Terroirs of the Basque Country : welcome to our accommodation !

Meet at 3:20 PM at the St Jean Pied de Port train station with your guide (or 3:30 PM at the accommodation for those arriving by car, the whole family can rest until then). Drop off your belongings at our accommodation, then head out on foot to stretch our legs after the train or car journey.
On the program, a walking tour through St Jean Pied de Port, the capital of the Basque Country interior, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France: Vauban citadel, ramparts, church, Roman bridge... We will then walk back to the accommodation. Settle into your guest house with a pool and spa, where we’ll be staying for the week. Welcome drink and briefing on the rest of the stay.
Note: You may arrive later: you are welcome if the duration of your car or train journey does not allow you to be with us from 3:20 PM (see section about the meeting point and end of stay / practical info).
Distance: 4 km, duration: 2h00, ascent: +100m, descent -100m

For this first day, there are several options: departure can be on foot from our accommodation or from the Ispéguy border pass. Two fairly easy hikes, allowing the guide and the group to get to know each other. On the slopes of Jara (812m), a peak offering a magnificent view of the Pyrenees mountain range and the surrounding villages; or at the foot of Autza (1305m), overlooking the Baztan and Baigorry valleys. After the hike, we will head to the village of St Etienne de Baigorry to meet an independent couple of organic winemakers, who will offer us a tasting of their production.
Distance: 10 to 15 km, duration: 5h00, ascent: +500m, descent: -500m

Today, we head to the heights of St Jean Pied de Port, on the Camino de Santiago. We will immerse ourselves in this legendary route, just like the thousands of pilgrims who, for centuries, have crossed the world each year to embark on this journey. After spotting the distant rooftops of the Roncesvalles Monastery from the Lepoeder Pass (1430m), we will leave the Camino to enter an entirely different world: the mountain pastures and pastoral life.
A shepherd will welcome us to discover his sheep's cheese, which he makes every summer day in his hut at the heart of the mountains, after milking the sheep. At the end of the hike, we will have free time in St Jean Pied de Port, a classified village located on the Camino de Santiago.
Distance: 13 km, duration: 4h30, ascent: +385m, descent: -325m. Transfer: 25 minutes one way, 25 minutes return.

It’s impossible to hike for a week in the Basque Country without breathing in the ocean spray! So, let’s head towards Spain (South Basque Country). Overlooking the bay of Txingudi, which separates Hendaye from Hondarribia, at the far north-west of Spain, Mount Jaizkibel, a coastal mountain rising to 545m, welcomes us on its slopes to soak in the marine air so beloved by the Basque people, traditionally fishermen and great travelers... We will then hike at the westernmost point of the Pyrenees, where the Ocean and the mountains merge into grand landscapes of forests, moors, and coastal cliffs. A true snapshot of the Basque Country!
This excursion into Spain will also be an opportunity for your guide to introduce you to Txakoli, a white wine produced along the Spanish Basque coastline. Note: today, the transfer to our hiking starting point is quite long, but it’s definitely worth the detour!
Distance: 9 km, duration: 4h, ascent: +250m, descent: -400m. Transfer: 1h15 one way, 1h15 return.

Depending on the weather or energy levels of the day, we will enjoy the view from one of the beautiful viewpoints, either the summit of Behorleguy or Larla.

Behorleguy (1265m): An impressive limestone pyramid overlooking Saint Jean Pied de Port in the distance, this summit offers breathtaking views of the Pyrenees Mountain range.
Distance: 8 km, Duration: 4h, Ascent +700m, Descent -700m. Transfer: 20 minutes one way, 20 minutes return.

Larla (705m): Despite its modest altitude, the view from the summit is superb, facing the legendary Iparla ridges and with the Ocean in the distance. We will set off to discover the many secrets that this mountain holds.
Distance: 10 km, Duration: 4h Ascent +500m, Descent -500m. Transfer: 20 minutes one way, 20 minutes return.
This day will also be an opportunity to discover the secrets of Basque pig farming during a stop at one of our local producers, renowned for their charcuterie.

Today, to end this week on a high note, we are heading up to Iraty! The view unfolds over the High Pyrenees. Forests, mountain pastures, and vast landscapes are on the program. We will sometimes follow the GR10, the transPyrenean trail that links the Atlantic to the Mediterranean in... 40 days. Since we’re here for enjoyment, we’ll walk only a few hours at a gentle pace, which may allow us to spot some isards (Pyrenean chamois), reintroduced to the Escaliers Massif (1472m).
We will take advantage of the splendid mountain setting of the Iraty Forest to share a convivial moment with a barbecue: lamb, camembert grilled over the coals... and most importantly, good cheer will be on the menu for our last lunch together!
This final day will also be an opportunity to discover the secrets of Basque pig farming during a stop at one of our local producers, renowned for their charcuterie.
Distance: 11.5 km, duration: 5h30, ascent: +530m, descent: -510m. Transfer: 35 minutes one way, 35 minutes return.

The stay ends after breakfast. For those who arrived by train: transfer to St Jean Pied de Port train station, arriving around 9:15 AM (train departure at 9:38 AM).