The Basque region is located on the Atlantic coast, split between France and Spain.
France, Basque Country
Hiking is a remarkable way to discover the countryside and experience the unbelievable backdrop of the Pyrenees mountain chain and the Atlantic coast in the French Basque Country.
This area is very famous for its rich cultural heritage, including a very ancient language whose origins are still unknown to linguists. Basque towns such as Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean de Luz, and Guéthary to name a few (as well as San Sebastian just across the Spanish border) all share common traits of architecture and a certain tranquility, due to a relative isolation from the rest of the territory. The basque culinary specialties range from cheese, to “piment” d’Espelette (chili pepper), or ham, as well as products from the sea.
Despite its southern location, it is a surprisingly humid and rainy countryside, which makes up part of its charm, with a very green landscape.
Passing through the Basque Country, here are our recommendations for the most beautiful hike experiences not to be missed.
Hiking the Rhune
The Rhune is the highest summit of the Basque Country and peaks at over 900 meters. Tourists would have an amazing 360-degree view of the Basque Country starting from Ascain or Sare. On this hike, they will cross the majestic forest, and probably have a few encounters with the wildlife of this region — notably its famous local semi-wild pony (Pottok) —, before reaching the zenith on the border between France and Spain.
Semi-wild pony (Pottok) of La Rhune
The hike offers a charming view of the mountains and sea including the Pyrenean mountain range when the sky is clear.
For tourists who prefer not to sweat it out, they could still enjoy these breathtaking views while going up or down on the little train of La Rhune.
The little train of La Rhune and the view of wildlife
Other than the views which will be the first motivation for many to take the hike, the mountain is rich in history. Its strong heritage is built on Basque folklore, battles between the French and English, as well as witch stories.
Hiking on the Coastal Trail, Bidart
The impressive coastal path stretches 54 kilometers from Bidart to Hendaye. This path is dotted with breathtaking views of mountains and ocean, but may be an impossible hike to undertake at once. Tourists will rather take a hike from Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, via Guethary, and another from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye.
This first hike is a rather simple hike that is perfect for families. It starts from the tiny village of Bidart, a few kilometers south of Biarritz, and passes through Guethary before arriving at Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It offers diversity in the landscape along the beautiful beaches and exposes a tourist to steep cliffs and isolated creeks.
The second part of this coastal hike takes tourists from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye. The path goes along beautiful cliffs with amazing views over Cibourne, and then across Addabia, where tourists would love the view of its stunning castle, before arriving at the charming Txingudi Bay of Hendaye.
Cliff along the trails of saint-jean-de-luz
The walk may be a bit noisy mainly because it passes through a busy road, but the protected area of Addabia Reserve offers a sharp and calming contrast.
If tourists decide to take a small detour, they would love a visit to the fortress of Socoa, where they would enjoy the coastal view and a glimpse of the local fishermen as well as the colorful boats at the dock.
Hiking in Itxassou, Labourd
Itxassou is a small village in the traditional Basque province of Labourd, 15 kilometers from Bayonne, now a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in southwestern France.
Itxassou is not far from Cambo-les-Bains, Espelette, and Bidarray, and it is the starting point for a breathtaking 3-kilometer walk. Standing on an elevation of just 70 meters, the route is quite popular with hikers and is very accessible due to the low elevation. Just along the Nive, the paved paths make it ideal for persons who have limited mobility, and toddlers in strollers, who will love discovering the grandeur of the terrain and the canyon within its valleys.
Two kilometers from the canyon, tourists will arrive at the famous Pas de Roland. This marks the last few steps of an enchanting walk.
Pas de Roland
Hike to the Holzarté Footbridge, Larrau
The footbridge of Holzarté or “Passerelle d’Holzarte” as it is called in French is a dream for thrill seekers who love the rush of heights, especially from gigantic footbridges.
The journey to this suspension bridge starts from Larrau, passing through an imposing forest along which hikers would be thrilled by the awe of waterfalls and streams.
The walk runs through a steep ascent that ends at the suspended bridge just above the Olhadubi Canyon. Tourists will be supported by a few handrails as they make the ascent. At the top, the view of the surrounding forest and canyon makes the hike worth the walk.
Hike to Lake Xoldokogaina, Urrugne
This will be among the hardest names to pronounce, but it is well compensated for by the ease of this hike. It is one of the hikes we would recommend for families.
The trail goes from Ibardin and is marked by a number of very clear signs that lead to your final destination, the lake. Along this trail, tourists will be able to see the Rhune from afar. Tourists will be able to cross the lake, take the bridge at the dam, or by going around the lake.