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Cycling in the Basque Country – Between land and sea

Price per person

From 920€

Type of stay

Bicycle trip

Location

Biarritz - France

Duration

6 to 7 days

Difficulty

Departures

Daily from April to October

Capacity

2 people minimum

Reference

Cyclo 15

Your stay

Cycling in the Basque Country, Atlantic Pyrenees

An exciting loop starting from Biarritz, a famous and elegant seaside resort. The Basque Country by bike is the discovery of a multi-faceted territory. This region between land and sea, steeped in history and tradition, has a lot in store for you.

On the ocean side, the vélodyssée takes you along a coastline lined with fine sandy beaches and steep cliffs. Charming little ports, some of the most beautiful villages in France, will be on your route. The French Basque coast is world-renowned for its surfing.

Have lunch in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, then drive on to Hendaye and cross the Spanish border at Fontarrabie (Hondarribia). Here, the many tapas bars await you for a festive evening. At the end of the journey, Bayonne, the emblematic Basque city with its historic center and narrow medieval streets, will delight you with its cultural richness. Situated at the mouth of the Adour river, it will herald your return to the ocean coast.

On land, the scenery changes. The ocean as far as the eye can see gives way to small valleys and hills with green pastures dotted with flocks of sheep and a few Pottok (small Basque horses). You’ll pedal along small country roads, crossing small passes offering breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range. Your cycling days will be punctuated by cool breaks in typical villages such as Ascain, Sare or Itxassou, admiring (perhaps!) children playing Pelote Basque on the fronton of the square. You’ll visit the fortified town of Saint-Jean Pied de Port, a major stopover on the pilgrims’ route to Santiago de Compostela, Espelette and the charming spa town of Cambo les Bains. Finally, you’ll follow the banks of the Nive river back to the ocean.

On this cycling tour of the Basque Country, let yourself be tempted by gastronomy! Gâteau basque, Brebis Ossau Iraty and Espelette chilli pepper are perfect examples. Charming bed & breakfasts or 3 and 4* hotels will give you a warm welcome every evening.

You'll enjoy :

The chic seaside resorts of Biarritz and Saint-Jean de Luz
The Spanish Tapas Evening
The lovely red-and-white Basque villages along the way
Postcard-perfect landscapes between pastures and rocky coasts
The fortified city of St-Jean Pied de Port, a major stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela

Back to travel

Daily program

Day 1 - Arrival in Biarritz

Arrive at your accommodation in Biarritz. You will be welcomed at the hotel****. We’ll provide you with documentation on the region and a road book indicating your route.

Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts in France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches, 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 - 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 country

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 - Ainhoa to Saint Jean Pied de Port

After crossing the Pinodiéta pass, you’ll pass through the market town of Espelette, famous for the trade in these little wild horses called Pottocks, and for its famous Espelette pepper, which will surprise your taste buds! You’ll then descend along the River Nive, winding your way to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, a typical village world-famous for its UNESCO-listed Porte Saint Jacques, which attracts increasing numbers of pilgrims every year. Night and breakfast in a charming bed & breakfast

Day 5 - Saint Jean Pied de Port to Itxassou or Cambo-les-bains

There’s something for everyone on this stage. You can continue your tour by bike, or, if the previous day’s route has exhausted you, take a train to the next stage! (A train in the morning and/or early afternoon). You’ll have plenty of time to explore the surrounding area on a route specially designed for you.

Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast in a charming B&B or 3*** hotel

Day 6 - Ainhoa to Itxassou or Cambo les bains

After crossing the Pinodiéta pass, you’ll pass through the market town of Espelette, famous for the trade in these little wild horses called Pottoks, and for its famous Espelette chilli pepper, which will surprise your taste buds!… You’ll then follow in the footsteps of Napoleon 1st and pedal along the Route des Cîmes, built in his time!

Dinner, overnight stay and breakfast in hotel

Day 7 - Back to the Basque coast

After the first 15 km, you’ll take a cycle path that 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 8 - Departure

Departure after breakfast

rates

Price per person

	April to October	July and August
6 days – 5 nights : 7 days – 6 nights :	920 € 1060 €	980 € 1115 €

Price includes

5 or 6 nights in 3* and 4* hotels and 1 B&B with breakfast (in double/twin room)
2 dinners (excluding drinks)
Route book (map and directions)
1 GPS application
Luggage transfer at each stage
The France-Spain boat trip
24/7 telephone assistance

Supplement

	6 days – 5 nights	7 days – 6 nights
Touring bikes (VTC) Electric bicycle (VAE) Road bikes	95 € 170 € 175 €	110 € 200 € 200 €
30 € supplement per person for arrival on Saturday or Sunday

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:

Download the “Evazio” application onto your smartphone for GPS navigation with visual (reading the route on your smartphone screen) and/or spoken guidance. The application 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 (on request)
1 anti-theft device
1 charger (for electric bike)

A road bike

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: