Pays Basque Walking

Pays Basque Hiking

The Pyrenees Foothills in France & Spain

On this journey into the Pays Basque, explore France and Spain to experience a culture that is ironically neither French nor Spanish. Amid the peaks, high plains and valleys of the Pyrénées, the modern Basque people - hearty and independent like their ancestors - sustain centuries-old traditions. Accompanied by local guides, hike trails between villages in the foothills, mingle in markets, play the traditional handball game of pelote, and delight in pepper-infused cuisine, robust wines and warm hospitality.    

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The Day-to-Day Itinerary

Days 1-2 St-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Rendezvous in Biarritz In St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walk the narrow cobblestone lanes of this historic market city Savor Basque culinary specialties prepared by Michelin-starred chef and noted hotelier Firmin Arrambide The countryside entices with its picturesque farmland, traditional Basque villages, rolling vineyards and pastures dotted with sheep Watch and learn as locals play a round of pelote.

Days 3-4 Ainhoa

Follow in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims on a guided hike into Spain A trek up the pass of Roncesvalles, a region immortalized by the legend of Roland, offers vistas of beech forests and patchwork hills Explore Espelette's bustling market In the Atchuleguy foothills, look for pottoks, indigenous wild ponies Hike into beautiful Zugarramurdi, a tiny village targeted during the Inquisition as being a haven for witches.

Days 5-6 St-Jean-de-Luz

Follow the Nivelle River to the Spanish border and Sare, the Basque country's cultural gem Our local guide shares the country's folklore and history as we make our way to the Col de Trois Fontaines - Pass of Three Fountains Explore the charming seaside town of St-Jean-de-Luz, featuring a picturesque square lined with cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants Visit the town's sheltered port, where beret-capped fishermen tend to their colorful boats.

Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!

I had the best time meeting the group, laughing, eating excellent food, singing, hiking and sometimes sleeping. The accommodations were great, the trip planning was seamless and the leaders were absolutely fantastic and accommodating at every turn. I haven't laughed this much for a good while. I am recommending it to everyone who will listen. Bravo! Thanks for such an amazing cultural, social and physical experience!
Erin S. - Evergreen, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.

Pays Basque Hiking

Basque Delights: Casual Inns*

Hotel Les Pyrenees
Hotel Les Pyrenees

St-Jean-Pied-de-Port (2 nights) An intimate country inn with a sprawling garden and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hotel Ithurria
Hotel Ithurria

Aïnhoa (2 nights) This grand 17th-century Basque home on the town's walled square is a historical monument with its own pelote court and pool.

Grand Hotel
Grand Hotel

St-Jean-de-Luz (1 night) A belle-époque retreat with beach access, a swimming pool, spa and alfresco dining.

* Premiere Inn

Pays Basque Hiking

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Biking Average Walking Average
Insider Trips Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more.
1 2-3 hours 10-20 miles 2-5 miles
2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
Day 1
  • Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
  • 4.1, 5.7 miles
  • 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
  • 4.3, 8.6, 12.5 miles
  • 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
  • 6.4, 8.4 miles
  • 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
  • 7.2, 10.9 miles
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Levels 1 to 2  2 Route Options Available
  • 2, 5.5 miles
  • 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 1   1 Route Option Available
  • 2 miles

RESERVE THIS TRIP!

Casual Inns Trip Price:
  • $3,298 pp dbl. occ.
  • (+$520 for sgl. occ.)
Trip Notes

All meals included except 1 lunch and 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

View cancellation policy

Meet / Depart

Biarritz, France/St-Jean-de-Luz, France

Special Interest

Culture & History, Fine Wine & Cuisine, Geological Wonders, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading

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