Across The Basque Country To The Atlantic 

Arrival at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

You make your own way to the first night's hotel at Saint-Jean- Pied-de-Port (located just 650m from the train station, 10 minutes walk). Optional transfers to Saint Jean Pied de Port from Biarritz or Saint jean de Luz (airport, train station, hotel...). About 1h transfer time.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Col d'Ispéguy - Iparla - Bidarray

We take you up to the Col d'Ispeguy, the realm of Griffon Vultures, which provides you with magnificent Pyrenean panoramas (the first of many!). Your walk is descending among hills and valleys to Bidarray. Alternatively, there is an easy walking route between Saint- Martin-de-Arrosa and Bidarray. A memorable first day's walking we promise you.

Walking time : 3h20 or 6h20. Distance : 13km or 16,5km. Elevation : + 150m or + 800m / - 380m or -1300m. Transfer time : 30 minutes.

Bidarray - Artzamendi - Itxassou

This is a superb day's walking through Alpine type pastures (once as much used by smugglers as shepherds) visiting the lovely summit of Artzamendi before descending alongside streams to the Pas de Roland and then onto the attractive village of Itxassou famous for its cherries.

Walking time : 4h45 or 6h25. Distance : 12,5km or 16km. Elevation : + 590m or + 880m / - 650m or -890m.

Itxassou - Mondarrain - Espelette

Today you can gently climb to the top of Mount Mondarrain - only 2,457 feet, but with absolutely stunning views over wave after wave of Pyrenean heights. Truly memorable. Then you stroll through high pastures and valleys down to the archetypal Basque village of Espelette that has been conserved superbly, has an interesting chateau and church, and an exceptional artisan chocolate producer (Antton), but is really famous for its red peppers.

Walking time : 5h35. Distance : 16km. Elevation : + 620m / - 760m.

Espelette - Sare

This is a day of wonderful foothills walking through villages and hamlets, and along country lanes and farm tracks - the remarkable Ainhoa being the highlight. Easy walking through beautiful rural countryside, but interspersed with interesting places to see and things to do, not least from tempting artisan producers of foods, drinks, arts and crafts. You stay in Sare, which has 253 houses dating back to the 15th century, and rests almost in the shadow of La Rhune (which you will climb tomorrow).

Walking time : 4h or 5h30. Distance : 19km. Elevation : + 620m / - 600m.

Sare - Rhune - Ascain - Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Your final panoramic highlight - and what a finale! - is at the summit of La Rhune with its 360-degree views east towards the endless Pyrenees you have crossed, south into Spain, and west to the Atlantic coast. You can walk up - a steady walk that's perfectly "do-able" - or take the magnificent rack railway, its wooden carriages slowly clattering their way to the top. Look out for pottoks - wild mountain ponies - and red headed sheep. Certainly you can enjoy the walk down until you arrive at the pretty village of Ascain. From here, we will transfer you the short distance to St Jean de Luz. St Jean de Luz is one of our favourite - and liveliest - towns in the Pyrenees bursting with energy from its harbourside through its twisting streets to the bars and restaurants, many offering tapas as well as excellent fish dishes.

Walking time : 3h, 3h40 or 6h. Distance : 10,5km or 15km. Elevation : +160, +500 or +880m / - 500m or - 840m. Transfer time : 20 minutes.

End of stay

Your holiday ends after breakfast. Your hotel is located just 750m from the train station at Saint-Jean-de-Luz (10 minutes walk).

If you spend the day at Saint Jean de Luz, which is a charming town to visit, we advise you to walk along the ocean to the “Fort de Socoa”, to the “Pointe Saint Barbe”, climb the “Tour Bordagain” or just relax on the fantastic beach of Saint Jean de Luz

Optional transfers to Biarritz (airport, hotel...) or to Saint Jean Pied de Port if you’ve left your car there.

Elements beyond our control (the weather, level of the group, logistical risks, other miscellaneous reasons...) may lead our team to modify the program. We aim to please, but your safety will systematically be our priority.