Hiking in French Basque Country - GR10

Arrival in Hendaye, on the border with Spain and about 30 km from Biarritz. Check-in at the hotel. If you arrive early, you have the opportunity to do a first circular walk of 5 km and explore the nature area Domaine d'Abbadie.

Accommodation in Hendaye

Hendaye is located at the mouth of the Bidassoa river which is also the border with Spain. The GR10 trail begins at the beach but quickly rises above the Atlantic. The landscape is covered with small villages along the sloping hills and the atmosphere is Basque. 

Accommodation in Ibardin

During this stage you will pass the mountain massif La Rhune, which is considered the first Pyrenean peak of the mountain chain. At 905m you explore sacred mountains and places with much history. After that you go back down towards the village of Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Accommodation in Sare

Today you have a peaceful walk to look forward to in the beautiful rolling Basque landscape. The destination, Ainhoa is counted as one of "the most beautiful villages in France". Here too, most houses are from the 17th century and they have inscriptions that tell about the house's age and the history of its resident families. 

Accommodation in Ainhoa

Today you have two alternatives to choose between, either along the mountain ridge and GR10 which is a more challenging hike or along the villages and GR8 which is a calmer walk with smaller elevation differences. Walking distance varies depending on whether you choose the villages 11 km or mountain ridge 15km.

Accommodation in Itxassou

From Itxassou you follow a variant of GR10 and soon reach the historic Pas de Roland gorges, where both legends and drama are embedded in the walls. After the passage, the ascent continues up towards Artzamendi (924 m), whose summit offers a magnificent panorama. Then GR10 leads down towards the village of Bidarray via Peñas de Ichusi – an area where vultures often soar impressively close above you.

An easier alternative is to take the train from Itxassou to Bidarray in the morning (approx 3.50 €/person; 10 min; not included) and do a shorter round trip at the foot of the Iparla ridge towards Col de Lacho, with spectacular views over Peñas de Itsusi.

Accommodation in Bidarray

You begin with a short transfer (included). This final day's stage you walk along GR10 which leads you all the way to the old capital of the Basque Country, St Jean Pied de Port, a beautiful walled city. At the foot of the Munhoa peak, the mountain landscape is wonderful and the views over the surrounding valleys are very beautiful. 

Accommodation in St Jean Pied de Port

The trip ends after breakfast