France - Basque Country- Bike tour around the Basque Country in France

Description	Dates and prices

Self-guided cycling tour in the French Basque Country

The rides combine both inland and beautiful coastal scenery: towering cliffs, rugged rocks, sandy bays and an ocean as far as the eye can see.

Your trip starts in unrivalled charming Biarritz its energy rising from the ocean. Then you will ride off the Basque coast to enjoy dramatic mountain views, get away on the Spanish side over the Bidassoa. Lush, green hills and unforgettable landscapes dotted with red timber frame houses built centuries ago, many villages like Sare, Ainhoa or Saint Jean Pied de Port. The Basque renown cultural dynamism will amaze you as well as their gorgeous tasty food.(axoa, piperade, Espelette Pepper is the emblematic spice!

Accommodation every night in 3-star hotels or charming guest houses.

Day 1

Welcome to Biarritz
3-star hotel. Regional documentation and road book provided with itinerary details.
Biarritz is one of the most famous seaside resorts of France and Europe. Surfing beaches, thalassotherapy, golf courses, restaurants, bars.
Overnight: 3 star-hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 2

Biarritz-Saint Jean de Luz - Hondarribia - 30 Km
The Basque Corniche: valley, ridges, cliffs, mountains and farmland. Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its famous bay, Hendaye and cross over the Bidassoa river for an immersion into the Spanish atmosphere in the fortified Hondarrabia.
Hondarribia is famous for its "tapas" and nightlife. It is a colorful coastal fishing town.
Sat on a hillside, it is surrounded by towering walls of the 16th century, dominated by the castle of Charles V.
Overnight: 3-star hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast
Ascent: about 450 meters Descent: about 450 meters

Day 3

Hendaye-Ascain-Sare-Ainhoa, the inland villages 40 Km
From Hondarribia the river shuttle will take you to Hendaye to continue your route to Ascain and its romanesque bridge. 4 km from here the little train of the Rhune will wait for you to drive you to the highest top of the Basque country.
After strolling in the picturesque streets of Sare ride to discover the village of witches. The legend tells us that their spirits still haunt the surroundings…the day ends in the authentic village of Ainhoa dotted with half timbered houses, palombières, meadows with grazing sheep.
The church of the village, and old stele of the cemetery, the pediment, the washhouse… Admire the impressive houses that line the main street. Soon Ainhoa will no longer be a secret to you !
Overnight: 3-star hotel or charming guesthouse, Included Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Ascent: about 800 meters Descent: about 650 meters

Day 4

Ainhoa-Espelette-Saint Jean Pied de Port - approx: 46 Km (this ride is not in the 5 night program)
--- After crossing the Pinodieta Pass, you will go through the market town of Espelette known for the trade of small wild horses called “Pottocks” and its famous pepper of Espelette that will truly tempt your taste buds!
Then you will go down along the river Nive along small paths that snake to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, typical village, world famous for its Saint Jacques gateway classified by UNESCO, which, year after year, more and more pilgrims discover.
Overnight: charming guesthouse, Included Meals: Breakfast
Ascent: about 1000 meters Descent: about 1000 meters

Day 5

Saint Jean Pied de Port - Itxassou - Cambo-les-Bains - approx: 41 Km
You can either continue your bike ride or if the journey of the day before has exhausted you, take a train that will take you to the next step. (1 departure in the morning and/or early afternoon) You will have time to explore the surroundings by following an itinerary specially designed for you.
Overnight: 3-star hotel or charming guesthouse, Included Meals: Dinner, Breakfast
Ascent: about 1100 meters Descent: about 1200 meters

Day 6

Cambo-les-Bains to Bayonne and Biarritz - 46 Km
Back to the coastline, after the first 15 kilometers you will continue on a cycle track that leads to Bayonne. You will have time to enjoy this city famous for its local festivals and its gastronomic food. Then you can cycle along the coast and end your loop in Biarritz.
Overnight: 3-star hotel, Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

Departure after breakfast. Additional day :
Possibility of additional days in Biarritz in a 3-Star Hotel.