Atlantic coast, countryside and mountains all in one place!
Close your eyes and imagine a perfect day on the bike, and it will match very closely to riding in the Basque Country. Come discover the many faces of the region. This colored area will surprise you. Our circuit combines both inland and beautiful coastal scenery: towering cliffs, rugged rocks, sandy bays and an ocean as far as the eye can see...Your trip will start in Biarritz in France with a beautiful sea salt spray rising from the ocean then you will ride off the Basque coast where you will enjoy a magnificent view! Then you will get away on the Bidassoa in Spain. Your itinerary will continue inland over lush, green hills and unforgettable landscapes dotted with white timber frame houses built centuries ago, discovering many villages like Sare, Ainhoa or Saint Jean Pied de Port. Their cultural richness and dynamism will amaze you. If there is something else the Basques are serious about besides cycling, its food. Be tempted by the typical local dishes… the Espelette Pepper is the emblematic spice! You will be welcomed every night in 3*** and 4**** hotels or charming guest houses.
Day 1: Arrival in Biarritz
Regional documentation and road book provided with itinerary details. Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts of France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing, its thalassotherapy and many golf courses are popular worldwide. At night, its restaurants, bars and squares will delight your nights.
Day 2: Biarritz > Hondarribia, ~32 km
On this itinerary you will discover the wealth of natural spaces that make up the corniche Basque: Valley, ridges, cliffs, mountains and farmland. Enjoy throughout your journey the visit of many villages in this region: Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its famous bay, Hendaye and the domain Abbadia. Then you will cross over the Bidassoa River and be immersed into the Spanish atmosphere! A river shuttle will drive you from Hendaye to Hondarribia, fortified city with many historical treasures. Fontarabie (Hondarribia) is famous for its tapas and nightlife. It is a coastal fishing town, with colorful Basque houses and many balconies with flowers. Discovering Hondarribia is a real pleasure! Its walled old town is full of stately buildings and was declared a Historic and Artistic Monument. Sat on a hillside, it is surrounded by towering walls of the 16th century, dominated by the castle of Charles V.
Day 3: Hondarribia > Hendaye > Ainhoa/Espelette, ~43-48 km
From Hondarribia you will board again on the river shuttle to rejoin Hendaye and to continue your itinerary to Ascain. You could discover its prestigious roman bridge and its cultural richness. 4 km from here the little train of the Rhune will wait for you to drive you to the highest top of the Basque country. After strolling in the town of Sare, with picturesque streets, you will ride to discover the village of witches. The legend tells us that their spirits still haunt the surroundings… You will end your day in the typical village of Ainhoa dotted with half-timbered houses, palombières, meadows populated with sheep. Between the medieval village and the elegant bastide, 800 years of history are retraced through the streets of Ainhoa. You will discover the church of the village, and then old stele of the cemetery, the pediment, the washhouse… Admire the impressive houses that line the main street and learn everything of their particularities. Soon Ainhoa will no longer be a secret to you!
Day 4: Ainhoa/Espelette > Saint Jean Pied de Port, ~40-46 km
After crossing the Pinodieta Pass, you will go through the market town of Espelette known for the trade of small wild horses called “Pottocks” and its famous pepper of Espelette that will truly tempt your taste buds! Then you will go down along the river Nive along small paths that snake to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, typical village, world famous for its Saint Jacques gateway classified by UNESCO, which, year after year, more and more pilgrims are drawn to it.
Day 5: Saint Jean Pied de Port > Itxassou or Cambo-les-Bains, ~41 km
This stage will fit everyone. You can either continue your bike ride or if the journey of the day before has exhausted you, take a train that will take you to the next step. There is one departure in the morning and one in the early afternoon. You will have time to explore the surroundings by following an itinerary specially designed for you.
Day 6: Back to the Basque coast, ~45 km
After the first 15 kilometers you will continue on a cycle track that leads to Bayonne. You will have time to enjoy this city famous for its local festivals and its gastronomic food. Then you can cycle along the coast of Anglet and end your journey in Biarritz.
Day 7: Individual departure
