

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!
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 01/04/2026 to 31/10/2026 :
Prices with luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 915€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 865€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 845€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 830€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 820€
Prices without luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 790€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 775€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 765€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 760€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 755€
Extras :
- Extra Single room : 270€/ pers
- Extra departure in July/August/September : 60€/pers
- Extra transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye, on a week day: 180€/transfer
- Extra transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye, on Sunday and public holidays : 205€/transfer
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room : 90€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room : 160€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast double room July/August/September : 110€/pers
- Extra night in Hendaye Bed & Breakfast single room July/August/September : 175€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast double room : 75€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast single room : 115€/per
- 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 our 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)
Or 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 will quickly reach the Pas de Roland
gorges, a place steeped in history and legend. Once past
the gorges, you will climb to the summit of
Artzamendi (924m) and its magnificent panorama.
Then, via the GR10, the route descends towards the village of
Bidarray via the Peñas de Ichusi, allowing you to
get a little closer to the impressive flight of vultures circling
above your head.
You can also take the train from Itxassou to Bidarray in the
morning (approx. 3.50€/person; 10 minute journey; not included in
the price) and do an easier circular walk at the foot of the
Iparla ridges towards the col de Lacho, offering
breathtaking views of the Peñas de Itsusi.
Distance : 17,5km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +950m,
descent : -850m (Artzamendi Itineray)
Distance : 9km, duration : around 3h30, altitude gain : +550m,
descent : -500m (col de Lacho itinerary)
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, according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, 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 nights 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.
Your main luggage (if package includes luggage transport between accommodations) :
Only one piece of luggage per person will be transported. For logistical reasons, we ask you to limit the weight of your luggage to a maximum of 15kg and to avoid hard suitcases: our logisticians and transport partners have to load and unload dozens of them every day, sometimes involving a lot of stairs... The transport company may charge you a supplement at the end of the hike if your luggage is too heavy or too numerous.
Supervision
Self-guided walking, without guide.