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Western Pyrenees, from the Mountains to the Ocean

7 days

6 nights

6 days of activities

Easy Moderate

Self-guided

Download technical sheet

from 535 €

This hike, which will take you from the Basque mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, follows the famous GR10 route, the great Pyrenees Crossing (415km from one sea to the other). It features a variety of landscapes specific to the Basque Country, nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees. Here, perhaps more than elsewhere, when heading towards the coast, the landscapes crossed have an originality and an entity that are unique. The Basque Country is not to be defined in terms of high mountains and peaks, but rather by describing exceptional charms and cultural originality. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the historic capital of the Basque Country, you will walk towards Saint Etienne de Baïrorri, with the sumptuous Iparla crest in the background, and then towards Bidarray. From rolling hills to small peaks, you will then cross villages with magical names, such as Ainhoa, Sare, Dancharia, with bright and shimmering tones, built in the purest Basque tradition. You will taste the Spanish atmosphere when reaching the border at the Col d'Ibardin, before descending towards Hendaye, to enjoy the charms of this lively coastal town bordered by the superb bay of Txingudi.


Dates and prices

Departures

Every day from the beginning of April to the end of October (according to availabilities).
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).

 

From 01/04/2022 to 31/10/2022 :

 

Prices with luggage transfer :

 

Price per person for a group of 2 persons

665€

Price per person for a group of 3 persons

640€

Price per person for a group of 4 persons

625€

Price per person for a group of 5 persons

610€

Price per person for a group of 6 persons

600€

 

Prices without luggage transfer :

 

Price per person for a group of 2 persons

555€

Price per person for a group of 3 persons

550€

Price per person for a group of 4 persons

545€

Price per person for a group of 5 persons

540€

Price per person for a group of 6 persons

535€

 

Extras :

- Extra departure in July/August : 25€/pers

- Extra for a single room option : 80€/pers

- Extra transfer back from Hendaye to Saint Jean Pied de Port on a week day: 145€/transfer
- Extra transfer back from Hendaye to Saint Jean Pied de Port on a Sunday or Public Holiday: 165€/transfer
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port and/or Hendaye : please, consult us


The price includes

- Half-board except day 1 in BB

- Luggage transfers depending on the option chosen

- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)

- GPS tracks if you ask us + access to the detailed itinerary on the Mhikes GPS mobile application


The price does not include

-Holiday and travel insurance

-Evening meal day 1

-15€ for booking fees

-Additional transfers

-Entrance fees, additional activities

-Drinks and picnics

Day 1 : Start of holiday in Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the capital of the Pays Basque region. It lies in a circle of hills at the foot of the Roncevaux pass into Spain. After checking into your hotel you may choose to do a walk in the surrounding area. A chance to discover the many delights of this seductive region.

Explore St Jean and its surroundings

Walk through the Irouléguy vineyards and the village of Ispoure, in the surroundings of the capital of the Basse Navarre - a region with many touristic assets.

Kurutxamendi loop

The Kurutxamendi is a small hill dominating Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This pedestrian loop can be the object of a pleasant short and easy stroll at the side of the pilgrims who go to St Jacques de Compostelle. Despite the low altitude, you will have good visibility on the peaks of Navarre, and even Labourd.

Distance : 8km, duration : 3h, altitude gain : +280m, descent : -280m.
Distance : 5km, duration : 1h30, altitude gain : +145m, descent : -145m

Day 2 : From Saint Jean Pied de Port to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry

A challenging first stage in the heart of the Basque Country, with the ascent of the Mont Munhoa, culminating at 1021m, and the Oylarandoy massif, before reaching the wonderful village of Saint Etienne de Baïgorry. Distance : 19,5km, duration : around 7h, altitude gain : +955m, descent : -960m.

Day 3 : From Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Bidarray

Today is another challenging walk that will lead you to Bidarray through some breath-taking scenery, such as extraordinary red sandstone cliffs along the famous crest of Iparla and its culminating peak at 1044m. From there, you will enjoy an immense panorama... Then you will go down towards the charming village of Bidarray. Distance : 18,5km, duration : around 7h30, altitude gain : +1050m, descent : -1100m.
 

Day 4 : From Bidarray to Col des Vaux

A section between small peaks and villages with a strong Basque identity. The trail heads toward the Col de Méhatché, situated at an altitude of 716m. You pass into a rocky landscape, home to the griffin vultures that swirl above you. Distance : 11,5km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +800m, descent : -360m.

Day 5 : From Col des Vaux to Sare

Passing small summits and passes, the itinerary winds its way through the Zuccuta Pass, a superb lookout, and bypasses the Atxulegi (617m), and further on, the Ereby (583m). Then, you descend to the magnificent village of Ainhoa, a 12th century bastide village. Finally, via the pleasant and preserved Basque countryside, you will reach Sare, another pretty village in the Basque Country. Distance : 22km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain: +400m, descent : -850m.

Day 6 : From Sare to Ibardin

During this stage, the trail will pass through the massif of La Rhune (larrun: place of grazing, in Basque language), considered as the first Pyrenean summit of the chain and which, with its 905m, remains the sacred mountain of the Basque people and a place full of history. You spend the night at the Col d'Ibardin, located on the border, with its ventas. An opportunity to taste the Spanish atmosphere and admire the superb views over the valley. Distance : 18km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +1050m, descent : -750m.

Day 7 : From Ibardin to Hendaye

From the border, through lush green landscapes against the backdrop of the ocean and sites with a strong Basque imprint, you will gradually leave the first foothills of the Atlantic Pyrenees, leaving the Rhune behind you, to reach the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Hendaye, a lively coastal town bordered by the superb bay of Txingudi. Distance : 15km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +460m, descent : -845m 
End of your tour in Hendaye, where your luggage will be waiting for you. Opportunity to visit the city and enjoy its sandy beach.


This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.

Welcome

At your accommodation in Jean Pied de Port (64).


Dispersion

In Hendaye (64), after your walk.


Level

Nature of the walk 
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. 


Level 3 
For hikers who already have experience in mountain hiking, in good physical condition and with a good level of endurance. The walking times mentioned are given as an indication, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walking without counting the break times. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace can also vary, ranging from +400m to +500m of climb per hour. 


Accommodation

Half board except day 1 in Bed and Breakfast
4 nights in hotels ** in room days 2, 3, 5, 6

1 night in a family hotel (equivalent**) on day 1

1 night in gite in room day 4

 

Food

- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)

- Evening meals, often based on local specialities include a starter, a main and a dessert. Evening meal in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port not included, restaurants available.

- Pic-nics not included. Can be bought there.

- Drinks not included.


Carrying luggage

You will need to carry a day backpack only. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks. Your main luggage (that should please be easily transportable) will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport. 


Guide

Self-guided walking, without guide.

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