Coast & Basque Mountains
Explore the cultural richness and dynamism of the Basque Country, with its coastal scenery, historical villages and excellent cuisine. Discovering Hondarribia is a real pleasure, with its walled old town packed with stately buildings and colourful Basque houses.
Holiday Highlights
- Resort of Biarritz
- Historic Hondarribia
- Train journey to the summit of La Rhune
- Basque cuisine
- Quaint Basque village of Ainhoa
What's Included
Starting Days
You can choose to begin this holiday on any day of the week, from April through to October.
Itinerary & Hotels
1
Biarritz day 1
- Summary
Arrive at your 3-star hotel and spend some time at one of Biarritz’s golden sandy beaches or take a walk through the brightly lit streets after dinner at a local restaurant.
- Hotel
Hotel Georges VI
BiarritzCompletely renovated, situated in the centre of Biarritz close to the Port Vieux beach, the hotel is next to the Aquarium, the Côte des Basques beach and the centre of town. The comfortable English décor will delight you with its charm. The interior patio at the Hotel George VI is ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing and you can borrow beach towels from the 24-hour reception.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Patio garden
- TV in room
- Air-conditioning
Board
- Cuisine
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Biarritz with cuisines and budgets to suit all appetites.
2
Biarritz to Hondarribia day 2
- Summary
Set off after breakfast and discover the wealth of natural spaces that make up the Basque: valleys, ridges, mountains and farmlands. Your route runs through several villages before crossing the Bidassoa river and ending in Hondarribia, a colourful fishing town overlooked by the castle of Charles V.
- Hotel
Hotel Jauregui
HondarribaThe Hotel Jauregui is a cozy 3-star hotel located in the center of Hondarribia, very close to the airport of San Sebastián and near the towns of Biarritz, Hendaye and St Jean de Luz. Run by friendly and attentive staff, it is very up to date with fully equipped bedrooms and bathrooms.
Facilities
- Air-conditioning
- WiFi
- TV room
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant bar Enbata of the Jauregui Hotel offers local Basque tapas including the world famous pintxos, with more traditional Basque dishes available from the daily menu or à la carte menu in the restaurant.
19 mi
(30 km)3
Hondarribia to Ainhoa day 3
- Summary
Board the river shuttle to Ascain in the foothills of the Pyrenees. After a 2.5 mile cycle, a train will take you to the highest peak of the Basque Country before you discover the town of Sare with its picturesque streets. You’ll then cycle to the haunted Village des Sorcières and on to Ainhoa, with its half-timbered houses and lush meadows.
- Hotel
Le Maison Oppoca
AinhoaThe Oppoca is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Ainhoa, close to the bustling towns of St Jean de Luz, Biarritz and Espelette. This charming hotel, formerly a 17th century coaching inn, is steeped in history and you will find a warm welcome. The rooms at La Maison Oppoca are air-conditioned and fully equipped with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Some rooms offer a garden view.
Facilities
- 10 completely renovated rooms
- Restaurant and bistro
- Sauna, spa and solarium
Board
- Cuisine
The restaurant serves traditional French and regional cuisine. Guests can dine on the terrace during nice weather.
Sample Menu
Entrees
Artichaut et joue de bœuf braisés, quelques feuilles en vinaigrette gourmande, pépites de foie gras poêlées
Velouté de Potimarron aux éclats de Châtaignes
Foie gras de la ferme Arnabar, gélée au suc de sangria / croustillant de pain d'épices d'Ainhoa
Plats
Cochon sauvage mijoté en cocotte, fruits et légumes d’automne
Pièce de chevreuil rôti façon Rossini, compotée de fruits rouges, crémée de potimarron au parfum
de noix de coco et gingembreDesserts
Fine tartelette aux figues du jardin, crème glacée caramel
Le délice de Hye Yeong, feuille à feuille croustillante pâtissière au touron, sorbet yuzu
Poire Caramel sur un sablé Bourdaloue sorbet à l’alcool de poire Brana
24 mi
(39 km)4
Ainhoa to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port day 4
- Summary
After crossing the Pinodieta Pass, you will continue through the market town of Esplette, known for its trade of small wild horses and its pepper. Then follow the River Nive along winding paths to the UNESCO listed site of Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, just 5 miles from the Spanish border.
- Hotel
Gure Lana
Saint Jean Pied-de-PortGure Lana is a charming bed and breakfast where you can enjoy the beauty and tradition of the Basque country. Located 45km east of Biarritz, this 4 bedroom Chambres d'Hôte is located at the foot of the Citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (only 10 minutes’ walk from the town center) with a view over the vineyards of Irouleguy and the surrounding mountains. You can relax in the garden or stroll in the nearby village.
Facilities
- Lounge
- Dining room
- WiFi
- TV
Board
- Cuisine
29 mi
(46 km)5
Saint Jean Pied-de-Port to Itxassou or Cambo-les-Bains day 5
- Summary
Today you have a choice of either continuing your bike ride or taking the train to the next stage of your journey. Explore the surroundings by following an itinerary specially designed for you.
- Hotel
Hotel Txistulari
ItxassouHotel Restaurant Txistulari is an attractive, peaceful hotel located at the heart of the Basque country. From here, guests can enjoy easy access to all the lively town has to offer. All the rooms have wooden floors and a flat screen TV. They also have en suite bathrooms with a shower and hairdryer.
Facilities
- En suite rooms
- Free WiFi access
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Terrace
- Hairdryer
Board
- Cuisine
Guests are able to enjoy a delicious continental breakfast every morning at Txistulari. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious regional dishes made from local seasonal products in the dining room or on the terrace.
26 mi
(41 km)6
Back on the Basque Coast day 6
- Summary
Cycle to Bayonne and spend some time enjoying the city, famous for its festivals and cuisine. Your route then leads along the coast of Anglet, ending your journey back in Biarritz.
- Hotel
Hotel Georges VI
BiarritzCompletely renovated, situated in the centre of Biarritz close to the Port Vieux beach, the hotel is next to the Aquarium, the Côte des Basques beach and the centre of town. The comfortable English décor will delight you with its charm. The interior patio at the Hotel George VI is ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing and you can borrow beach towels from the 24-hour reception.
Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Patio garden
- TV in room
- Air-conditioning
Board
- Cuisine
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Biarritz with cuisines and budgets to suit all appetites.
Route & Location
Customise Your Holiday
EXTRA NIGHT
Spend an extra night in Biarritz to allow yourself more time to explore the town or recover with a relaxing day on the beach. Please call for details.