"Basque Country: Pamplona to Hendaye (10 days)
From the outset, we were very impressed with Mathieu when he promptly agreed that we could take a 15-month infant on our hike at no additional cost, and then our delight with the organization just kept getting better. Mathieu even offered us the loan of a cot for the baby and agreed to move it between places of accommodation. We were particularly impressed that Respyrenees customized a trek for us. Originally, we were just going to walk Basque Country: Mountains to ocean but then we asked him about arranging for us to hike from Pamplona into St Jean Pied de Port before the main hike. This is not a part of their usual hikes but it was great and I would strongly recommend Respyrenees make it a regular offering.
We were a little worried about language difficulties and time differences (we live in Australia) but all of the responses from Mathieu and Gaëtan were prompt and very helpful. We received extensive and good quality topographical maps with the route marked and hiking notes at the commencement of the hike in Pamplona. The hotels were very comfortable and welcoming and the meals very substantial and delicious. All of the luggage transfers were successful with no issues; Mathieu and Chloe even providing a baby car seat for a transfer, as a late request. On a couple of occasions during the hike we contacted Respyrenees with queries and they promptly responded which was very reassuring.
The hike was through beautiful countryside with spectacular and diverse scenery and quaint villages. There were dense forests and open fields with plenty of wildlife such as sheep, cows, goats and horses, many wearing bells – something for everyone.
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Lisa Aspinall
13 November 2019