Cycling the Basque Country : From Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port

Check-in at your hotel in Hendaye. You can either choose to visit the city or to do a walk to discover the famous Domain of Abbadia, remarkable 65ha natural site located on the seafront, within varied landscapes. In this amazing biological reserve, you will be able to visit the well-known Gothic Revival castle of Antoine d’Abbadie, according to the opening hours. Distance : 5.5km, altitude gain : +80m, descent : -80m.

From Hendaye you will ride the Basque Corniche along the Ocean to reach the lovely port town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Then, you cycle to Ascain and pass the Saint Ignace col where you will have the opportunity to opt for a return journey by train to the Rhune, the emblematic mountain of the Basque Country. From the pass, a short descent will lead you to Sare, amazing Basque village. You can also choose a longer version from Ascain : you will cycle round the Rhune  on the Spanish slope via the Ibardin pass, before reaching Sare through the Lizuniaga pass. Distance : 24,5 km, altitude gain : +325m, descent : -255m (via St Ignace Pass) OR Distance : 43,40 km, altitude gain : +670m, descent : -600m (via Ibardin Pass)

The stage of the day takes you through many typical villages, such as Ainhoa, Espelette or Ixtassou, some of them being designated « Plus beaux villages de France » (most beautiful villages of France). In these villages, a break is a must to be able to feel and enjoy their unique charm and atmosphere. Depending on the itinerary you will choose, you will discover Cambo les Bains, famous spa town, and the wonderful gardens of Arnaga. A short incursion in Spain will add some diversity to this already very lively day! The route via the Legarre pass is reserved for those who like steep climbs! Distance : 26,3km, altitude gain : +290m, descent : -275m OR Distance : 34km, altitude gain : +485m, descent : -470m (via Spain) OR Distance : 38.2km, altitude gain : +710m, descent : -695m (via Spain and Legarre pass)

Two different itineraries which differ in many ways are proposed for this stage. The first one passes through the Col de Roland, a place steeped in history and legend. Then, the route follows the river Nive to the lovely village of Bidarray. Later, you cycle up to the Gastigar Pass on the mountainside and the crests of Iparla, before descending to Saint Etienne de Baigorry. The other itinerary is set on the other side of the Nive, it goes round the two mountains of Ursuya and Mount Baigura and meets the banks of the river Nive before reaching Saint Etienne de Baigorry. Distance : 26,3km, altitude gain : +590m, descent : -525m (left riverbank of the Nive) OR Distance : 43,3km, altitude gain : +620m, descent : -555m (right riverbank of the Nive)