The Basque Country by bike, from the mountains to the sea
4-day cycle tour through the Basque country. The itinerary takes you to the hills of La Bastide-Clairence, then along other typical villages such as Espelette, before heading down to the coast along the Atlantic bike route.
- Atlantic Coast
- 4 day(s)
- Difficult
- ~ 32 km/day
- Loop
This 4-day cycling trip describes a loop through the Basque Country from Biarritz to the hills of La Bastide-Clairence, before returning to the foothills of the Pyrenees and the coast
From the coast to the hills of La Bastide-Clairence, this self guided cycle tour through the Basque country will showcase different sides of this colourful region. On the first day, you'll admire the beaches of the Atlantic coast, the half-timbered houses of Bayonne historic town, the riverbanks of the Adour, the peaceful pastures on the hills and the architectural beauty of La Bastide-Clairence. You cycle further through the green landscapes of hills, pass by nice typical villages and enjoy the best views on the coast. Your itinerary leads over the "Col de Pinodieta" and "Col de Saint-Ignace" passes, where you will enjoy wonderful views on the sea and the mountains. Your trip ends along the Atlantic cycle route from Saint-Jean-de-Luz back to Biarritz.
Program
- 40 km
- + 200 m
You leave the palaces and villas of Biarritz and cycle along the seashore and the Adour river to discover the colourful houses of Bayonne. Immerse yourself in the special atmosphere of the city, which has been awarded the title of City of Art and History. You leave Bayonne by taking a beautiful cycling path along the Adour. Then, you climb the first Basque hills. Your efforts will be quickly rewarded by the magnificent view on the green landscapes.
Finally, after a long descent with a breathtaking panorama, you will see La Bastide-Clairence with its white and green or red striped facades, classified among the most beautiful villages of France. The village is known for its dynamism thanks to its multitude of craftsmen and its annual fairs.
- 28 km
- + 440 m
You leave La Bastide-Clairence on a small road undulating on the crest of the hills. Pedal in the middle of the pastures where only the sound of the bells of the cows resounds. You will arrive in Hasparren, a traditional Basque village at the foot of Mount Ursuya. Take the time to walk around the village to admire its old Basque farms dating from the 17th and 18th century.
Then follow the footsteps of Napoleon by taking the Imperial Road of the Peaks, built by the emperor to facilitate access to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port during the Spanish war of independence. On the way, don't miss a visit to the beautiful Villa Arnaga in Cambo-les-Bains, home of the writer Edmond Rostand. Finally, pedal relaxed to Itxassou.
- 25 km
- + 650 m
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.
- 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
- 4 day(s)
- Difficult
- ~ 32 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
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- Atlantic Coast
- Difficult
- ~ 32 km/day
- Loop