Of course, every walker is tempted by the opportunity to hike all the way across the Pyrenees - and that trip starts right here. The legendary GR10 route, which starts at the Atlantic Ocean, is more than 850km long and takes walkers through stunning mountain scenery all the way to the Mediterranean. You'll hike through a beautiful and varied landscape, with everything from flower-filled meadows, sparkling lakes, natural amphitheatres and high peaks. Along the way, you'll encounter different cultures between the Basque Country and Catalonia. Each valley you pass through has its own cultural character. A hike like this is the perfect way to experience life in the Pyrenees and the different cultures of the region. The Pyrenees are a unique mix of peoples.
This is the first section of the GR10 from Hendaye to St. Pied de Port and during this walk you will discover the beautiful landscapes of the Basque Country.
The countryside is charming and the region has its own distinctive character that cannot be found elsewhere. Beautiful hills, magical little villages - such as Sare, Ainhoa and Dancharia full of Basque traditions - and Saint Etienne de Baigorry, with the Iparla ridge as a backdrop.
About the route
You walk along good paths. The terrain varies and the ground is often stony. We therefore recommend that you wear hiking boots with ankle support and walking poles if necessary.
Here you can see the stunning scenery and some of the views that come with walking this section of the GR10
See more pictures »You arrive at your first hotel in Hendaye and, depending on when you arrive, you may want to go hiking in the Domaine d'Abbadia region. It's a stunning 65-hectare stretch of land on the coast. Here you will find a varied landscape of marshes, moors and high cliffs. You can also visit the famous Neo-Gothic chateau: Domaine d'Abbadie.
If you have more time, consider walking the coastal path from St. Jean de Luz, where you can enjoy the panoramic views.
Walking time: about 2 hours or about 4 hours
Distance: 5.5km or 13.5km
+80 / -80 or +235 / -235
Hendaye is located at the mouth of the Bidassoa River, which forms the border with Spain. The GR10 route begins on Hendaye beach and you'll soon be high above the Atlantic. The first stage is quite pleasant. Small villages dot the hilly landscape, which is peaceful and harmonious. The atmosphere is glorious in the Basque country, but you see no sign yet of the dramatic mountain scenery you have in store.
Walking time: approx. 4h 45m
Distance: 15km
+845 / -460
Today you start to see the first mountains on the horizon. You have the option of a short climb to the summit of La Rhune, which at 900 metres is considered the first mountain peak in the Pyrenees. You will pass the small picturesque villages of Sare and Ainhoa, made up of large houses along some roads. The houses - most of which date from the 1600s - have their year of construction and details of their family history written on the gables. You finally reach the village of Dancharia, just three kilometres from the Spanish border.
Walking time: about 6 hours
Distance: 16.5km
+700 / -1000
Today the GR10 passes a series of mountain peaks as you hike over mountain passes along the path that winds around l'Erebi (583m) and on to l'Axulegi (617m). You reach the high col Zuccata mountain pass where, weather permitting, you can take an alternative route to the Col des Veaux or you can choose to hike further on the ridge. The alternative is not part of the GR10, but the views are worth it. The ridge leads you on to Pic Gorospil (691m), where there are also excellent panoramic views.
Walking time: approx. 7 hours
Distance: 22km
+800 / -300
The GR10 continues between mountain peaks and small mountain villages with a strong Basque identity. The trail continues towards the Col de Méhatché, located at 716m. You now enter a rocky landscape where you can see vultures circling high above. You descend to the village of Bidarray, where you spend the night in the heart of the Basque Country.
Walking time: about 3½ hours
Distance: 11,5km
+360 / -880
Today's challenging hike goes to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry through a mountainous landscape with large sandstone cliffs along the Cresta d'Iparla ridge and mountain peak (1044m).
Walking time: approx. 7½ hours
Distance: 18.5km
+1100 / -1050
This is the last stage of the first section of the GR10, which goes to Saint Jean Pied de Port in the heart of the Basque Country. Today's walk is about six hours of challenging hiking with 900 metres of altitude before you arrive in Saint Jean Pied de Port, idyllically situated on the banks of the Nive River. This is a historic entry point to Spain and is, for example, where the Camino Francés starts. We recommend a visit to the old town, which is brimming with history.
Walking time: approx. 7 hours
Distance: 19.5km
+960 / -950
Note: On our walking holidays we would normally have a night in the last town before checking out in the morning. However, on our GR10 treks we finish the sections without the last night because the next section has this "arrival night" included. Today you therefore have several options:
The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons it is not possible to go on this tour as a solotraveler.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
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The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Biarritz in France are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
From Biarritz airport to Hendaye
It's easy to get from Biarritz airport to Hendaye. It is possible to take the train, which takes about 55 minutes. It is also possible to take a taxi, which takes about 20 minutes. Get an overview of the options here: Rome2Rio
Return from St. Jean Pied de Port to Hendaye
If you need to return to Hendaye after the tour, we can arrange a transfer for you. This costs 130 euros for 1-4 people.
On this trip you will stay as follows:
On this trip, breakfast and dinner are included throughout the trip. However, on day 1, dinner is not included.
Included meals
Breakfast is the standard "continental breakfast" with tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam etc.
Evening meals consist of 3-course menus with starter, main course and dessert.
Please note that drinks for the evening meals are not included in the price.
Dinner on Day 1
In Hendaye there are many restaurants to choose from.
Lunch
Lunch is not included but can be purchased at the accommodation. It will typically be in the form of a picnic lunch that you take with you on the tour.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
You will recieve the following documentation
Upon booking
You recieve practical information about the tour in a digital format
One month before arrival
You recieve your hotel list and your voucher (hotel list is often supplied upon booking)
Upon arrival
You recieve the welcome package which contains the printed version of the road book, luggage tags, local specific vouchers and if you have rented bikes then they will also be delivered and fitted at the first hotel.
This tour is aimed at a regular hiker, in good physical shape and with mountain hiking experience.
The hikes are 6-7 hours per day on average, altitude difference 700m-1000m on average, on relatively easy trails, with some small technical difficulties. The hiking times mentioned are indicative, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the hike itself without counting the breaks. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary.
This tour has difficulty grade 3-4. Which means that most days are difficulty 3 and some days are difficulty 4.
Grade 3
Walking in hilly or mountainous terrain, with longer ascents and descents. You will walk 5-7 hours a day. Requires good fitness and good health, but no technical experience. Requires good footwear such as trekking or hiking boots.
Grade 4
Trekking with daily walks of 6-8 hours, often in difficult terrain and higher altitude. There will be longer ascents and descents. Requires endurance and strong knees and ankles. Requires good hiking boots and "outdoor" clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures.
Read more about our Grading System
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
Travel Insurance In general we recommend that you are covered by a good travel insurance covering at least Medical Expenses, Illness, Personal Accident, Baggage and Repatriation. The customer is responsible to take the necessary travel insurance that covers these costs. Bering Travel, or our local partners, do not have any responsibility for our customers not being covered by a necessary travel insurance. You have to arrange your insurance in your home country.
It can be hard to plan your trip according to the weather, but to give an idea of the local climate, you can see the data below:
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