Basque Country : From the Mountains to the Ocean

Day 1: Arrival in St Jean Pied de Port

Arrival in St Jean Pied de Port Time to explore St Jean Pied de Port which is also the most popular starting point for the Camino de Santiago.
You stay at Hotel Central*** (breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 2: ST Jean Pied De Port - Bidarray (7km/4.3mi or 14km/8.7mi)

This morning you will be transferred to Col D’Ispeguy to start your walk to Bidarray. This is a challenging walk, ascending the red sandstone ridges of the Iparla along the border between the Basque Country and Navarre.

Your route will take you along the GR10 long distance path, look out for the black vultures as they glide overhead. Descend on a network of paths that connect the hamlets and continue towards Bidarray and its remarkable Romanesque church. Your hotel overlooks the three valleys of Nive, Baztant and Begi-Eder. If you prefer to take an easier route on your first day of your trek there is an alternative walk which start from St Martin d’Arrosa which initially follows an historical iron mining trail.
You stay at Hotel Barberaenea** (breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 3: Bidarray - Itxassou (8km/5.0mi or 17km/10.6mi)

From Bidarray, you have an undulating walk which criss-crosses through a myriad of farms and meadows, followed by an ascent to the summit of Artzamendi (924m).

Descend along the green Nive gorge and discover the natural curiosity that is the Pas de Roland before continuing on to the charming village of Itxassou, famous for its cherries. If you want a shorter/lower route for your second day, there is an alternative walk which missed out the ascent to the summit of Artzamendi.
You stay at Hotel du Chene** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 4: Itxassou - Espelette (16km/9.9mi)

Only a few hills separate the villages of Itxassou and Espelette but our route takes a worthwhile detour to the summit of Mondarrain. Following a track to Col de Legarre you continue uphill on the flank of the Pic d’Ezcondray until you arrive at the Col d’Amezketa. As you walk through this beautiful landscape you will experience the local flora and fauna, such as the free- spirited pottoks. They are a true emblem of the Basque Country.

Climb to the summit of Mondarrain (749m) to enjoy stunning views of the French and Spanish peaks of the Basque Country and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. Descend to the typical Basque village of Espelette, known for its dried red peppers which are hung outside many of the houses and shops.
You stay at Hotel Euskadi*** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 5: Espelette - Sare (20km/12.4mi)

Today’s walk is less mountainous than previous days. Following the GR8, follow gentle ridges through countryside and villages passing a series of forts. Among the most beautiful villages in France, Sare is an authentic Basque village, lined with typical white houses with red and green timbering.
You stay at Hotel Arraya**** (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 6: Sare - St Jean de Luz (14km/8.7mi)

A long steady climb up the GR10 takes you up to a pleasant col where you have the choice to ascend the summit of La Rhune (905m). Alternatively, you can take a different route from Sare and catch the rack and pinion train to the summit. The summit of La Rhune marks the border with the Spanish Basque Country, enjoy (weather dependent) 360 ° panoramas, east towards the endless Pyrenees you have crossed and west to the Atlantic coast.

Descend along tracks and paths to the village of Ascain. From here you will get a short transfer to the fishing port of St Jean de Luz.
You stay at Hotel de la Poste*** (Breakfast included)

Day 7: Leave St Jean de Luz