Basque Country Walking
The Pyrénées Foothills in France & Spain
On a map you'll see the line. One side France. The other, Spain. There it is - definitive, exact. But set foot here and you'll see it's a place all its own. An independent spirit shines through. Walk the high plains and valleys of the often overlooked Pyrénées. Play a game of pelote. Wonder how many medieval pilgrims shared the Santiago de Compostela route with you. Explore the proud Basque villages and vineyards. See the sunset over the Bay of Biscay. And end your trip toasting the independence of the Basque Country in the charming square of St-Jean-de-Luz.
- A fascinating region with its very own culture and identity
- Ramble through delightful Basque hamlets and rolling farmland, greeting sheep and shepherds
- Savor Basque culinary specialties prepared by Michelin-starred chef
- Charming seaside St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, with a picturesque square and red sandstone houses
- Rub shoulders with locals during a game of pelote
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Savor Basque culinary specialties prepared by Michelin-starred chef and noted hotelier Firmin Arrambide 
In the historic market town of St-Jean-Pied-de-Port, walk narrow cobblestone lanes past red sandstone houses.
Day 2 Rub shoulders with locals during a game of pelote 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.
Days 3-4 A fascinating region with its very own culture and identity Discover Espelette's bustling market where berets, embroidered linens, red peppers and blue cheese are on display In the Atchuleguy foothills, look for pottoks, indigenous wild horses 
Hike into beautiful Zugarramurdi, a tiny village targeted during the Inquisition Enjoy a private tasting of red and white Irouléguy wines.
Days 5-6 Ramble through delightful Basque hamlets and rolling farmland, greeting sheep and shepherds A path along the Nivelle River leads to the Spanish border and the Basque country gem of Sare Our local guide shares the country's folklore and history en route to Col de Trois Fontaines (Pass of Three Fountains) Explore charming seaside St-Jean-de-Luz, featuring a picturesque square lined with cafés, boutiques and seafood restaurants, and a sheltered port, where beret-capped fishermen tend to their colorful boats.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Cinque Terre Walking Dalmatian Coast Walking Hungary/Slovakia/Poland WalkingOther France Trips
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!- Evergreen, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Basque Country Walking
Casual Inns*
Hôtel Les Pyrénées
St-Jean-Pied-de-Port (2 nights) An intimate country inn with a sprawling garden and Michelin-starred restaurant. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Grand Hotel
St-Jean-de-Luz (1 night) Described by the Hideaway Report as a "grand Edwardian property with a pink-and-cream art deco façade overlooking the beach" with a Michelin-starred restaurant. (pool, spa)
* Premiere Inn
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. (pool)
Basque Country Walking
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.1, 5.7 miles
- 50 - 200 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 6, 8 miles
- 800 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 8, 9 miles
- 1000 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 5, 7, 10 miles
- 500 - 1700 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 7, 11 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3 miles
- 200 feet elevation gain