Between sea, mountains and tradition

Cycling the Basque Country – Villages & Scenic Routes in France

HendayeSaint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Sheep’s cheese, Basque songs, garlands of red chillies and surfers riding the waves… the Basque Country has a way of captivating the senses. This region, with its strong character, reveals itself gently along an e-bike route between Hendaye and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. Our partners at Terres d’aventure have put together a trip that can be completed in 5 or 7 days, depending on your preferences (and your appetite for discovery!). Set off to explore its traditional villages, rolling landscapes and passionate artisans.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

The comfort of an electric bike

Spectacular scenery and the warm atmosphere of the Basque Country

An itinerary easily accessible by train

Meetings with artisans, producers and locals

Day 1

First Steps in Hendaye

You breathe in the fresh air in Hendaye, between sea spray, Basque façades and the wild cliffs of the Abbadia estate.

at a glance

Between Ocean and Heritage

The sea air warmly welcomes you to Hendaye at the start of your stay. If you arrive early, take the time to wander through the town and discover Basque specialities in its small gourmet spots.

Feel like stretching your legs? Head out to explore the Abbadia estate. Overlooking the Atlantic, this neo-Gothic castle combines scientific heritage with wild natural beauty.

Destination Hendaye

Abbadia Estate

©Hendaye, CBE Horizon, Vue d’ensemble / Olivier Gerber

Your accomodation in a collective hostel

Bella Vista Guest Center

Ideally located on the heights of Hendaye Beach, just a 10-minute walk from the Deux Jumeaux station, the Bella Vista Guest Center and its landscaped garden offer outstanding views over the Rhune massif and the Basque coastline. Whether with friends, family or in a group, Bella Vista Guest Center guarantees quality accommodation in a simple and relaxed setting. The cuisine is carefully prepared, influenced by the Basque Country and nearby Spain, and served either in the dining room or on the outdoor terrace.
European Eco-label

Bella Vista Guest Center

Day 2

Hendaye – Sare

You leave the Atlantic behind to reach Sare, moving from the terraces of Saint-Jean-de-Luz to the first Basque foothills.

at a glance

From Sea to Mountains

You leave the coastline, following the Basque corniche towards Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a charming seaside town. After a break on a terrace, continue towards Ascain and the Saint-Ignace pass.

From here, a small rack railway can take you up to La Rhune, the emblematic mountain of the Basque Country. The descent towards Sare, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is gentle.

An alternative route via the Ibardin pass offers a detour into Spain and a different perspective on La Rhune.

Destination Saint-Jean-de-Luz

About Sare (in French)

©Sare, Chalet Elisa, chambre / DAUX

Your accomodation in Sare

Chalet Elisa Guesthouse

In Sare, in the heart of the village, three modern guest rooms with private facilities are available in a fully renovated family home. Enjoy beautiful views over the mountains, the village and the surrounding countryside. Garden and outdoor seating area. Parking available. Wi-Fi. Independent access. Located at the starting point of numerous hiking trails, including GR10 and GR8.
Certified Guesthouse

Chalet Elisa Guesthouse

Day 3

Sare – Itxassou

You cycle between Ainhoa and Espelette, at the pace of drying peppers and gently rolling hills.

at a glance

Immersion in the Most Beautiful Basque Villages

Continue along the road through hills and farms, with two iconic villages in sight: Ainhoa and Espelette.

One charms with its architectural harmony, the other with its garlands of peppers and festive spirit. Here, local products reign supreme.

In the evening, you settle in Itxassou, land of cherry trees. For a cultural touch, an alternative route takes you to Cambo-les-Bains and the beautiful Villa Arnaga, the house-museum of Edmond Rostand.

Heritage of the Basque Country

©Itxassou, Hôtel Le Chêne / Le chêne

Your accomodation in Itxassou

Le Chêne Hotel-Restaurant 2★

In a typical area of the village of Itxassou, the Le Chêne hotel-restaurant is a charming 17th-century country inn. On the hotel side, discover 15 characterful rooms combining rustic charm with modern touches, enhanced by bright, vibrant colours. The garden, furnished with armchairs and sun loungers, invites you to relax while enjoying views of the mountains. On the restaurant side, enjoy inventive land-and-sea cuisine, generous and flavourfull, served in a dining room with blue beams or on one of its three terraces.

Le Chêne Hotel-Restaurant

Day 4

Itxassou – Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry

You follow the Nive River between cliffs and legends, before climbing towards the heights of Iparla and their wilder landscapes.

at a glance

The Soul of the Mountains

Today, you follow the Pas de Roland road, winding along the Nive River between cliffs and legends.

From Bidarray, the road climbs towards the Gastigar pass and the Iparla ridges, before descending to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry.

For a longer alternative, you can go around the Ursuya and Baigura mountains along the opposite bank.

About Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry

©Saint-Étienne-de-Baigorry, Camping Irouléguy, vue aérienne / otgb – Mairie

Your accomodation in Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry

Irouléguy Municipal Campsite 2★

Just a 5-minute walk from the village centre, in the heart of the Irouléguy vineyards, the campsite is located by the river in a green and shaded setting. Close to the swimming pool, sports complex, supermarket and a brewery, we welcome guests from March to November. Facilities include a token-operated washing machine, freezer and refrigerator. Dogs are allowed if kept on a leash and vaccinated. At the campsite entrance, facilities are available for motorhomes (waste disposal).

Irouléguy Municipal Campsite

Day 5

Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry – Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

You cross the final passes to reach Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, with the Pyrenees as a backdrop and lively streets welcoming you on arrival.

at a glance

Grand Finale

The Aharza, Urdanzia and Lasse passes punctuate this final stage. Demanding, but rewarded with spectacular landscapes all the way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

This town, a major stop on the Camino de Santiago, is lively all year round. Let yourself wander through its cobbled streets, meet local artisans and enjoy views over the Pyrenees. For the more adventurous, a sporty alternative offers greater elevation, and equally rewarding scenery.

About Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

To Extend the Experience

7-Day Option

If you have more time, spend an extra night in Hendaye at the beginning of your stay, with a boat shuttle excursion across the Txingudy Bay to the Spanish port of Hondarribia.

To end on a high note, stay a little longer in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to explore the surrounding area freely by bike.

Good to know

All-inclusive holiday

You can organise this holiday entirely on your own or choose to travel with Terres d’Aventures. If you do so, a range of additional services will make things easier for you, such as luggage transport from one stage to the next.

A selection of accommodation to suit your preferences
Charming hotels or welcoming guesthouses, the accommodation offered by Terres d’Aventures is on a human scale, where the welcome is as warm as the breakfast is generous.
A range of addresses divided into three categories to suit every level of comfort:

Standard version: simple and authentic places, such as friendly guesthouses or 2-star hotels.
Comfort version: comfortable establishments, from 2- to 3-star hotels, perfect for a relaxing stay.
Premium version: charming 4-star hotels with swimming pools, for a refined and rejuvenating experience.

All accommodation offers secure bike storage and facilities to recharge electric bike batteries, ensuring peace of mind at every stage of your journey.

Visit the Terre d’Aventures website

and also

Practical Tips

Choose a bike suited to the terrain (gravel or e-bike recommended).
Plan for elevation changes: the region is hilly.
Take time to stop in villages. They are an essential part of the experience.
Travel light and adapt your pace

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

Is the Basque Country suitable for cycling?

Yes, with a wide range of routes and landscapes, though some sections can be hilly.

Do you need to be experienced?

Not necessarily, electric bikes make the itinerary accessible.

When is the best time to go?

Spring to early autumn offers the best conditions.

Rates

indicative budget

(Prices with Terres d’Aventures – Based on 1 people)

From €490 to €840 (1 adult)

The price depends on the season and the type of accommodation chosen. It includes

Travel documents
Accommodation
Breakfasts
Luggage transfer
24/7 telephone assistance in case of emergency throughout your trip

The price does not include

International transport to/from the destination
Insurance, registration fees and tourist taxes
Return transport to the meeting point
Drinks, lunches and dinners
Single room supplement
Bicycle hire

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