Cycling holiday to the highlights of the French Basque country

Discover Biarritz, the historical capital of surfing in and queen of the seaside resorts of the Atlantic coast. Atlantic coast. Stroll through the streets of the city and and admire the palace built by Napoleon III for his his wife Eugenie, the Rocher de la Vierge, the the lighthouse of Biarritz or the Cité de l'Océan. This former fishermen's village, which became a popular holiday resort for European aristocrats in the 19th century the 19th century, is today a dynamic and welcoming city which will seduce you with its gentle way of life.

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.

You leave Cambo-les-Bains, cycling the first climbs of the Pyrenee foothills. Take the time to admire the magnificent panoramas. Your bike itinerary continues in the valley where cows and sheep will keep you company. For gourmets, we recommend a short stop at the Basque museum of pastoralism and cheese. You can see the affinage cellars and taste some cheese !

Your route will then reach that of the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela joining Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last stop in France before the climb of the Roncesvalles pass to Spain. Let yourself be seduced by the charming character of this town. Discover its medieval streets and its local crafts without missing the Saint-Jacques gate, listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

You have the choice between a resting day to discover Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port or a hike in the beautiful surrounding valley.

This hike is accessible to all and makes you discover the Arradoy and its AOC Irouléguy terraced vineyards. The gentle ascent offers a breathtaking view over the valley and the Pyrenees. You reach the orientation table and a picnic area, where you can stop before walking down.

For the bravest, an itinerary leads you to the peak of the Arradoy on small paths before entering a forest of oaks and chestnuts with an enchanting atmosphere!

Ride up on little countryside roads and admire the wonderful landscapes of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the Aldudes valley. Discover the vineyards of Irouléguy (the smallest appellation in France) planted by the monks of Roncesvalles in the 12th century. From small villages and their authentic farms to the Roman village of Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry, discover the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.

Your itinerary takes you on nice mountain roads surrounded by the soft hills of peaceful pastures where the cow bells are ringing. From Bidarray on, you cycle along the Nivelle river to Itxassou, a typical Basque village where you will probably have the opportunity to watch pelota players on the fronton square.

You leave Itxassou to reach the famous village of Espelette where garlands of dried peppers decorate the facades. Fill up on local products in the many farms along the way. After passing the Pinodieta pass, you will reach Ainhoa, classified among the most beautiful villages of France.

Then, only a few kilometers separate you from the French-Spanish border. Pass the old customs before entering Spain. Make a stop in the beautiful village of Zugarramurdi, known for its caves and its witch museum. You continue to Sare. A deviation of about 8 kilometers gives you the possibility to discover the caves of Sare if you wish.

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.