h, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -1000m.
Day 4 : from Sare to Ainhoa
Gentle walk through the beautiful hills of the Basque country, joining Ainhoa, famous as one of “the most beautiful villages of France”. The houses (mostly dating from the 17th century) have stone lintels carved with the dates of their construction and details of their family's history. Distance : 11,5km, duration: around 3h30, total ascent +250m, total descent -200m.
Day 5 : From Ainhoa to Itxassou
For this stage, there are two possible routes: a mountainous route via the GR10 and the Mondarrain peak with beautiful panoramas of the Basque mountains and the coast in the distance. Or a lower route in the valley via the GR8 through several hamlets and villages, including Espelette, famous for its peppers! Distance : 16,5km, duration 6h15, total ascent +850m, total descent -865m (Mondarrain itinerary). OU Distance : 11,5km, duration 4h, total ascent +350m, total descent -400m (Espelette itinerary).
Day 6 : from Itxassou to Bidarray
From Itxassou, via a variant of the GR10, you quickly reach the gorges of the Pas de Roland, a place full of stories and legends. After the gorges, you climb on the slopes of the Artzamendi (924m) via the "green plateau" which bears its name well ! After having enjoyed a superb panorama from the summit of Gakoeta (579m), the itinerary goes down towards the village of Bidarray. Distance : 13,5km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -650m.
Day 7 : from Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port
Transfer from Bidarray to the Oylarandoy massif, on the heights of St Etienne de Baigorry. During this stage, you follow the GR10 which leads you to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The old capital of the Basque country, a superb fortified town designed by Vauban, is a famous stopover on the world known Saint Jacques de Compostela route. At the foot of the Munhoa summit which is omnipresent in the valley, the mountain scenery is superb and offers beautiful views over the surrounding valleys. The stage between Bidarray and St Etienne de Baigorry is avoided by a transfer because it is rather difficult. However, it is possible to add this stage to your itinerary (consult us). Distance : 16km, duration 5h45, total ascent +500m, total descent -950m.
End of stay in Saint Jean Pied de Port : The stay ends in Saint Jean Pied de Port, after your hike. Possibility to visit the village, historical capital of Basse-Navarre. Possibility to add an extra night to stay longer in St Jean Pied de Port.
This program 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 hike.
Level
Level 2/5
Occasional walker, in good physical condition. Hiking 5h-6h per day on average, altitude difference 400m-700m on average, on easy paths and tracks. 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
1 night in hotel**** on day 4
2 nights in hotels*** on days 1 and 3
1 night in a Spanish venta equivalent hotel** on day 2
2 night in a hotel** in a room on days 5 and 6
Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals, often based on local specialities include a starter, a main and a dessert. For dinner in Hendaye, you can find different restaurants in the villages.
- Picnics 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.
