Cycling in French Basque Country

Arrival in the elegant seaside resort of Biarritz, where the sea air meets the salty waves of the Atlantic. You stay at a four-star hotel and receive all necessary travel information and maps. Biarritz is known for its long beaches, surf culture, thalassotherapy and golf courses. In the evening, restaurants, bars and squares with life and movement await.

The day offers all the contrasts of the coast – valleys, cliffs, green hills and fertile fields. You pass charming places like Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its beautiful bay and Hendaye with its rocky nature reserve Abbadia. Here you take a small ferry across the Bidassoa river and enter Spanish Basque Country. Hondarribia welcomes you with its colorful balconies, tapas bars and atmospheric alleys within the old city walls.

You take the ferry back to France again and follow the roads towards Ascain, known for its Roman bridge and its traditions. Don't miss the little mountain railway that takes you up to La Rhune, the highest peak in the Basque Country. Then you cycle to the village of Sare and continue towards Ainhoa – "the witches' village" according to legend. The picturesque main street is lined with whitewashed half-timbered houses and blooming gardens. Here everything breathes tradition and history.

After crossing the Pinodieta pass, you reach the market town of Espelette, known for its small wild ponies – "pottocks" – and its world-famous chili pepper that adorns the facades during harvest season. From here you follow Napoleon's trail along the historic Route des Cîmes, the beautiful "ridge road" that was built during his time and offers magnificent views over the Basque mountains. The day ends with dinner and rest at a pleasant hotel.

After a few miles on the cycle path, you reach Bayonne, known for its festivals and its cuisine. From here you follow the coast via Anglet back to Biarritz, where the sea meets you again.

After breakfast, the cycling trip in the Basque Country ends, unless you want to treat yourself to an extra night or two for some relaxation.