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
GR 10 guided section 1 : From Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port
French Bask country
Guided GR10
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 920,00 €
This first section of the Pyrenees Crossing, with the famous GR10 as its guiding thread, showcases a variety of landscapes unique to the Basque Country, nestled in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else, as you move eastward, the landscapes reveal a distinct character and originality that you won't find elsewhere.
The Basque Country isn't defined by towering peaks and high mountains but rather by its charm and exceptional cultural identity.
You will explore rolling hills and small summits offering breathtaking panoramas between the ocean and the mountains: La Rhune, Gorospil, Artzamendi, Munhoa… At the foot of these remarkable viewpoints lie picturesque villages such as Sare and Ainhoa, where traditional Basque architecture and atmosphere invite you to taste delicious local specialties. Further along, the charming villages of Bidarray and Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, nestled along the Nive River, provide a peaceful retreat beneath the stunning and imposing natural wall of Iparla.
Finally, you will reach the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the historical capital of the Basque Country.
Dates and Prices
Departure guaranteed with a minimum of 4 people.
Price: €920/person
Extras :
- Return transfer from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye: €65/person
- Extra night in Hendaye and/or Saint Jean Pied de Port: Please contact us
- Full board accommodation from the picnic on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Supervision by a qualified mountain guide (BE AMM) who specializes in the region
- Insurance
- Transfers not included in the program
- Visits
- €15 administration fee
- Drinks
Day 1: From Hendaye to Col d'Ibardin
Meet your guide at 9 AM in Hendaye at the start of the hike. Leaving the beach and bay behind, you will ascend the first foothills of the Pyrenees through green landscapes steeped in Basque culture. Behind you, spectacular views of the vast Atlantic coastline unfold. You will reach the Col d'Ibardin on the border, known for its numerous ventas (traditional Spanish shops) and lively atmosphere. From here, the summit of La Rhune, the first peak rising above the ocean, comes into view.
Distance: 15km | Duration: 5h30 | Ascent: +850m | Descent: -450m
Day 2: From Col d'Ibardin to Sare
From the heights of Col d’Ibardin, the hike begins with the ascent of La Rhune (Larrun: "grazing land" in Basque) via a less-traveled path. Standing at 905m, La Rhune is considered the first Pyrenean peak from the Atlantic and holds a sacred place in Basque culture. Its panoramic views stretch from the Landes coast to the Central Pyrenees. You will descend via another secluded path to reach the charming village of Sare, renowned for its traditional Basque architecture.
Distance: 13km | Duration: 5h30 | Ascent: +850m | Descent: -1150m
Day 3: From Sare to Col des Veaux
This stage begins with a journey through the picturesque Basque countryside before arriving in Ainhoa, a beautiful 12th-century bastide village. Passing small summits and cols, the route skirts the Ereby (583m) and Atxulegi (617m) before reaching Col Zuccuta, a stunning viewpoint. A ridge path leads to the peak of Gorospil, offering breathtaking views of the Basque mountains. A short descent brings you to Esteben Borda at Col des Veaux, straddling the French-Spanish border.
Distance: 21.5km | Duration: 7h | Ascent: +800m | Descent: -300m
Day 4: From Col des Veaux to Bidarray
A day of exploration between small peaks and villages rich in Basque identity. After reaching Col de Méhatché (716m), a round trip to the summit of Artzamendi offers panoramic views from the ocean to the Pyrenees' high peaks. A passage through Peñas de Ichusi, "the wicked rocks," provides a closer look at soaring vultures. The descent to Bidarray includes a stop at Harpeko Saindua, a miraculous cave adorned with votive offerings.
Distance: 14km | Duration: 5h | Ascent: +550m | Descent: -950m
Day 5: From Bidarray to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
Today's sporting stage represents one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Basque Country. From the charming village of Bidarray, you start your ascent towards the Iparla ridges, which look like a long, impassable wall from the valley floor. On the heights of these superb red sandstone cliffs, you walk along the void but at a respectable distance. From up there, you'll still be able to enjoy an immense panorama... Then you'll head back down towards Saint Étienne de Baigorry, a magnificent village in the Basque Country, with many buildings typical of Bas-Navarra architecture.
Distance: 18.5km | Duration: 7h30 | Ascent: +1250m | Descent: -1250m
Day 6: From Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port
Following the bucolic Nive of Aldudes, the trail ascends above St Etienne de Baïgorry to the Oylarandoy massif. The route then leads to the Munhoa peak (1021m), overlooking Saint Jean Pied de Port, which you will reach after a long descent. Enclosed by pink sandstone ramparts, this medieval town is famous for its cobbled streets, old bridge, picturesque waterfront houses, and the impressive Vauban-designed citadel.
Distance: 19.5km | Duration:7h | Ascent: +950m | Descent: -950m
Day 7: End of Stay in Saint Jean Pied de Port
The trip concludes in Saint Jean Pied de Port after breakfast.
The programs have been designed based on the latest available information at the time of writing. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise, and situations beyond our control could alter the planned itinerary. On-site, our guides are the best judges and may adjust the route depending on weather conditions or if necessary for the safety of the group.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 9:00 AM in Hendaye, at the starting point of the hike with your guide. You will receive a briefing about the trip, your picnic for the day, and will drop off your luggage with the transporter. Your guide will contact you a few days before the trip to confirm the exact meeting location.
Dispersion
On Day 7, after breakfast, at your accommodation in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Level
Nature of the terrain
Hiking on good trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky.
Level 3
For regular hikers in good physical condition, with prior mountain hiking experience. Hikes last an average of 6-7 hours per day, with elevation gains of 700-1000m on average, on fairly easy trails, with occasional small technical challenges.
Note: The hiking times mentioned are for reference only; they are average times that only account for actual walking time without including breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the pace may also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of elevation gain per hour.
Accommodation
Full board (overnight stay + dinner + breakfast + picnic)
2 nights in a ** hotel in a room on Days 2 and 4
1 night in a Spanish venta equivalent to a ** hotel in a room on Day 1
1 night in a family-run ** equivalent hotel with a swimming pool in a room on Day 6
1 night in a gîte d'étape (hiking lodge) in a room on Day 3
1 night in a gîte d'étape (hiking lodge) in a shared dormitory on Day 5
For the nights in rooms: 2 to 3 people per room
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals often featuring local specialties, including a starter, main course, and dessert
- Picnics included
- Drinks not included
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you will only carry your personal items for the day, your picnic, and enough water. Be sure to bring easily transportable luggage (see our equipment advice).
Group
Group of 4 to 11 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified mountain guide (BE Accompagnateur en Montagne) who specializes in the region.
