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Cycling in the Basque Country – 3 days of cycling

Price per person

From 720€

Type of stay

Voyage à vélo

Location

Biarritz - France

Duration

5 days

Difficulty

Departures

Daily from April to October

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 15-2

Your stay

Cycling vacations in the Basque Country.

A cycling trip in the French Basque Country, rich in emotion, to discover the Basque culture, Welcome to the Pyrénées Atlantiques. This magnificent, colorful region has many surprises in store for you.

Your cycling trip in the Basque Country begins in Biarritz, under the spray of the coastline. You’ll then enjoy pedaling along the “Vélodyssée” cycle route. A succession of small ports, sandy beaches and steep cliffs awaits you, the Basque coast in all its splendor. After a visit to Saint-Jean de Luz, with its world-famous surf spots,

you’ll reach Hendaye and cross the Spanish border. You’ll then be in the Spanish Basque country of “Euskadi”, where the many tapas and pintxo bars invite you to a festive evening of Basque culture.

Your cycling tour continues inland, visiting some of France’s most beautiful villages, with their red and green houses, such as Sare and Ainhoa. A few words of Euskara, the traditional Basque language, will open the doors to the Labourd region. The route then follows small country roads between valleys and hills, offering unforgettable views of the Pyrenees chain and the ocean horizon… a real treat.

After a visit to the village of Espelette, famous for its peppers and other products, and the charming spa town of Cambo les bains, the banks of the Nive river will take you to Bayonne, the emblematic Basque town with its historic center and narrow medieval streets. Bayonne is the beating heart of the Basque people and of the South West, as demonstrated by the world-famous Fêtes de Bayonne.

Finally, the iodized atmosphere heralds your return to the Atlantic coast, which you will follow to Biarritz, the famous seaside resort. 3 and 4-star hotels will give you a warm welcome every night.

You'll enjoy :

A journey steeped in tradition
The chic seaside resorts of Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz
The lovely red-and-white Basque villages along the way
Postcard-perfect scenery of pastures, gentle rivers and rocky coastlines
The historic center of Bayonne, a city of arts and history.

Back to travel

Daily program

Day 1 - Arrival in Biarritz

Arrive at your accommodation in Biarritz. You will be welcomed at the hotel****. You will be given documentation on the region and a road book indicating your tour.

Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts in France and Europe, especially for surfers from all over the world. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing, thalassotherapy cures and numerous golf courses are appreciated the world over. At nightfall, the restaurants, bars and party venues will enchant your evening.

Overnight in a bed and breakfast hotel ****.

Day 2 - From Biarritz to Hondarribia

You’ll discover the wealth of natural areas that make up the Corniche Basque: valleys, ridges, cliffs, farmland and mountains. Along the way, you’ll enjoy visiting the many typical villages of this region: Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its famous bay, Hendaye and the Abbadia estate. Then you’ll cross the Bidassoa river and plunge into the Spanish atmosphere! A river shuttle from Hendaye will take you to Hondarribia, a fortified town with many historical treasures.

Fontarabie (Hondarribia) is famous for its tapas and nightlife. It’s a coastal fishing town, with colorful Basque houses and balconies bursting with flowers. Discovering Hondarribia is a real pleasure! Its fortified old town is teeming with seigniorial buildings and has been classified as a historic and artistic monument. Clinging to the hillside, it is surrounded by imposing 16th-century walls, and dominated by Charles V’s castle. Overnight stay and breakfast in a 3-star hotel

Day 3 - From the ocean to the Basque land

From Hondarribia you’ll board the shuttle again to reach Hendaye and continue on to Ascain. Here, you’ll discover the famous Roman bridge and a wealth of cultural attractions. 4 km further on, the little Rhune train will be waiting to take you to the highest point in the Basque Country! After a stroll through the picturesque streets of Sare, you’re off to discover the village of witches… Legend has it that their spirits still haunt the area! You’ll finish your tour in the typical village of Ainhoa, with its half-timbered houses, pigeon-houses and meadows full of sheep.

Between the medieval village and the elegant bastide, 800 years of history are traced through the streets of Ainhoa. You’ll discover the village church, but also the ancient steles in the cemetery, the pediment, the wash-house… Admire the imposing mansions lining the main street and learn all about their particular features.

Soon, Ainhoa will hold no secrets for you!

Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast in a charming B&B or 4* hotel

Day 4 - Return to Biarritz via Bayonne

After crossing the Pinodiéta pass, you’ll pass through the town of Espelette, famous for its pimento pepper, which will surprise your taste buds!… After Cambo, you’ll take a quiet cycle path along the River Nive, which you’ll follow all the way to Bayonne! You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy this city, famous for its local festivals and gourmet cuisine. You’ll then cycle along the Anglet coast, finishing in Biarritz.

Bed and Breakfast in a hotel **** with breakfast

Day 5 - Departure

Departure after breakfast

rates

Price per person

5 days – 4 nights: €720
July and August: €780

Price includes

4 nights in 3* and 4* hotels with breakfast (in double/twin room)
1 dinner (excluding drinks)
Route book (map and directions)
1 GPS App for Smartphone with route
Luggage transfer at each stage
The France-Spain boat trip
24/7 technical assistance

Supplement

VTC bike rental: €80
Electric bike rental: €140
Road bike rental: €140

Further information

We take care of transporting your luggage every time you change accommodation, so you can travel light and enjoy your day’s hiking.

Leave your luggage at the reception desk of your accommodation before departure.

At the end of the afternoon, you’ll meet them at the reception desk of your new accommodation or directly in your room.

Luggage accepted per person: 1 suitcase or travel bag (maximum 23 kg) + 1 carry-on.

Your travel file corresponds to the documents or files you receive prior to your trip (generally one month before) and/or on arrival at your first accommodation.

It includes :

A welcome letter with key practical information:

Baggage transport times
Details of delivery and collection of rental bikes if required
Your local contact and emergency telephone number(s)
Any additional information

Travel logbook including map with route (at the appropriate scale) and directional, tourist and practical information

Any necessary vouchers to be given to the service provider(s)

On request and depending on the tour:

The “Evazio” application, downloadable onto your smartphone, for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The app also contains practical and tourist information. Once the trip has been downloaded, no Internet connection is required.
Loan of a GPS device with pre-recorded tracks
Send GPX tracks of each stage for use with your own navigation device

On this tour, we can provide you with a choice of the following, upon reservation:

A VTC bike adapted to the ride and the route

Velo Pays basque

An electric bike adapted to the route

VAE Basque Country

With equipment :

Bag 1

Handlebar bag

Repair kit

Anti-theft device

Headset

1 rear bag
1 handlebar bag
1 repair kit
1 helmet
1 anti-theft device
1 charger (for electric bike)

A road bike

Velo de course Pays basque

For younger children, depending on age and size, we can offer

Children's bikes

Bicycle follower

Second trailer

A child’s bike
A baby seat
A trailer
A follower bike

The bike is adjusted to your size and delivered to the first accommodation.

At the end of the tour, the bike must be left at the last accommodation with its equipment. We’ll take care of collecting them.

This tour is offered in the “superior” category

Hotel categories :

Comfort: The tour features mainly 2 and 3-star hotels (or equivalent comfort level) and bed & breakfasts.
Superior: The tour features mainly 3- and 4-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort) and charming bed & breakfasts.
Luxury: The tour features mainly 4- and 5-star hotels (or equivalent level of comfort).

For the duration of your stay, our telephone assistance service is available:

7 days a week
from 07:30 to 20:30.

Itinerary

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