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.
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 will already be able to 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 bike further through the green landscapes of the low mountains, 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" mountain passes, where you will enjoy wonderful views on the sea and the mountains. You end up along the Atlantic cycle route from Saint-Jean-de-Luz back to Biarritz.
You leave the luxury hotels and wonderful houses of the Biarritz seaside resort to follow at your own pace the coastline and then the Adour River to discover the colorful houses of Bayonne. Enjoy the special atmosphere of the city, labeled "City of Art and History". You leave Bayonne by taking a beautiful bike path along the Adour. Then, you ride away the river and start climbing the first Basque hills. Your efforts will be soon rewarded by the magnificent view over the green landscapes.
Finally, after a long descent with a breathtaking panorama, you arrive in La Bastide-Clairence with its white facades striped with green or red, ranked among the most beautiful villages of France. The village is known for its numerous craftsmen and annual fairs.
You leave La Bastide-Clairence on a country road meanduring on top of the hills. You cycle surrounded by pastures where only the sound of the cows’ bells echoes. Then, you get to Hasparren, a traditional Basque village at the foot of Mount Ursuya. Take a tour in the village to admire its old Basque farms dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Then, follow Napoleon’s footsteps by riding for a few kilometers on the "Imperial Road of the Heights" built by the emperor to facilitate access to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port during the Spanish war of independence. On your way, do not miss to visit the beautiful Villa Arnaga, house of the French writer Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac. Finally, you reach Itxassou where you will probably have the opportunity to see basque pelota players on the fronton square.
This morning you’ll leave Ixtassou and head towards the charming village of Espelette, where houses are colorfully decorated with dried peppers. Along the way, stop at local farms to buy fresh fruits or tasty treats. After crossing Pinodieta Pass, you’re rewarded with time to visit Ainhoa, designated as one of France’s prettiest villages.
You are now close to the French-Spanish border. Pass the old Customs House before cycling on Spanish roads. The village of Zugarramurdi is worth a stop to see its well-known caves and "Witches Museum". Here you have a choice to ride directly to Sare or take an 8km detor and visit the impressive Caves of Sare. The 45-minute guided tour takes you 900meters deep into the cave.
You leave Sare and cross the Saint-Ignace pass. Take the "Petit Train de La Rhune’’ and discover the breathtaking views at the summit of La Rhune. This authentic vintage rack railway train dating from 1924 will take you on a 35-minute ride, up to 905 meter high, where you will enjoy one of the loveliest panoramic views on the French and Spanish Atlantic coast and the peaks of the Pyrenees.
A few pedal strokes further, you reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its sumptuous houses built in the neo-Basque style. Your cycle itinerary follows the "Vélodyssée" along the Atlantic coast, its beaches, its cliffs and waves loved by surfers. On your way discover the town of Guéthary, famous for its sumptuous villas. Finally, you come back to Biarritz and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere in the evening.
You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-3 Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend th night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), repairing toolkit with patches etc.
By plane: flight to Biarritz.
By train: Direct TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse. The duration of the trip is about 4h10. Then, take a bus to reach the city center (20-25min). To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.
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). The price is 45€/7days. You must then, take the bus to reach the city center (20-25min).
Otherwise, you can also park in Anglet (~4km from Biarritz). Parking is usually much easier. Our bike partner has a shop in Anglet, so you can pick up your bikes directly and cycle to Biarritz (30min).
If you chose luggage transport, you must arrive before 10am to drop off your luggage. Bikes pick up point and luggage drop off point are located in the city center and will be given in your travel documents.
Pour la deuxième fois on a choisi cette enterprise pour notre séjour et on est ravis. Cette fois le parcours a été personalisé et ça été trés bien organisé : un itinéraire fait juste pour nous! Des hôtels excellentes et des paysages magnifiques. Merci encore!!!!!!!