GR10 self-guided Section 1 : From Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR1LF
from 535 €
Who wouldn't be tempted to traverse the entire Pyrenean mountain range on foot. The mythic GR10 starts at the Atlantic ocean and crosses over more than 258 miles of dazzling mountains to arrive at the Mediterranean coast. You amble through stunning scenery that varies enormously, from flower filled meadows, sparkling lakes, cirques and high summits. You'll get a taste of many different cultures, from the Basque country through to Catalonia. Each valley you pass through has its own distinct flavour. It is a great way to explore local life and to absorb the differences, the Pyrenees is a unique blend of many different people.
The first section, from Hendaye to Saint Jean Pied de Port, covers a variety of landscapes typical of the Pays Basque region, set in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees.
The scenery has a charm and regional originality that you won't find elsewhere. Rolling hills, magical villages, such as Sare, Ainhoa and Dancharia that are seeped in Basque tradition, and a rich pyrenean flora and fauna are all waiting to be discovered. At the end of the walk you will reach the villages of Bidarray and Saint Etienne de Baigorry with the sumptuous Iparla mountain ridge in the background.
Dates and prices
Departures
Every days from April to the end of October (according to availabilities).
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).
From 01/04/2022 to 30/10/2022 :
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 : 80€/pers
- Transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye on week days : 145€/transfer
- Transfer back from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye on Sundays or public holidays: 165€/transfer
- Extra night in Hendaye and/or in St Jean Pied de Port : please, consult us
The price includes
- Half-board except day 1 in BB
- Transfer day 3
- 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 Hendaye
Depending on your arrival time, after checking into your hotel, you may choose to walk in the region of Domaine d’Abbadia. A fantastic natural site of 65 hectares situated right on the coast. You will find a great mix of landscapes, moors, prairies, heather and high cliffs. You can also visit the famouse neogothic castle, the Domaine d'Abbadie. Distance : 5.5km, duration : around 2h00, altitude gain : +80m, descent : -80m
Day 2 : from Hendaye to Ibardin
Hendaye lies on the estuary of the River Bidassoa, which forms the border with Spain. The GR10 walking route begins its course on Hendaye Plage. Rising rapidly above the Atlantic, this first stage of the walk is pleasant. The landscape, scattered with villages, is peaceful and harmonious with the rolling hillsides. The ambience is very basque but there is no sign yet of the high dramatic mountains to come. Distance : 15km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +845m, descent : -460m.
Day 3 : from Olhette to Dancharia
The morning, short transfer to Olhette (can be avoided, consult us). The first outlines of the distant mountains can be spotted on the horizon. You have the chance to reach the summit of La Rhune. At an altitude of 900m it is considered the first peak in the Pyrenean chain. You pass picturesque villages, Sare and Ainhoa are scarcely more than single streets lined with large houses. The houses (mostly dating from the 17th century) have stone lintels carved with the dates of their construction and details of their family's history. Once in the village of Dancharia you are situated at just 3km from the Spanish border. Distance : 21km, duration : around 7h, altitude gain : +690m, descent : -715m.
Day 4 : from Dancharia to the Col des Veaux
Today the GR10 passes a series of summits, crossing over high mountain passes, it winds its way around l’Erebi alt 583m, and then further on l’Axulegi alt 617m. You will see the col Zuccuta, the high mountain pass that is a superb belvedere. From the col, weather permitting, you can take the track route to the Col des Veaux or if it's fine you might choose to stay on the ridge, this is not part of the GR10 but the variant is worth it for the views. The ridge leads all the way to the Pic Gorospil at 691m you can get some superb panoramas. Distance : 13km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +740m, descent : -250m.
Day 5 : from the Col des Veaux to Bidarray
The GR10 continues to alternate between the Pyrenean summits and mountain villages that have a strong Basque identity. The trail heads in the direction of the Col de Méhatché situated at an altitude of 716m. You pass into a rocky landscape that is home to the griffin vultures that circle high above. You descend to Bidarray village, an emblematic nightstop that is vibrant with the characteristic Basque culture and lifestyle. Distance : 11,5km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +360m, descent : -800m.
Day 6 : from Bidarray to the Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
Day 7 : from Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port
This programme 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
Day 1 at your accommodation in Hendaye (64), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Saint Jean Pied de Port (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 walkers in good physical condition, already experienced in mountain hiking. 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 +300m to +500m of climb per hour.
Accommodation
Half board except day 1 in Bed & Breakfast
- 4 nights in hotels** in room days 1, 3, 5 et 6
- 1 night in Spanish venta equivalent hotel** in room day 2
- 1 night in gite in room days 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 Hendaye, 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.
