Crossing the Basque Country : from the Mountains to the Ocean

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the capital of the Pays Basque region. It lies in a circle of hills at the foot of the Roncevaux pass into Spain. After checking into your hotel you may choose to do a walk in the surrounding area. A chance to discover the many delights of this seductive region.

Explore St Jean and its surroundings

Walk through the Irouléguy vineyards and the village of Ispoure, in the surroundings of the capital of the Basse Navarre - a region with many touristic assets.

Kurutxamendi loop

The Kurutxamendi is a small hill dominating Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This pedestrian loop can be the object of a pleasant short and easy stroll at the side of the pilgrims who go to St Jacques de Compostelle. Despite the low altitude, you will have good visibility on the peaks of Navarre, and even Labourd. Distance : 8km, duration : 3h, altitude gain : +280m, descent : -280m. OR Distance : 5km, duration : 1h30, altitude gain : +145m, descent : -145m

A challenging first stage in the heart of the Basque Country, with the ascent of the Mont Munhoa, culminating at 1021m, and the Oylarandoy massif, before reaching the wonderful village of Saint Etienne de Baïgorry. Distance : 19,5km, duration : around 7h, altitude gain : +950m, descent : -950m.

Today is another challenging walk that will lead you to Bidarray through some breath-taking scenery, such as extraordinary red sandstone cliffs along the famous crest of Iparla and its culminating peak at 1044m. From there, you will enjoy an immense panorama... Then you will go down towards the charming village of Bidarray. Distance : 18,5km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1250m, descent : -1250m.

From Bidarray, you'll quickly reach Harpeko Saindua, a famous miraculous cave with curative virtues. Then, as you climb towards the Col de Méhatché and the Col des Veaux, you'll pass the Peñas de Ichusi, into a rocky landscape that is home to the griffin vultures that circle high above. As the stage is short, a return trip to the top of Artzamendi is possible, giving you a wide panorama: from the ocean to the first high peaks of the Pyrenees. Distance : 11,5km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +750m, descent : -350m. OR Distance : 14km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +950m, descent : -550m (via Artzamendi)

Passing small summits and passes, the itinerary winds its way through the Zuccuta Pass, a superb lookout, and bypasses the Atxulegi (617m), and further on, the Ereby (583m). Then, you descend to the magnificent village of Ainhoa, a 12th century bastide village. Finally, via the pleasant and preserved Basque countryside, you will reach Sare, another pretty village in the Basque Country. Distance : 22km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain: +300m, descent : -800m.

During this stage, the trail will pass through the massif of La Rhune (larrun: place of grazing, in Basque language), considered as the first Pyrenean summit of the chain and which, with its 905m, remains the sacred mountain of the Basque people and a place full of history. You spend the night at the Col d'Ibardin, located on the border, with its ventas. An opportunity to taste the Spanish atmosphere and admire the superb views over the valley. Distance : 16,5km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +1000m, descent : -700m.

From the border, through lush green landscapes against the backdrop of the ocean and sites with a strong Basque imprint, you will gradually leave the first foothills of the Atlantic Pyrenees, leaving the Rhune behind you, to reach the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Hendaye, a lively coastal town bordered by the superb bay of Txingudi. Distance : 15km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +450m, descent : -850m 
End of your tour in Hendaye, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Opportunity to visit the city and enjoy its sandy beach.