GR10 stage 1: Hendaye to St Jean Pied de Port (self-guided)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationSaint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.12 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the magnificent section of the Great Pyrenees Crossing (GR10), from Hendaye to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port ! Stretching 415 km from sea to sea, including approximately 170 km through the Basque Country, this trail in the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees offers a variety of unique landscapes. The GR10 route unveils scenery of incomparable splendor . From rolling hills to small peaks, you will pass through iconic villages such as Sare, Ainhoa, and Dancharia , renowned for their vibrant and shimmering architecture rooted in Basque tradition. As you progress, the villages of Bidarray and Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry will appear in the background, dominated by the imposing pink sandstone ridge of Iparla . The GR10 will then lead you to the gates of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port , the historic capital of the Basque Country. Don't miss this unforgettable trekking experience in the heart of the Pyrenees!
The highlights
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Discovering the Basque coast and mid-mountain landscapes
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The charm of Basque villages: Ainhoa, St Etienne de Baigorry, St Jean Pied de Port
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Discovering the local area: gastronomy, culture, architecture
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Regular walker, in good physical condition with experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 712 m
- Average daily descent: 683 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
The paper travel file includes:
- IGN maps of the route with your itinerary highlighted
- Paper and personalized roadbook
- Planning schedule including a list of accommodations and transport (if transport has been booked)
- Luggage tags if you have booked luggage transport by us between accommodations.
In addition, we give you access to the detailed route on our mobile application (digital roadbook), and we provide you with the GPS tracks of the route on request.
Program
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Start of stay in Hendaye
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 80 m
- Negative elevation 80 m
- Accommodation Youth hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Check into your accommodation in Hendaye. You have the option of visiting the town or taking a walking tour to discover the renowned Domaine d'Abbadie, a remarkable 65-hectare natural site on the seafront, offering a variety of landscapes. Within this veritable biological reserve, you can visit, depending on opening times, the famous neo-Gothic castle of Antoine d'Abbadie.
Day 1 -
From Hendaye to the Ibardin Pass
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
With your feet in the water, you'll leave the beach and the bay of Hendaye behind and venture from mountain pass to mountain pass, towards the first foothills of the Pyrenees, through verdant landscapes and sites steeped in Basque culture. Behind you, magnificent views unfold across the vast Atlantic coast. You'll reach the Col d'Ibardin, located on the border, with its numerous border shops and Spanish atmosphere. Up there, La Rhune, the first peak rising above the ocean, stands in your sights.
Day 2 -
From the Ibardin Pass to Sare
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
During this stage, the trail will cross the La Rhune massif (larrun meaning pasture in Basque), considered the first Pyrenean peak in the range. Reaching a height of 905 meters, it remains the sacred mountain of the Basques, steeped in history. Next, you will reach the charming village of Sare, with its typical Basque architecture that has seamlessly integrated the unique character of its surroundings.
Day 3 -
From Sare to the Col des Veaux
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
On this stage, you'll first cross the pleasant and unspoiled Basque countryside before reaching Ainhoa, a magnificent 12th-century fortified village. Then, crossing small peaks and mountain passes, the route winds its way around Mount Ereby (583m), and further on, Mount Atxulegi (617m). Soon, you'll see the Zuccuta Pass, offering a superb viewpoint. From there, you can reach the Col des Veaux via the track or, in good weather, follow the entire ridge off the GR10 to reach Pic Gorospil (691m) and enjoy the panoramic views of the Basque mountains.
Day 4 -
From Col des Veaux to Bidarray
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the Col des Veaux, you'll reach the Col de Méhatché (716m). As the stage is short, a round trip to the summit of Artzamendi is possible (+200m; -200m; +3km; +1h), offering a sweeping panorama: from the ocean to the first high peaks of the Pyrenees. Next, a detour to the Peñas de Ichusi, known as the "ugly rocks," will allow you to get a closer look at the impressive flight of vultures circling overhead. The descent to Bidarray will be via Harpeko Saindua (the saint of the cave, in Basque), a famous miraculous cave with curative properties, adorned with votive offerings.
Day 5 -
From Bidarray to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's challenging stage represents one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Basque Country. From the charming village of Bidarray, you'll begin the ascent towards the Iparla ridges, which, from the valley below, give the impression of a long, impassable wall. From the summit, you'll enjoy a breathtaking panorama. Afterwards, you'll descend towards Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, a magnificent Basque village with many buildings typical of Lower Navarre architecture.
Day 6 -
From Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
This stage takes you into the heart of the Basque Country, rising above Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry to reach the Oylarandoy and Munhoa massifs, culminating at 1021 meters and overlooking Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which you will reach after a long descent. Encircled by pink sandstone ramparts, the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port charms visitors with its cobbled streets lined with old houses, its ancient bridge over the Nive River, its picturesque waterfront facades, its rampart walk, and its imposing citadel redesigned by Vauban.
Day 7
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter their course.
Accommodation
Access
End of your stay in Saint Jean Pied de Port, after your hike.
Go to the starting point
How to get to Hendaye by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Hendaye (sometimes with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to leave Saint Jean Pied de Port by public transport:
From Saint Jean Pied de Port, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get to Hendaye from Saint Jean Pied de port by public transport:
Train from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye with a connection in Bayonne: https://www.sncf-connect.com
Vehicle parking in Hendaye:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.hendaye-tourisme.fr/fr/infos-pratiques/parkings-et-stationnement/
Vehicle parking in St Jean Pied de Port:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/decouvrir/ou-stationner/
If you are leaving your vehicle for the entire duration of your stay, please check with the tourist office to find out if any events (festivals, markets, etc.) will be organized at your parking location.
It is strongly recommended that you travel by train for your trip to avoid returning to your starting point to retrieve your vehicle, as journeys can be very long and poorly served, or expensive if you choose to return by taxi. However, if you do choose to come by car, we advise you to leave your vehicle at your arrival point on the first day and drive to your starting point for your trip. This will give you time to make the journey and you won't be tired from your week of hiking.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation includes half-board, except for the night of day 1 which is bed and breakfast.
- The travel kit includes IGN maps and a guidebook
- Access the detailed route on our mobile app
- GPS tracks available upon request
The price does not include
- Dinner of day 1
- Drinks
- Picnics
Options
- Comfort version (6 nights in a private room) : CHF105.20 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF132.65 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF137.22 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF96.05 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF77.76 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF68.61 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF64.04 / person
- Return transfer from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye during the week : CHF164.66 / reservation
- Return transfer from St Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye on Sundays and public holidays : CHF187.53 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return), visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Your luggage transfer (if you have booked a package with luggage transport between accommodations): Your luggage must be dropped off at the reception of your accommodation no later than 9:00 AM. It will be delivered to your next accommodation before 5:00 PM. Only one piece of luggage transfer per person is permitted. For logistical reasons, we ask that you limit the weight of your luggage transfer to a maximum of 15 kg and avoid rigid suitcases: our logistics team and transport partners have to load and unload dozens of these suitcases every day, sometimes involving many stairs. The transport company may charge you an additional fee at the end of the hike if your luggage is too heavy or too numerous.
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Picnic kit
- Minimum 1.5 litre water bottle
- A sleeping bag sheet
- A pair of sneakers, or sandals for the evening
- A pair of telescopic poles (optional)
- A flashlight or headlamp
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
- A waterproof windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type)
- A fleece jacket or sweater
- Trousers for walking
- A short
- T-shirts (opt for breathable materials)
- Change of clothes
- Personal linen
- A swimsuit and a towel
- For the beginning and end of the season, bring thin gloves and a hat.
They traveled with us
