In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationHendaye / Pyrenees
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AgeUp to a 80imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions86.22 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French🇬🇧English
In a few words
Journey between ocean and mountains on the famous GR10 trail ! This first leg of the Pyrenees Crossing immerses you in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in a wild and authentic Basque Country . You'll discover numerous hills and small peaks offering breathtaking panoramas, particularly from the viewpoints of La Rhune, Gorospil, Artzamendi, and Munhoa . You'll also pass through picturesque villages with typical Basque architecture and atmosphere . Indeed, it will be a pleasure to sample some delicious local products in Sare and Ainhoa . You'll enjoy strolling through the villages of Bidarray and Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry , nestled along the banks of the Nive River, against the backdrop of the impressive natural wall of Iparla . Finally, a touch of culture awaits you when you reach the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port , the historical capital of the Basque Country.
In the evening, enjoy comfortable 100% in-room accommodations!
The highlights
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The essential GR10 trail will be the central theme of your journey.
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Discovering the Basque coast and mid-mountain landscapes
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The route along the magnificent Iparla ridges
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
The expert's opinion
For regular walkers in good physical condition with prior experience in mountain hiking. Hikes average 6-7 hours per day, with average elevation gains of 700-1000m, on fairly easy trails with a few minor technical difficulties.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 875 m
- Average daily descent: 842 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 11 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
You are supervised by a BE Mountain Guide specializing in the region.
Program
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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 not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in Hendaye, the starting point of the hike. With your feet in the water, you'll leave the beach and the bay of Hendaye and ascend from pass to pass, reaching the first foothills of the Pyrenees through verdant landscapes and sites with a distinct Basque influence. Behind you, magnificent views of the vast Atlantic coast unfold. You'll then 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, will be in sight.
Day 1 -
From the Ibardin pass to Sare
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the heights of the Ibardin pass, this stage begins with the ascent of La Rhune summit via a less-traveled route. Larrun means "pastureland" in Basque. Considered the first Pyrenean peak in the range when approaching from the Atlantic Ocean, La Rhune, at 905 meters, remains the sacred mountain of the Basques and a place steeped in history. Its panorama stretches from the Landes coast to the central Pyrenees. You will descend again via a less-traveled route to reach the charming village of Sare, with its typically Basque architecture that has seamlessly integrated the unique character of its surroundings.
Day 2 -
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 included
- Dinner included
On this stage, you'll first cross the pleasant and unspoiled Basque countryside before arriving in Ainhoa, a magnificent 12th-century fortified village. Then, the route winds its way up, crossing small peaks and mountain passes. You'll skirt around Mount Ereby (583 m), then reach Mount Atxulegi (617 m), and soon the Zuccuta Pass and its superb viewpoint will appear. From there, a ridge path culminating at Gorospil Peak will allow you to enjoy a fantastic panorama of the Basque mountains. From there, a short descent will take you to Esteben Borda, a beautiful estate on the Col des Veaux (Pass of the Calves), straddling the border between France and Spain.
Day 3 -
From Col des Veaux to Bidarray
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day is dedicated to discovering small peaks and villages with a strong Basque identity. After reaching the Méhatché pass (716 m), a round trip to the summit of Artzamendi will reward you with a sweeping panorama: from the ocean to the first high peaks of the Pyrenees. Next, a visit to the Peñas de Ichusi, 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, a famous cave believed to have miraculous healing properties, adorned with votive offerings. Its name, in fact, means "the saint of the cave" in Basque.
Day 4 -
From Bidarray to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's stage is challenging but offers 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 ridge, which, from the valley below, appears as a long, seemingly insurmountable wall. High atop these magnificent red sandstone cliffs, you'll walk along the edge of the precipice, but at a safe distance, of course. From up there, you'll enjoy another breathtaking panorama… Then you'll descend towards Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. This is a beautiful Basque village with many buildings typical of Lower Navarre architecture.
Day 5 -
From Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the banks of the idyllic Nive des Aldudes river, the route, in the heart of the Basque Country, climbs above Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry to reach the Oylarandoy massif. The route then leads to another summit offering a stunning panorama: Munhoa, reaching 1021m 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, and its picturesque waterfront facades. Its ramparts and imposing citadel, redesigned by Vauban, dominate the town's rooftops.
Day 6 -
End of stay in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The stay ends in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port after you have breakfast at the accommodation.
Day 7
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group requires it.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 2-star hotel - Day 2
🏠 Holiday rental - Day 3
🏨 Country hotel - Day 4
🏠 Bed and breakfast - Day 5
The 19th-century Graciateguy mansion nestled in the heart of the Basque Country in the village of St Etienne de Baïgorry.
🏨 Country hotel - Day 6
Access
Departure
Hendaye
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Day 7
- 10h00
The tour leader will contact you a few days before the trip to specify the exact meeting place.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de Hendaye
Numerous TER trains depart from the main cities towards Bayonne and then Hendaye.
The nearest airport isAéroport de Biarritz
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
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.
Vehicle parking in Hendaye: EFFIA paid parking at Hendaye train station
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.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in Spanish ventas, 2-star hotels, guesthouses and family hotels
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Supervision by a BE AMM specialist in the region
The price does not include
- Transfers not included in the program
- The visits
- Drinks
- Insurance
Options
- Transfer between Saint Jean Pied de Port and Hendaye by minibus : CHF71.25 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
They traveled with us
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Decathlon Travel Partner
The Gaëtan team
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
• 70 stays
Based in the Basque Country and Ariège, our local partner's team is deeply rooted in its region. They have always explored the Pyrenees and the Basque mountains with boundless passion. Today, they share their love for these mountain ranges, brimming with natural beauty and cultural riches. With its own accommodation dedicated to hikers, this partner offers an authentic and personal immersion in the heart of the peaks.
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