How difficult is this tour?

Moderate. The Basque interior has significant hills (total elevation ~2,640 m). The coastal stages are easier.

Does this tour cross into Spain?

Yes, Day 2 takes you to Hondarribia across the Bidassoa River. The boat crossing is included.

What is the food like?

The Basque Country is a food paradise. Two dinners are included (Day 3 and Day 5), and you will be tempted by typical local dishes, with Espelette pepper as the emblematic spice.

Is there a train option on Day 5?

Yes, a train from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the next stage is available if you prefer a rest day.

What bike types are available?

Touring bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes.

Can I start and finish in Bayonne?

Yes. The tour can also start and end in Bayonne instead of Biarritz (Day 2 is then 44 km and Day 6 is 33 km).

Can e-bikes use the river shuttle to Hondarribia?

No. The Hendaye–Hondarribia river shuttles no longer accept electric bikes, so e-bike riders follow an easy alternative route of about 8 km instead.

Basque Country — Between Land and Ocean 7 Days

Basque Country

Illustrative image, AI-generated or AI-modified: Basque Country — Between Land and Ocean 7 Days

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Images marked “AI” on this page are AI-generated or AI-modified. We apply the mark to every image, including photographs supplied by tour operators, because the types cannot always be told apart. Images illustrate the area and atmosphere of the tour, not the accommodation or services included.

from€1,082

Trekking bikeE-bikeRoad Bike7 days / 6 nights249 km4/5Medium-EasyLoop

Self-guided
Solo-friendly

Short Description

Explore the Basque Country by bike on this 7-day loop from Biarritz. Ride dramatic coastal cliffs to Spain, cross into the green interior through Espelette and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and return to Biarritz via Bayonne.

Tour Program

Day 1 — Arrival in Biarritz
Settle into your hotel in one of France's most famous seaside resorts. Regional documentation and road book provided.

Day 2 — Biarritz to Hondarribia | 32 km
Ride the dramatic Basque coast through Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye, and across the Bidassoa River by boat into Spain. Discover Hondarribia's fortified old town with its colorful Basque houses.

Day 3 — From the Ocean to Inland | 43–48 km
Shuttle back to Hendaye and ride inland to Ascain and Sare. End your day in the typical village of Ainhoa, with its half-timbered houses and 800 years of history. Dinner included.

Day 4 — Espelette to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port | 40–46 km
Cross the Pinodieta Pass, visit Espelette — famous for its peppers and wild Pottok horses — then descend along the Nive River to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, world famous for the Way of Saint James of Compostela.

Day 5 — Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Itxassou | 41 km
A stage that suits everyone: ride on to Itxassou or Cambo-les-Bains on an itinerary specially designed for you, or take the train to the next stop if the previous day has tired you. Dinner included.

Day 6 — Back to the Basque Coast | 45 km
After the first 15 km, follow a cycle track to Bayonne, a city famous for its local festivals and gastronomy, then along the Anglet coast back to Biarritz.

Day 7 — Departure from Biarritz
Departure after breakfast.

Tour details

LoopSelfguidedMinimum 1 personMinimum age 16 years

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
📲 GPS or navigation APP
💼 Luggage transfer
🚢 The bay crossing by boat (return ticket) from Hendaye to Hondarribia
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🍽️ 2 dinners (drinks excluded)

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🌎 Tourist taxes
🛡️ Travel insurance

🙋 Common questions

How difficult is this tour?
Moderate. The Basque interior has significant hills (total elevation ~2,640 m). The coastal stages are easier.
Does this tour cross into Spain?
Yes, Day 2 takes you to Hondarribia across the Bidassoa River. The boat crossing is included.
What is the food like?
The Basque Country is a food paradise. Two dinners are included (Day 3 and Day 5), and you will be tempted by typical local dishes, with Espelette pepper as the emblematic spice.
Is there a train option on Day 5?
Yes, a train from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the next stage is available if you prefer a rest day.
What bike types are available?
Touring bikes, e-bikes, and road bikes.
Can I start and finish in Bayonne?
Yes. The tour can also start and end in Bayonne instead of Biarritz (Day 2 is then 44 km and Day 6 is 33 km).
Can e-bikes use the river shuttle to Hondarribia?
No. The Hendaye–Hondarribia river shuttles no longer accept electric bikes, so e-bike riders follow an easy alternative route of about 8 km instead.