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Pays Basque Hiking

Pays Basque Hiking

This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See Amalfi Coast Walking, Dalmatian Coast Walking, Czech Republic/Austria Walking, and Cinque Terre/Tuscany Walking. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.

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, you'll 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.    

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.

Day 3 Roncesvalles

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 4-5 Ainhoa

Explore Espelette's bustling market In the Atchuleguy foothills, look for pottoks, indigenous wild ponies Hike into beautiful Zugarramurdi, an enchanting village where 17th-century witches performed black magic.

Days 6-8 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 Shuttle to 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.

big map Pays Basque Hiking

Basque Delights: Casual Inns

Hotel Les Pyrenees (2 nights): An intimate country inn with a sprawling garden and Michelin-starred restaurant.

Hotel La Posada (1 night): A charming retreat featuring guest rooms adorned with tiles and handcrafted wood furnishings.

Hotel Ithurria (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 (2 nights): A Belle-époque retreat with beach access, a swimming pool, spa and alfresco dining.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
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Day 8
Pays Basque Hiking
Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking & Hiking
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles

Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Guest Trip Reviews

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

This trip was outstanding in every respect! It was a great introduction to a fascinating area and culture. All of the credit goes to our leaders who gave us their time, effort, and energy without stint. (Did they ever sleep?)
Adrienne Kaga - Fruita, CO

I loved every minute! Probably my favorite vacation EVER. The combination of physical exercise, great food, and exposure to local culture and information and culture made a perfect getaway.
Mary Ann Walser - Atlanta, GA