Walk from the Pays Basque to Hendaye on the Atlantic coast as you hike the first section of the GR10 trail in the French Pyrenees.
- See the mountain landscapes of the Pays Basque
- Visit charming traditional mountain villages
- Hike the famed GR10 trail
- Enjoy regional food & wines
- Walk the Magnificent Iparla Ridge & Pic d’Iparla
This stretch of the 415-kilometre-long Grand Randonnée footpath features a variety of landscapes specific to the Pays Basque (Basque Country), which nestles in the heart of the French département of Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else along the entire route - as you head towards the coast - the landscapes are unique. However, the Pays Basque is not defined in terms of high mountains and peaks, but rather by its exceptional charm and unique culture.
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the historic capital of the French Pays Basque, you walk towards Saint-Etienne-de-Baı̈rorri, with views of the Iparla Ridge, and on to Bidarray. Walking through a succession of rolling hills and low peaks, you pass villages built in the purest Basque architectural tradition. On reaching the border with Spain at the Col d'Ibardin, you can savour the Spanish atmosphere before descending towards Hendaye, to enjoy the charms of this lively coastal town beside the lovely bay of Txingudi.
Please note, we can offer the entire route, or any section of it, including Section 3 & Section 4. Please contact us for more details.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, capital of the Pays Basque and the département of Basse-Navarre, lies at the foot of the Roncevaux Pass into Spain. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose from a couple of nearby circular walks: Kurutxamendi, a small hill overlooking the town with views towards the peaks of Navarre, makes a pleasant short and easy stroll alongside pilgrims en route to Santiago de Compostela.
Walking distance: 5 km | Ascent: 145 m | Descent: 145 m
Alternatively, there’s a walk through the vineyards of Irouléguy and the village of Ispoure, near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Walking distance: 8 km | Ascent: 280 m | Descent: 280 m
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Day 2: Walk to Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry
The challenging first stage of your walk through the heart of the Pays Basque includes the ascent of Munhoa (1,021m), and the Oylarandoy massif, before reaching the attractive village of Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 965 m | Descent: 960 m
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Day 3: Walk to Bidarray
Another challenging walk - one of the most beautiful in the Pays Basque - leads through breathtaking scenery of red sandstone cliffs along the famous Iparla Ridge and past the summit of Pic d’Iparla (1,044m). Here you can enjoy a panoramic view before descending to the village of Bidarray.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 1,050 m | Descent: 1,100 m
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Day 4: Walk to Col des Vaux
This section leads between a series of low peaks and villages with a strong Basque identity. The trail heads toward the Col de Méhatché (716m), entering a rocky landscape where griffin vultures can be seen wheeling overhead.
Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 800 m | Descent: 360 m
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Day 5: Walk to Sare
Your route winds across the Col Zuccuta, a superb lookout spot, bypassing Mont Atxulegi (617m), and Mont Erebi (583m) before descending to Ainhoa, a magnificent 12th-century bastide village. The final stretch through pleasant countryside brings you to Sare, another pretty Basque village.
Walking distance: 22 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 850 m
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Day 6: Walk to Ibardin
The trail crosses the massif of La Rhune (905m), which in Euskara (the Basque language) means ‘a place for grazing’. The sacred mountain of the Basque people, it is considered to be the last (or the first - depending on which direction you’re travelling) real summit in the Pyrenees. You overnight at the Col d'Ibardin, on the border with Spain, with fine views over the valley.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 1,050 m | Descent: 750 m
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Day 7: Walk to Hendaye; end of trip
From the Spanish border, the trail drops through lush countryside to the Atlantic, gradually leaving the foothills of the Pyrenées-Atlantiques behind. The trip ends on your arrival in Hendaye, a lively coastal town with a sandy beach on the lovely bay of Txingudi, where your luggage will be waiting.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 460 m | Descent: 845 m
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 days from £695 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 days from £925 per person
- Single room supplement: From £150
- Walking grade: Demanding
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: 1,100m
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 4 nights, guesthouse x 1 night, gîte d’étape x 1 night
- 6 breakfasts & 5 dinners
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 1 Apr to 31 Oct | £695 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
