Sentiers Littoral

Eight of the best hikes in the Basque Country

From the top of the Rhune to the Jaizkibel crests or along the coast from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the best way to discover the Basque Country and its hidden gems is on foot...

1. La Rhune

Vue depuis La Rhune vers la côte basque

1. La Rhune

Sacred summit, La Rhune (905m) is a legendary hike. It might not be the easiest, but as the local saying goes "if you make it to the top of the Rhune you'll make it up any Basque mountain". Make sure you're well-equipped before starting off from Ascain, Sare, Olhette or the Saint-Ignace pass. It will take 2 to 3 hours to get to the top, but the view of the ocean and the Pyrenees are worth every step.
You can also get to the top of the Rhune by rack-railway (single or return).

www.rhune.com

2. The coastal path

From beaches to creeks, cliffs to headlands, from Bidart to Saint-Sébastien, Talaia, the Basque coastal path, gives you 54km of waymarked, protected, accessible walking along with endless panoramic views of the coast and sea. Our favourite stretch: the rocky coastal path between Ciboure and Hendaye.

3. The Kakuetta Gorges

A protected site, this canyon is called « Little Amazonia » because of its wild and luxuriant vegetation.

4. The Ursuya

The gentle and waymarked verdant slopes of the Ursuya are just the thing for family walks. Setting off from Hasparren, Urcuray, Mendionde or Macaye it will probably take you a good two hours to reach the top (678m) where you'll get to see the wild Pottok ponies and numerous birds of prey.

2. Le sentier du littoral

Randonneuse sur le Sentier Littoral à Bidart 002 ©CDT64-P.Gaillard

3. Les gorges de Kakuetta

Les gorges de Kakuetta

Site préservé, ce canyon est appelé « petite Amazonie » pour sa nature luxuriante et sauvage. Le sentier, aménagé et sécurisé entre de hauts versants, mène en 1h à une grande cascade et à la grotte aux lacs. Pour petits et grands aventuriers !

Important, veuillez noter que le site est actuellement fermé. Plus de renseignement auprès de l'office de tourisme du Pays basque.

4. L’Ursuya

Ursuia paysage

Douces et balisées, les pentes verdoyantes de l’Ursuya se prêtent aux promenades en famille. En deux bonnes heures au départ d’Hasparren, Urcuray, Mendionde ou Macaye, on arrive sans difficulté au sommet (678m), où observer pottoks et rapaces.

5. Les crêtes du Jaizkibel

Socoa-Jaizkibel

5. The Jaizkibel Crests

Too tired for spectacular views over the sea and the Bay of Hendaye? The Jaizkibel Crests (573m) are easily accessible from Pasaia Donibane. The bravest visitors will set off from the Guadalupe Oratory (Fontarrabie), where a short but steep climb leads to the summit.

6. The Ainhoa Chapel

From this village, listed among the most beautiful in France, discover the chapel of Notre-Dame-d’Aubépine. A 45-minute climb takes you to the site (389m), where you'll find a calvary cross, circular headstones and an open view all the way to the ocean. Walk it at your own pace or during the annual Whit Monday procession.

7. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

The way to explore this fortified town on the Santiago de Compostela route, and among the most beautiful villages in France, is on foot: from the UNESCO-listed Porte Saint-Jacques, make your way through the narrow streets with their historic buildings to the Citadel and admire the view of the Cize countryside, the Irouléguy vineyards and the mountains.
Useful tip: daily guided visits are organised all year round with extra evening visits in summer.
Information: +33(0)5 59 37 03 57

8. The historical centre of Bayonne

A protected area, Old Bayonne welcomes you to its narrow streets and along the banks of the Nive: the perfect opportunity to take in the half-timbered facades, the Sainte-Marie Cathedral and its cloister, both on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Useful tip: the Bayonne Tourist Office organises guided theme tours all year round.
Information: www.bayonne-tourisme.com

6. La Chapelle d’Ainhoa

Randonnée GR10 Ainhoa

Depuis ce village, classé parmi les plus beaux de France, découvrez la chapelle Notre-Dame-d’Aubépine. Une montée de 45mn et vous êtes sur le site (389m), orné d’un calvaire et de stèles discoïdales, vue ouverte jusqu’à l’océan. À découvrir librement ou lors de la procession du lundi de Pentecôte.

7. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

VTT à Saint-Jean Pied de Port

Cette cité fortifiée, étape de Compostelle et parmi les plus beaux villages de France, se dévoile à pied : de la Porte Saint-Jacques, classée à l’UNESCO, parcourir les rues étroites aux demeures de caractère jusqu’à la citadelle et admirer la vue sur le Pays de Cize, les vignobles d’Irouléguy et les montagnes.
À savoir : des visites commentées sont organisées toute l’année en journée et l’été en soirée.
Renseignements : 05 59 37 03 57

8. Le centre historique de Bayonne

Bayonne

Secteur sauvegardé, le Vieux Bayonne vous accueille dans ses ruelles et en bord de Nive. L’occasion d’admirer les façades à colombage, la Cathédrale Sainte Marie et son cloître, inscrits au Patrimoine mondial UNESCO.
A savoir : l’office de Tourisme de Bayonne organise des visites guidées thématiques toute l’année.
Renseignements : www.bayonne-tourisme.com

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