Across The Basque Country To The Atlantic 

Arrival at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Standard option: You make your own way to the first night's hotel at Saint-Jean- Pied-de-Port (located just 500m from the train station). With extra airport pick-up: We pick you up from either Biarritz airport or the railway station at Saint-Jean-de-Luz. You stay in a hotel in this ancient and attractive pilgrimage town in the shadows of the Pyrenees, which is on one of the Camino routes to Santiago de Compostela. A great start to your exploration of the Basque Country.

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!). You can then choose from a variety of routes (generally unchallenging) down through 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. You stay on a dinner, double room and breakfast basis at an attractive, authentic hotel in Bidarray.

Walking time : 4h or 6h30. Distance : 13km or 16,5km. Elevation : + 400 or + 800m / - 600m or -1300m. Transfer time : 35 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 marvellous walk-through the ring of rock that is the famous Pas de Roland and then onto the attractive village of Itxassou. You stay at a charming hotel renowned for its regional authenticity, and the excellence of its cuisine. Dinner, bed and breakfast included.

Walking time : 5h or 6h30. 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 festival of red peppers.

Bed and breakfast. Dinner is not included, but in the village you have a choice of nice restaurants.

Walking time : 4h45. 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). The Hotel is a superb 4 star hotel in a privileged location in the village that combines a historic building with boutique luxury and exceptional "cuisine terroir".

Walking time : 6h30 or 5h30. Distance : 19km. Elevation : + 620m / - 760m.

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 - your last Basque village, sadly. We will take you the short distance to St Jean de Luz by road, or you can kayak down the gentle Nivelle river to arrive in St Jean in independent style. As ever with Purely Pyrenees, the choice is yours.

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. You stay in the middle of the town at an impressive and comfortable Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, so you can choose your own restaurant for the final night, although we offer several recommendations.

Walking time : 3h30 ou 6h. Distance : 10,5km or 15km. Elevation : + 500m or - 880m / - 500m or - 840m. Transfer time : 20 minutes.

End of stay

Standard option: Your holiday ends after breakfast. Your hotel is located just 500m from the train station at Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

With extra airport pick-up: We will arrange a transfer back to Biarritz airport or a taxi to the train station in Saint-Jean-de-Luz.