The great crossing of the Basque Country

We arrive at the village of Saint-Martin-d'Arrossa which has preserved its 17th and 18th century Basque houses and its typical church. AOC cheese tasting and visit to a cheese factory. From Arossa, we will follow the cliffs of Iparla (observation of griffon vultures) to Bidarray. Basque pelota game at the pediment (free space) in the heart of the village. Night and meal at the stopover cottage.
Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry/Bidarray Height difference: + 1271 m. Distance: 30 km. Duration: 6 hours of mountain biking.

D3 Invigorating itinerary with remarkable views. This stage goes through the interior Basque country, as we imagine. Pretty villages with white and red houses, pediments and their pelota players. Green hills where cows and pottoks graze in semi-freedom. All this is worth it and it will take some effort to enjoy these landscapes. A new route on ridges, crossing at the foot of the Mondarrain peak. The descent to Aïnhoa is superb, be careful it accelerates very quickly! An unprecedented journey. Night and meal at the stopover cottage.
Bidarray/Aïnhoa Height difference: + 980 m. Distance: 45 km. Duration: 6 to 7 hours of mountain biking.

D4 A sports course whose very steep start to the oratory is a good start. The unique panorama over the Aïnhoa Valley more than compensates for this first difficulty. The course on the ridges is beautiful. The descents are sometimes technical but superb, beautiful single. We go along the Pic du Mondarrain (possibility of ascent, on foot 10 minutes). Then we dive towards the Pas de Roland, very beautiful mountain bike, possibility of swimming in the river: the Nive. Discover the village of Espelette then return to the Aïnhoa cottage at the end of the day. Night and meal at the cottage.
Around Espelette and Aïnhoa Height difference: + 850 m. Distance: 43 km. Duration: 5 to 6 hours of mountain biking.

D5 Straddling France and Spain, this beautiful day of mountain biking will be varied, alternating tracks and downhill singles tracks. We cross beautiful typical Basque villages before reaching Sare then Aïnhoa, ranked among the most beautiful villages in France. We are on the border between the northern Basque country and Navarre. The route takes you through some passages of the smugglers' route, famous in the region. We then pass to Spain and go around the famous Rhune mountain. We make our way to the Intsola Pass before diving to the village of Olhette where André will welcome us in his friendly cottage. Night and meal at the stopover cottage.
Aïnhoa/Olhette Height difference: + 900 m. Distance: 55 km. Duration: 6 hours of mountain biking.

D6 We leave this morning, ocean in front of us, and join the famous GR10 which leads us to the Col d'Ibardin, known for its famous breathtaking view of the ocean and its “ventas”. From the pass, a beautiful descent awaits us to reach the ocean (superb view of the entire Basque coast). A beautiful itinerary that allows us to relax in the afternoon and enjoy swimming in Hondarrabia Bay in Spain. We will first have to cross the border town of Irun. Night and meal in an inn facing the ocean.
Olhette/Hendaye/Hondarrabia Height difference: + 750 m. Distance: 45 km. Duration: 4 hours of mountain biking.

The course of this program is given for information purposes only. It may be modified or adapted according to technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment. In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

The coastal path is superb, the small wild coves, the proximity to the ocean and the arrival at the port of Hondarribia complete this magnificent itinerary.
Height difference: + 790 m. Distance: 33 km. Duration: 3 hours of mountain biking.
End of the course in the afternoon. Possibility of returning to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by bus and train. Arrival Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port around 19:30.