3-day bike trip in the heart of the Basque Country
A self-guided bike trip in the Basque country to discover the best spots of the region during a short break. Due to its geography and the lack of major traffic routes, it is a very specific region with quiet small roads. There are few to no cycle paths, but there is also very little traffic. Please note, some climbs are long and steep, we do not recommend a touring bike in this region.
- Atlantic Coast
- 3 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Loop
Loop around Biarritz and the Basque Country with an ebike
This self-guided bike trip takes you across the Basque country during 3 days on an ebike (or touring bike if your legs are strong enough). You cycle on low-traffic roads or cycle paths. On the way, you will visit the traditional town of Bayonne, the Arnaga villa which belonged to the family of writer Edmond de Rostand (Cyrano de Bergerac), the nice villages of Espelette or Sare and finally, you will be cycling along the Basque coast from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Biarritz on the Velodyssey cycle route. You will be amazed by the variety of landscapes, the beauty of the villages and the taste of the food. This tour will take you along the best places of the Basque country by bike, an experience you shouldn’t forget.
Program
- 35 km
- + 146 m
You leave the luxury hotels and wonderful houses of Biarritz behind to follow the coastline and the Adour river towards Bayonne. It is worth a stop to admire its nice colourful houses, enter the cathedral and sense the atmosphere of the historic town. Then, you enter the Basque hinterland and cycle along the Nive river banks to the village of Ustaritz.
You cycle on small country roads to reach the spa town of Cambo-les-Bains. Do not miss to visit the beautiful Villa Arnaga, house of the French writer Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac.
- 31 km
- 35 km
You leave Cambo-les-Bains to reach Itxassou, then the charming village of Espelette where dried peppers are hanging in front of the facades. On your way, do not hesitate to make a short break and buy some regional products in the local farms. After crossing the Pinodieta pass, you reach Ainhoa ranked among the most beautiful villages of France.
From there, you are not so far from the French-Spanish border. Pass the old customs’ office before cycling on Spanish roads. You may want to stop in the beautiful village of Zugarramurdi, well-known for its caves and its "Witches museum". Finally, your arrive in the traditional village of Sare, also ranked among the most beautiful villages of France. You can make a detour of 8km to visit the impressive caves of Sare if you want.
- 35 km
- + 366 m
Leave Sare to cross the Saint-Ignace pass. Take advantage of the little train of the Rhune to get some height. This rack train dating from 1924 takes you in 35 minutes to 905 meters of altitude where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama on the French and Spanish Atlantic coast as well as on the Pyrenees chain.
A few pedal strokes further on, you reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz where numerous neo-Basque style villas stand. Follow the Vélodyssée itinerary along the Atlantic coast, its beaches, its cliffs and its waves that surfers come to face in any weather! On the way, you will discover the very chic town of Guétary known for its sumptuous villas. Finally, you come back to Biarritz and enjoy its gentle way of life for your last evening.
Accommodation
Information
Start of the trip
Your first day is a cycling stage. Your bikes will be available from 9.30 a.m. at the bicycle rental agency. If you have chosen the luggage transport option, you must drop them off at the agency before 9.30 a.m. Please take this in consideration when planning your journey to Biarritz.
To get to the departure point
By plane: flights to Biarritz.
By train: TGV’s to Biarritz. The train station is about 4km from the city center. When arriving at the train station, you can take a bus to the center. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com
Car park
It is very difficult to park in downtown Biarritz, especially in high season. If you wish, you can park your car in the secure car park at Biarritz SNCF station (~ 4km from the city center), then take the bus to reach the city center (20-25min).
As an alternative, you can park in Anglet (~7km from Biarritz). Parking there is much easier. Our bike partner has a shop in Anglet, so you can pick up your bikes directly and cycle to Biarritz (30min). Please add this option to your booking request if you would like to take it.
To return to the starting point
You return to the starting point Biarritz. If you have taken the luggage transport option, bear in mind that your luggage will be delivered in Biarritz at 5 p.m. at the earliest. Take that in consideration when planning your return.
- Atlantic Coast
- 3 day(s)
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Loop
Tried and tested stays!
- Experience15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
- Tested & ApprovedThe whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
- Quality of serviceA dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
- Secure paymentIndividual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
They've just returned from their travels!
We also recommend...
- Atlantic Coast
- Moderate
- ~ 33 km/day
- Loop