The French Basque Country by bike

Bayonne

Arrive at leisure in Bayonne.

Enjoy some free time before saddling up to stroll through the cobbled streets, past half-timbered houses and historic ramparts. In just a few minutes, the city reveals its exotic Basque soul. We invite you to visit the majestic Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a glass of Irouléguy or Basque cider on a terrace overlooking the lively quayside, accompanied by a variety of pintxos: Bayonne ham, ewe’s milk cheese and Espelette peppers will awaken your taste buds. The atmosphere is punctuated by the murmur of the River Nive and the laughter of the regulars, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere.

From Bayonne to LA BASTIDE CLAIRENCE 30km 265m

Starting from Bayonne, the route follows the Pyrenean Piedmont Cycle Route along the Adour River, then turns inland at Urt. This quiet village, known for its riverside port and church, marks the beginning of a more rural section. You enter the communal forest of Urt, riding a winding road bordered by oaks and pines. The landscape becomes increasingly pastoral as you pass through the hamlets of Séquillon-de-Bas and Etxekolu, typical of the Basque Country. From Bellevue, open views stretch over the surrounding hills. After Maricoulé, the road descends toward the Ibarbure district, before reaching La Bastide-Clairence, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.” Here, you’ll find timber-framed houses, an arcaded main square, and, on the outskirts of the village, the Benedictine Abbey and the Monastery of Sainte-Scholastique, peacefully set in the green Basque countryside.

From LA BASTIDE CLAIRENCE to SAINT-PALAIS 45km 780m

You leave La Bastide-Clairence for Hasparren, a charming Basque village at the foot of the mountains. It is also an excellent starting point for excursions in the surrounding hills. Finally, you reach Saint-Palais, the capital of Soule region, where Basque history and culture can be seen around every corner.

From SAINT-PALAIS to SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT 38km 763m

From Saint-Palais, you climb steadily towards the Gibraltar crossroads, the convergence point of France’s three major Jacobean routes. The listed stele of the same name marks a symbolic moment along the way. The road, in good but demanding condition, crosses an undulating landscape dotted with Basque farmhouses and hamlets. After Ostabat-Asme, a listed pilgrimage site, the route follows small winding roads to Larceveau, then Cibits and Ainhice, where Labourdine houses and panoramic views of the Pyrenean foothills punctuate the progression. You then pass through the fortified village of Saint-Jean-le-Vieux, rich in ancient history, before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This medieval town, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela, is a landmark finish. Its cobbled streets, ramparts, Porte Saint-Jacques and lively old town make it an unmissable stopover at the foot of the Pyrenees.

From SAINT-JEAN-PIED-DE-PORT to ITXASSOU 40km 650m

From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you will pass through the charming Basque villages of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry and Bidarray. As you drive through pastures and Basque hills, you soon come to the Pas de Roland road, bordered by a pretty low stone wall. You follow this gorge deep in the valley, where the Nive reveals its clear, lively waters. This picturesque road offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, and takes you to Itxassou, where you stop for the night.

From ITXASSOU to SARE 25km 447m

Starting from Itxassou, the route passes through Espelette, an emblematic Basque village known for its AOP chili peppers and white façades decorated with red garlands. After a steady climb, the Pinodieta pass (176 m) offers wide views over the rolling Basque hills. The road then descends to Ainhoa, listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” with its traditional Labourdine houses lined up along the main street. Continuing on, you pass through Dantxarinea and its ventas before reaching Zugarramurdi, known for its history linked to 17th-century witch trials.

You then cross Borne 63, marking the French-Spanish border, before arriving in Sare, also listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” with its half-timbered houses, central square, and pelota court.

• For a few more km 30km 490m

  A final gentle climb leads you to the Sare Caves, a major tourist site carved into the foothills of La Rhune, before reaching the village of Sare, also listed among the most beautiful in France, with its central square, pelota court, and well-preserved Basque houses.

From SARE to Bayonne 45km 594m

From Sare, the route climbs steadily to the Col de Saint-Ignace before descending through the wooded hills of Ascain via the Véloroute de la Rhune. It continues toward Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a listed heritage port known for its red and white houses, beach, and lively market halls. From there, you join the Vélodyssée, which follows the Basque coastline. In Guéthary, a former fishing village turned seaside resort, the path offers wide views over the ocean. In Bidart, the route winds between cliffs and beaches. Next comes Biarritz, an elegant town famous for its seaside villas, the Rocher de la Vierge, and popular surf spots. The final stretch follows the Adour River into Bayonne, designated a City of Art and History, where you’ll find fortified walls, half-timbered houses, and the lively atmosphere of the historic center.

Bayonne

End of stay after breakfast in Bayonne.

For the road, you can prepare a Basque picnic at the traditional Halles market, open every morning. The stalls offer all the specialities discovered during your cycling trip: hams, peppers, chocolates, cakes…
Have a safe return!