Walking the French Pyrenees to the Atlantic

Embark on a challenging walking holiday through south-west France, with some fine ascents and descents each day, rewarding with breathtaking views. The mountains of the Pyrenean chain are a joy to discover, providing a wonderful backdrop to one of Europe’s most traditional regions, where sleepy villages nestle in verdant, rich valleys. This great walk takes you from the heart of the Atlantic Pyrenees along small footpaths close to the border to your final destination on the Spanish coastline.

Get ready to absorb the unique landscape and rich culture of the region. You will pass through picturesque whitewashed villages where the oldest language in Europe, Basque, is commonly spoken and traditions still hold firm. You might try your hand at the national game, 'pelote', a combination of squash and tennis. The local cuisine, too, is unique - try 'poulet à la basquaise', chicken in a spicy sauce of tomatoes and peppers. Other specialities include the brebis mountain cheese, served in the traditional manner with a black cherry conserve.

Accommodation:

Hotel Manechenea, St Etienne Rooms here are simple, but Madame Incaurgarat's warm welcome and the locally renowned country cuisine more than compensate.

Hotel Noblia, Bidarray This simple, family-run village inn is close to the Pont d'Enfer ('Bridge of Hell') named so because the water is so turbulent at that point.

Hotel du Fronton, Itxassou Enjoy a warm welcome and good Basque cuisine in a lovely village setting. The hotel has a small outdoor swimming pool.

Hotel Argi Eder, Ainhoa This charming family-run hotel is situated at the edge of Ainhoa, one of the prettiest Basque villages, its streets lined with whitewashed houses with red or green shutters so typical of the region. Surrounded by pleasant woodland and lush gardens, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views or to enjoy a dip in the pool. The friendly Dottax family will welcome you to their stylishly decorated hotel which boasts a gourmet menu served in their atmospheric restaurant or on the poolside patio, using local produce to create traditional, yet imaginative, Basque dishes. The comfortable, cosy rooms are all decorated in a chic, country style, while breakfast is served in the garden in fine weather.

Hotel Arraya, Sare This centuries-old inn is beautifully appointed and very comfortable, with a smart and justifiably popular restaurant.

Les Jardins de Bakea, Biriatou Monsieur and Madame Duval are attentive and friendly hosts, and Monsieur Duval is an accomplished chef, too. In warm weather, savour his delicious creations on the terrace, with views across the valley into Spain.

Hotel Obispo, Hondarribia Converted from a beautiful stone house dating from the 15th century, this is a very characterful hotel in the heart of the walled old town. As your stay is on bed and breakfast basis, you are free to sample one of the many restaurants and tapas bars around the port. To make your final night extra special, we highly recommend upgrading to one of the spacious superior rooms, which enjoy views back to France.

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

One highlight was the warm welcome on arrival - we were very late, getting in at 10 pm because of a broken down train, but Madame kept the kitchen open for us and we dined on trout and almonds and then duck and chips. Simple food but utterly delicious and very much appreciated. We loved the days where we had paths that followed the contours – could appreciate the views without being out of breath! Itxassou to Ainhoa is a particularly lovely walk, under the Pic du Mondarrain. Would have liked Espelette to be included in the itinerary, particularly at this time of year when the pepper harvest in full swing and houses decorated. Mrs F Clarke, Cambridge, 21/09/2011

Another wonderful Inntravel holiday - extremely well-organised: lovely hotels, delicious food and the Crêtes d’Iparla (mountain range) was magnificent. The hotel in Bordeaux was very good and centrally located. Dr N White, Alton, Hampshire, 06/09/2011

We have been on at least twenty walking holidays with Inntravel - and this one really hit the jackpot. Moving on every night has been a delight. The first two hotels were a warming rural experience. After this came standards of cuisine and comfort way beyond our expectations. The first day was spectacular and a challenge (for a 70-year-old!). So, on Day 2, as an alternative, we made our own way along the river on a single-track road - a delightful meander. After that, all the days were comfortably do-able. Hondaribba was a lovely town to unwind in and the deluxe room in the hotel well worth it! Paul Hatvany, Colerne, Wiltshire, 19/05/2011

This was a delight from start to finish. You have chosen a beautifully varied route with splendid stops each day. We liked the variety of accommodation from the simple to the sophisticated. The Hotel Argi Eder was wonderful, the Hotel Les Jardins de Bakéa so stylish and yet so friendly, while the Hotel Obispo was an experience to relish. Your organisation and the notes, both summaries and day to day details, have been impeccable. The ridge walk up to the Pic d’Iparla in perfect visibility on day 1 was memorable. Mr Warrington, Oldham, 09/06/2010

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking from the French Pyrenees to the Atlantic