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 hike of 5 km and explore the Domaine d'Abbadie nature area.

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 dotted with small villages along the sloping hills and the atmosphere is Basque. 

Accommodation in Ibardin

During this stage you will pass the La Rhune massif, considered to be the first Pyrenean peak of the mountain range. At 905m, you explore sacred mountains and places with a lot of history. Afterwards you walk back down towards the village of Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

Accommodation in Sare

Today you have a peaceful hike to look forward to in the beautiful hilly Basque landscape. The final destination, Ainhoa, is considered one of ""the most beautiful villages in France"". Here too, most houses date from the 1600s and have inscriptions telling of the house's age and the history of its resident families. 

Accommodation in Ainhoa

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

Accommodation in Itxassou

From Itxassou you follow a variant of the GR10 and soon reach the history-filled Pas de Roland gorges, where both legends and drama are embedded in the walls. After the passage, the climb continues up towards Artzamendi (924 m), whose summit offers a magnificent panorama. The GR10 then leads down towards the village of Bidarray via Peñas de Ichusi – an area where vultures often soar impressively close above you. Note: The descent towards Bidarray includes steep and exposed sections that may feel uncomfortable, especially for those who are afraid of heights.

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 circuit at the foot of the Iparla ridge towards Col de Lacho, with spectacular views over Peñas de Itsusi.

Accommodation in Bidarray

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

We recommend an extra night in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to unwind after the trip and celebrate with a good dinner before the journey home.