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
Great Crossing of the Basque Country: From the Mountains to the Ocean
French Bask country
Guided walking
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 935,00 €
AN INTEGRAL JOURNEY, 100% COMFORT IN A ROOM
This Great Crossing of the Basque Country, which will take you from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, partly follows the famous GR10 trail, the great crossing of the Pyrenees (866 km from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean). It will allow you to discover the dual facets of the Basque Country: a wild and inhabited land, a place of culture and traditions shared between two countries, the green of the mountains and the blue of the Ocean.
This hike offers a sporty approach to everything that makes the Basque Country unique, and as always, our team will be eager to share it with you in a way no one else can, thanks to our local presence, our knowledge of the terrain, and the long-established relationships with our partners. Yes, we've designed this crossing as the culmination of our work and our love for the Basque Country !
After a first comfortable night in our accommodation, the Maison IPUTXAINIA in Saint Jean Pied de Port, we will reach the first ridges of the Basque Country for beautiful viewpoints.
Then, let's start our game of leapfrog with the border, which will be our guide throughout the week!
Along the way, between panoramic ridges flown over by vultures seemingly watching us, typical villages, modest summits that are nonetheless rewarding, forests full of legends... the thread of the Basque Country will unfold before you, offering its final burst before the vastness of the blue Ocean engulfs it... gifting you a final, restorative swim as a farewell... or rather, a "see you later!"
Dates and Prices
Prices :
935€ per person
965€ per person from June 21 to September 19
Supplements:
- Single room supplement: 195€ per person, subject to availability.
The single room supplement is available from Saturday (Day 1) to Wednesday (Day 5). The final night will be in a shared room with 2, 3, or 4 people.
- Full board accommodation from dinner on Day 1 to the picnic on Day 7
- Transfers mentioned in the program
- Luggage transport between each stage
- Guidance by a certified mountain leader (BE AMM) specialized in the Basque Country
- Luggage storage in Hendaye until 4:00 PM
- Insurance
- Meals not specified in "The Price Includes"
- Transfers not included in the program
- Drinks
- Entrance fees for visits
- 15€ registration fee per person
Day 1: Arrival in Hendaye (or St Jean Pied de Port)
Meet
at 5:30 PM in front of the Hendaye SNCF train station.
Settle into your accommodation in Saint Jean Pied de Port, our
guesthouse, where you can enjoy the pool and
jacuzzi to recover from your journey and prepare for the
hike ahead. Welcome drink and briefing on the trip.
ECO-FRIENDLY TIP: Why not take the train to St Jean Pied de Port?
It’s less convenient, but it’s more eco-friendly! To do so, you’ll
need to take the Bayonne-St Jean Pied de Port train line. Feel free
to contact us for more details!
Day 2: From Lasse to St Etienne de Baigorry
A
warm-up hike that, through the ascent of Munhoa
(1021m), offers a wide panorama with breathtaking views of the
surrounding valleys and, in the distance, the high peaks of the
Pyrenees. A true discovery of the Basque mountains awaits you
before heading to the lovely village of St Etienne de
Baigorry, passing through part of the Irouléguy
vineyard.
Distance: 16 km, duration: about 7h00, ascent: +800m, descent:
-1090m, transfer: 15 min
Note: On certain dates, accommodation is in Banca, without
affecting the difficulty of the hike or the quality of the
accommodation.
Day 3: From Saint Etienne de Baigorry to Bidarray
Today's
stage, entirely on the GR10, will take you to
Bidarray, a beautiful village perched above the Nive valley,
through the pink sandstone cliffs of the Iparla ridge with its peak
rising to 1044m. A panoramic hike offering
magnificent views of both France and Spain!
Distance: 16 km, duration: about 7h, ascent: +1000m, descent:
-1190m, transfer: 10 min
Day 4: From Bidarray to the "Xareta" region, where the word "border" does not exist
A
stage between small summits and villages with a strong Basque
identity. During the ascent to the Col des Veaux, passing through
the Peñas de Itsusi, "the wicked rocks," you’ll
get a closer view of the impressive flight of vultures circling
above your head. Then, the ridge of Gorospil offers a
breathtaking view of La Rhune, with the Ocean seeming very
close.
Distance: 21 km, duration: about 7h30, ascent: +950m, descent:
-1000m
Day 5: From Dancharia to Sare
Crossing
the "land of witches," a territory full of legends and
caves... and where the ridge of the modest but very beautiful
Atxuria (759m) stands, offering superb views of
the imposing Rhune massif, which will be part of tomorrow’s hike.
Then, through forests and pastures, we will cross wood pigeon
hunting zones before reaching Sare.
Distance: 17 km, duration: about 6h30, ascent: +900m, descent:
-600m
Day 6: Crossing the Rhune Massif
For
this second-to-last day of the week, we face the Rhune
massif (905m), the final barrier of the Pyrenees,
seemingly defending the mountains from the Ocean! A magnificent
massif with varied landscapes, which we approach from its
southeastern side, the least frequented. After a well-deserved
refreshing drink at the summit, the descent to the Ibardin
pass follows a beautiful ridgeline path.
Distance: 13 km, duration: 6h00, ascent: +1100m, descent:
-1100m
Day 7: Arrival at the Ocean… final hike followed by a swim!
From
the border and through lush landscapes, we gradually leave the
first foothills of the Pyrénées Atlantiques to descend toward the
village of Biriatou. Leaving behind La
Rhune, we head to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and
Hendaye, a lively coastal town bordered by the
beautiful bay of Txingudi. A final picnic, a
swim... some may be tempted to extend their stay!
End of the trip around 4:00 PM, in Hendaye.
Distance: 15 km, duration: about 5h00, ascent: +450m, descent:
-850m
The programs have been established based on the latest known details at the time of writing: unforeseen events are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the course of the trip. On-site, our guides are the best judges and may need to modify the itinerary based on weather conditions or if the safety of the group requires it.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 5:30 PM in front of the Hendaye SNCF train station (64) for a transfer to Saint Jean Pied de Port (1h05).
IMPORTANT: Please inform us of your train schedule or arrival method at Hendaye at least one week in advance via SMS at 06.10.97.16.54.
ECO-FRIENDLY TIP: Why not take the train to St Jean Pied de Port? It’s less convenient, but it’s more eco-friendly! To do so, you’ll need to take the Bayonne-St Jean Pied de Port train line instead of continuing to Hendaye. Feel free to contact us for more information!
Accommodation on the day before or the last day: Please refer to our "Accommodation" section.
Dispersion
On Day 7, around 4:00 PM, in Hendaye. Luggage storage will be available to allow you to enjoy the beach and the town.
Level
Type of Terrain
Hikes on well-marked trails; the terrain is varied but often rocky.
Level: 3/5
For hikers with prior mountain hiking experience and good physical condition.
The indicated walking times are for reference only—they represent average durations that account for actual walking time, excluding breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the walking pace may vary.
Accommodation
3 nights in a 2-star hotel or equivalent, and 3 nights in comfortable guesthouses.
Accommodation is in double rooms (except for the last night, which may be in shared rooms of 2 to 4 people).
Single rooms are available upon request, with an additional charge and subject to availability.
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals often featuring Basque specialties, including a starter, a main course, and a dessert
- Picnics included
- Drinks not included
Accommodation Before or After the Trip:
Hôtel BELLEVUE: A comfortable 2-star hotel located near the train station and the bay
36, Boulevard du Général Leclerc
64700 HENDAYE
Tel: +33 5 59 20 00 26
http://hotelbellevue-hendaye.com/
Another option: Our accommodation in Saint Jean Pied de Port
www.maison-iputxainia.com
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you’ll only need to carry your personal belongings for the day, your picnic, and enough water.
Group
Group of 4 to 12 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified guide specializing in the Basque Country.
The RESPYRENEES guiding team is 100% local. Based in the Basque Country or the Pyrenees, we know the landscapes, culture, and history of these regions inside out !
