Basque Country (GR10): ocean-to-mountains
€1040
per person
The Grande Randonnée (GR) is the French way to describe one big walking adventure or simply translated as The Great Hike. A huge network of hiking footpaths crosses France, Spain, Belgium and Netherlands, among which is the famous GR10 Transpyrenean Trail. The trail connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic ocean by crossing the Pyrenees at their 800km length. Hiking the entire route usually takes up to 52 days but this self-guided program will let you discover the beauty of the most beautiful sites along the itinerary in just 8 days.
The walking trip starts from Hendaye, a fishing port located on the bay of Txingudi where you will be taken to the first foothills of the Pyrenees. This self-guided walking trip will let you discover the Basque Country with its colorful unusual villages, placed in the warm embrace of lush valleys and guarded by the majestic peaks of the emblematic Rhune. Strolling around you will encounter an exceptional cultural identity of this region and the walk will meet you with the unique presence of typical animals such as the bétisu, small wild cows, or the pottoks, Basque ponies living in the wild. A colorful palette of stunning views, mythical history and emblematic culture will be completed by delicious meals in those gastronomic places along the route!
A hiking journey where the ocean and mountains meet is awaiting you!
Level 2/3
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Destination
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Duration8 Days I Level: 2/3 (of 5)
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What is included2-3-4* hotels (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinners on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6); Detailed roadbook (route notes in English and walking maps) - 1 set per group of 1-4 pax; Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, max 15kg); People transfers as per program (Day 7); GPS tracks if required; Emergency hotline;
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What is not includedDrinks, other meals and transfers, entry fees
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided hiking and inn to inn walking tour along the GR10 in the Basque Country Pyrenees (France)
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Day 1: Arrive in Hendaye (6km; 2hrs; +80m/-80m)
Plan your arrival in Hendaye carefully as there is such a beauty to be discovered. In case your flight arrival time permits, you can choose to walk in the area of Domain d’Abbadia - a stunning natural site stretching over 65 hectares right from the coast. A great blend of landscapes - moors, prairies, purple valleys of heather and high cliffs. Another must-see site is the famous néo gothic chateau, the Domaine d'Abbadie.
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Day 2: Hendaye to Ibardin (15km; 4,30-5hrs, +845m/-460m)
The city of Hendaye is lying on the estuary of the River Bidassoa where the borders of Spain and France meet. The route begins from the Hendaye Plage and rises rapidly above the Atlantic ocean. The first stage of your multi-day self-guided walk will be pleasant and offers stunning views. Passing through small idyllic villages where the harmony reigns! There is still not a sign what is awaiting you - high majestic mountains with powerful standing peaks.
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Day 3: Ibardin to Sare (17km; 5,30hrs; +700m/-1000m)
The first contours of the distant mountains will show up on the horizon. Today you will have the opportunity to climb the summit of Rhune. Erected 980 m above the sea level, Rhune is considered as the first peak of the Pyrenean chain. Your hike will end up at the charming village of Sare so you could enjoy your well-deserved rest after accomplishing your first hike of the program.
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Day 4: Sare to Ainhoa (12km; 3,30hrs, +250/-200m)
After a healthy breakfast be ready to start your easy walk from Sare to Ainhoa. The hiking paths wind between beautiful hills and the fresh air will fill you up with power! What is expecting you in Ainhoa is amazing. Often quoted as “one of the most beautiful villages in Europe” this settlement has an unique atmosphere created by the houses - mostly dating back to the 17th century. Most of them are marked with the details of the family’s history and also with carved the date of their construction.
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Day 5: Ainhoa to Itxassou (12-17km; 4-6hrs, +360-800m/-420-865m)
For this day you have two possible routes. One is along the original itinerary of the GR10 and passes through the mountain route via Mondarrain peak. Picturesque panoramic views towards the Basque mountains and the coast in the distances will open up. So do not forget to stop to admire the beauty and capture the serenity with your camera. On the other hand you can choose to walk along the GR8 - a lower valley route that passes through several hamlets and bigger villages such as Espelette - famous for its chili peppers hanging on the walls of the houses! No matter what you choose, you will spend your overnight in Itxassou - a small commune in the region of Basque.
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Day 6: Itxassou to Bidarray (14km; 5hrs, +700/-650m)
The hiking paths and panoramas along this stage of GR10 alternates between the Pyrenean summits and the mountain villages with outstanding Basque identity. Do not miss your chances to learn more about this unique area and its cultural heritage. Today's wildlife will be represented by the griffon vultures floating in the air above your heads in beautiful circles. After reaching the gorges of the Pas de Roland, a place full of stories and
legends, you will climb on the slopes of the Artzamendi (924m) via the "green plateau" which bears its name well! After having enjoyed a superb panorama from the summit of Gakoeta (579m), you will descend towards Bidarray village - an emblematic night stop that could summarize with its outlook the Basque culture and lifestyle.
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Day 7: Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint Jean Pied de Port (16km; 5,30-6hrs, +500/-950m)
After a healthy breakfast, be ready for the farewell hike. A transfer (30 mins) will take you to Oylarandoy massif, on the hills of St Etienne de Baigorry. This stage of GR10 will lead you to the old capital of the Basque country - a fortified town and a famous stopover on the world known Saint Jacques de Compostelle route (El Camino De Santiago) . The superb mountain scenery at the foot of Munhoa summit will mark the end of your self-guided hiking journey. Last moment to admire the beautiful views towards the colorful valleys. The stage between Bidarray and St Etienne de Baigorry is avoided by a transfer because it is rather difficult. However, it is possible to add this stage to your itinerary.
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Day 8: Departure day
Services end after breakfast.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
1040 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/04-25/06; 01-30/10)
1095 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (26/06-30/09)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 335 Euro per person
Solo traveler supplement: N/A (min. group size: 2 pax)
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of April and the end of October. The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky.
Getting there: Nearest Airports are Biarritz Parme Airport (25km): daily flights from Paris, Londres, Lyon, and the Clermont Ferrand. By train: Many TER trains travel in direction to Hendaye with regular departures from all main cities. Consult www.ter-sncf.com for exact timetable. Departing from SJPdP: bus or train SNCF for Bayonne. From Bayonne you will have possible connections to Hendaye or Biarritz. Consult www.ter-sncf.com for exact timetable. Optional transfers by taxi (price per vehicle of 1-4 pax) from SJPdP to Hendaye: 220-240 Euro;
Accommodation
For this tour we book a combination of 2-3-4* hotels (en-suite rooms) incl. breakfast and dinner (dinners on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6): 1 night in 4* on Day 4; 3 nights in 3* on Day 1, Day 3 and Day 7; 1 night in a Spanish venta equivalent to 2** on Day 2; 2 nights in 2* on Day 5 and Day 6. Lunchpacks can be ordered and paid on spot to the accommodations, where you will be staying.
Send an enquiry about this tour
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