- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Gallery
- FAQ
- What people say...
- Pricing
- Travel
- Accomodation
- Resources
- Booking
A chance to experience the beauty of the Basque Country and coastline while cycling on fantastic backroads via the lush low lying hills of the Pyrenees.
Starting in Biarritz, cycle along the coast from this beautiful seaside resort to the Spanish border where you take a river shuttle to the coastal Spanish fishing town of Hondarribia. Surrounded by towering walls and famous for its delicious tapas, this is your chance to sample Spanish cuisine and history, in the surroundings of beautiful stately buildings and the 16th Century Castle of Charles V. You continue back ito France towards the French Pyrenees, over rolling green hills and through medieval, picturesque villages like Saint Jean Pied de Port. From there you can take an optional train ride along the route and then cycle to the town of Bayonne, famous for its local festival life and gastronomic food.
This tour is a sensational experience, and you will be taken by the cultural richness of the Basque Country.
No details found.
A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Biarritz
Arrival at your accommodation in Biarritz, one of the most famous seaside resorts of France and Europe. Its magnificent ocean beaches and surfing, its thalassotherapy and many golf courses are popular worldwide. At night, its restaurants, bars and squares will delight every sense!
Day 2
Biarritz ~ Hondarribia (30 km)
Your cycle heads to the corniche Basque Valley with its ridges, cliffs, mountains and farmland. An area dotted with many small villages, including Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its famous bay, Hendaye and the domain Abbadia. Then you will cross into Spain and a river shuttle will bring you from Hendaye to Hondarribia, a fortified city with many historical treasures. Famous for its tapas and nightlife, it is a coastal fishing town, with colourful Basque houses and many balconies with flowers, surrounded by towering walls of the 16th century, dominated by the castle of Charles V.
Day 3
Hondarribia ~ Ainhoa (35 / 40 km)
You continue your journey to Ascain with its prestigious roman bridge and its cultural richness. A small train of the Rhune will bring you to the highest top of the Basque country for wonderful views. The day ends in the typical village of Ainhoa dotted with half-timbered houses, palombières, meadows populated with sheep. Between the medieval village and the elegant Bastide, 800 years of history are retraced through its streets.
Day 4
Ainhoa ~ Saint Jean Pied de Port (46 km)
After crossing the Pinodieta Pass, you cycle 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 interest your taste buds! The cycle continues along the river Nive on small paths that snake to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, a typical village world famous for its Saint Jacques gateway classified by UNESCO, which, year after year, more and more pilgrims are drawn here.
Day 5
Saint Jean Pied de Port ~ Itxassou / Camboles Bains (41 km)
Todays cycle can be tailor made to suit everyone. You can either continue your bike ride through this wonderful countryside or if the journey of the day before has exhausted you, take a train that will take you to the next step! ( departure in the morning and/or early afternoon). You will have time to explore the surroundings by following an itinerary specially designed for you. Dinner Included.
Day 6
Return to Biarritz (46 km)
After the first 15 kilometers, you will be back on a cycle track that leads all the way 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 of Anglet and end your journey in Biarritz.
- 6 nights accommodation in 3* hotel / guesthouse incl. breakfast
- 2 Dinners
- Luggage transfers daily (1 bag up to 20kg and 1 handbag)
- Route details, notes and maps
- Return river shuttle transfer - Hendaye to Honarribia
- 24/7 Assistance phone helpline
Option:
GPS App for smartphone in addition to the usual paper roadbook: €5 per person
Bike rental is not included in the tour price. This is an additional:
€95.00 Hybrid bike
€195.00 Road bike
€185.00 E-bike
5 night tours can be organised on this route, please email the office for further information
No Details Found
2024 TOUR PRICE
High Season (July & August)
€900 per person sharing
+€445 for single room occupancy (if travelling with others)
+€150 person travelling alone
Low Season (April, May, June, September, October)
€845 per person sharing
+€370 for single room occupancy (if travelling with others)
+€150 person travelling alone
Self Guided Tour Information
Tours start daily from April 1st to October 31st
Except in July & August there is no Monday departure
How to get to the start point:
Biarritz airport is the access point to this tour and is well serviced by international flights
Getting from Biarritz to your accommodation >
Taxi from Biarritz airport to first hotel is approx €20
Alternatively, there is an airport shuttle bus to the centre of Biarritz (No 14) every 30 minutes, approx €1 per person
As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).
BIARRITZ
Day 1 & 6: Hotel Georges 6
Hondarribia
Day 2: Hotel Jauregui
Ainhoa
Day 3: Hotel Maison Oppoca
Saint Jean Pied de Port
Day 4: Guesthouse Gure Lana
Itxassou
Day 5: Hotel du Fronton