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

View from La Rhune towards the Basque coast

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, or Olhette. 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.

www.rhune.com

2. The coastal path

Hiker on the Sentier Littoral in Bidart

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.

Important, please note that the Corniche is currently undergoing a diversion between Ciboure and Hendaye. The signposting leads you along paths and small country roads, for an equivalent distance.. More information from the Basque Country Tourist Office.

3. The Kakuetta Gorges

The Kakuetta Gorges

A preserved site, this canyon is called "little Amazonia" for its luxuriant and wild nature. The path, laid out and secured between high slopes, leads in 1 hour to a large waterfall and the cave of the lakes. For young and old adventurers!

Important, please note that the site is currently closed. More information from the Basque Country Tourist Office.

4. The Ursuya

Ursuia landscape

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.

5. The Jaizkibel Crests

Socoa-Jaizkibel

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

GR10 Ainhoa hike

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

Mountain biking in 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

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

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Bureau d'Accueil Touristique de Hasparren - Office de Tourisme Pays Basque

2 place Saint Jean 64240 HASPARREN
Du 01/09/2023 au 31/12/2023
- Tourisme Béarn Pyrénées Pays basque -
- Tourisme Béarn Pyrénées Pays basque -
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Camping Les terrasses de Xapitalia

Route de Cambo - Chemin départemental 22 64240 HASPARREN
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
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Madame Sabine ETCHEVERRY

5-room semi-detached house (170m²) on a restored barn of active farm, in countryside. 5km from Hasparren and shops, 15km from Cambo-les-bains and its thermal baths, 25km from the Spanish border, 30km from beaches. Gd floor : hallway, sitting/living room with stove and open plan kitchen + dishwasher, 1room with 1 double bed + TV and contiguous shower room, separated WC. 1st floor : mezzanine with children area, 1room with 1 double bed, 1 room with 2 single beds, bathroom with WC. TV, hi-fi, WiFi, telephone. Utility room with freezer, laudry room with washing machine. Cot and baby equipment, terrace with garden furniture + plancha griddle and deck chairs, courtyard and parking space. Beds are done at the arrival. You may discover the farm's life.

Maison Ixuria 155 Ixuriko Bidea 64240 AYHERRE
Du 01/01/2023 au 31/12/2023
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
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Résidence Les Collines Iduki

Close to the beaches of Biarritz and just a few kilometres further to Spain, Iduki is ideally situated to discover the nature and history of this special area of France, relaxation on-site and easy access to any of your preferred activities.
Situated between the sea and the low Pyrenees, the village of La Bastide Clairence was founded by the kings of Navarre in the 14thC. The village has wisely retained its authenticity down through the centuries and continues to seduce all who visit it.

Route de la Côte 64240 LA BASTIDE-CLAIRENCE
Du 01/01/2023 au 31/12/2023
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
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Bureau d'Accueil Touristique de La Bastide Clairence - Office de Tourisme Pays Basque

Place des Arceaux Maison Darrieux 64240 LA BASTIDE-CLAIRENCE
Du 01/07/2023 au 27/08/2024
- Tourisme Béarn Pyrénées Pays basque -
- Tourisme Béarn Pyrénées Pays basque -
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Camping Etche Zahar

In the Basque Country, in the charming village of URT, overlooking the ADOUR river. If you follow the Adour to the west for about 17km you will arrive in Bayonne and 5km further is the mouth of the river and the beaches of Anglet. The beaches and villages of South Landes are quickly accessible thanks to the Adour bridge below the village of Urt. Mountains and typical Basque villages less than 20km away

175 allée de Mesplès 64240 URT
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -
- Office de Tourisme Pays Basque -