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We offer you the opportunity to discover the best of the French and Spanish Basque Country by bike. The tour starts in San Sebastian and heads through historic fishing villages, bucolic nature and the incomparably luxurious destination of Biarritz while returning through ancient, traditional and charming inland Basque villages.
On this tour we will discover the best of the French Basque Country by biking some days along the coast before heading back to San Sebastian through various important historical villages. The trip starts and ends in the beautiful city of San Sebastian which is a small city although it´s a renowned destination for gastronomic tourism, as it collects more Michelin stars per square meter of its territory than anywhere else in the world. It is also the birthplace of the “new Basque cuisine” movement. The quality of its ingredients and its famous “pintxos” are a delight to both locals and visitors throughout the year. The beauty of its bay, known as the Pearl of the Bay of Biscay, is a natural amphitheater facing the sea and protected by the mountains. Between the spectacular gastronomy, the natural beauty and the culture, San Sebastian has become a first class tourist destination in the last two centuries.
Day 1: San Sebastian
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Arrival in San Sebastian today is at leisure. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the city center and the spectacular shell-shaped beach of La Concha, which is just minutes walking distance from your hotel. We recommend you stroll around and try the famous ‘pintxos’ in any of the local bars of the area. ‘Pintxo‘ is a ‘Basque-ified’ take on the Spanish word ‘pincho’, which itself comes from the verb ‘pinchar’, which is ‘to pierce’. They are small finger foods served at bars and taverns throughout the Basque Country. They are the backbone of the Basque food culture and frequently accompanied with a local wine or a crisp, refreshing small beer.
Day 2: San Sebastian – Hondarribia
Route: 43.1 km/26.8 miles
Elevation: +820 m/+2692 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Jauregui
This morning you will meet with our local partner, Miguel, in the lobby of your hotel for your bike fitting. He will help with your bikes and answer any last-minute questions.
Leaving from San Sebastian, by bike, will take us to the charming, colorful fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan, which we will access by boat. Then, you will head up the road to Jaizkibel Mountain pass (500 meters approx.) for stunning panoramic sea views before descending into the fortified town of Hondarribia. Your hotel for tonight is a charming hotel with Bidasoa river views: enjoy your last night in Spain!
Day 3: Hondarribia – Bayonne
Route: 49.3 km/30.6 miles
Elevation: +536 m/+1759 ft
Accommodation: Hôtel des Arceaux
Bonjour and welcome to France! After crossing the Bidasoa river (by boat for some, on the road for e-bikes), you’ll follow La Corniche, a beautiful coastal bike path, towards Hendaye, a picturesque border town where you can visit the impressive Château-Observatory of Abbadia.
Next, you’ll come to the charming French Basque town of Saint Jean de Luz. We highly recommend a stop here to explore the cobblestone streets of the old quarter which are lined with colourful traditional houses. We also suggest a short stroll on the seafront boulevard: don´t forget to peek into the immense Church of St John the Baptist.
Your next suggested stop is the former whale fishing port of Guéthary, now a popular surfing haven. Explore the neo-Basque architecture, notably the town hall and the museum. From here, you’ll continue through the seafront village of Bidart, before reaching the glamourous city of Biarritz, known for its status as the surfing capital of Europe, a haven for golfers and also its therapeutic thermal waters.
From Biarritz, you’ll continue along the coast until you reach Bayonne, the capital of French Basque country and your destination for the day.
Day 4: Bayonne – Bera de Bidasoa
Route: 53.3 km/33.1 miles
Elevation: +653 m/+2144 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Churrut
From Bayonne, you’ll leave the coast behind and head inland, following a bike path along the course of the River Nive which will take you through charming French Basque villages. We recommend a stop in the village of Espelette, famous for a particular kind of pepper (piment d’Espelette) that is produced in the region, and the charming town of Ainhoa, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the area and famous for its traditional colourful Basque houses. You will follow the local road through the rolling green hills with fine views of the Pyrenees. The views are incredible while pedaling back to Spain over a small hill. Welcome to Bera de Bidasoa!
Day 5: Bera de Bidasoa – San Sebastian
Route: 40 km/24.8mi
Elevation: +460 m/1510m
Accommodation: Hotel Codina
Today we cycle from Bera de Bidasoa back to San Sebastian, the last stage before finishing the trip. You willl take the Bidasoa Greenway that will take us to the border town of Irun. In this village we can enjoy the bike path to avoid crossing through Irun. Leaving this town behind, we will pass through Ventas neighborhood, and we will continue along the local road before climbing up to the Gurutze pass. After a small break to enjoy the surroundings, you can ride downhill to Oiartzuntown. From there, you have a short ride on the well maintained bike paths to take you back to San Sebastián. You will stay in Hotel Codina again, just like when the trip started.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast, you will bid farwell to your bike and the beautiful Basque Countryside. Get in touch with us if you are interested in spending some extra nights in any of the cities around or extending your trip.
Hotel Codina
The Codina Hotel is located 300 metres from Ondarreta Beach, in San Sebastián.
It is a 3-star hotel designed to offer you a pleasant stay in the city. Remodelled in 2006, the building is modern and welcoming. The Sercotel Codina Hotel offers 65 rooms equipped with all the amenities. Because of its location and facilities, this hotel is one the best accommodation options for your visit to this famous city.
Hotel Jauregui
The Sercotel Jauregui is a cozy 3 star hotel located in the center of Hondarribia, whose architectural features reflect a kind of mixture between Spanish and French Basque characteristics.
Located near the towns of Biarritz, Hendaye and St Jean de Luz this hotel is run by its friendly and attentive staff and is ideal for leisure and tourism. Hondarribia is full of perfectly manicured houses with colorful wooden balconies.
The hotel is a mere two minute walk from the sea and is the perfect base for excursions to the French coast or along the spectacular valleys of the Pyrenees.
Hotel des Arceaux
In the heart of the historic center of Bayonne, in the pedestrian area, you can find the Hôtel des Arceaux. It´s in a perfect location to explore the city of Bayonne.
The Hôtel des Arceaux is a charming 2-star hotel which is ideally located in the center of Bayonne so that you can easily discover the center. Stroll through the historic district and meet the artisans who bring the city center to life: if you´ve got a sweet tooth there are many delicious French pastries to be sampled as well! We also advise you to visit the Sainte-Marie de Bayonne Cathedral. If you have more energy there are plenty of interesting museums as well.
Hotel Churrut
Set in an 18th-century manor house, this hotel is a 7-minute walk from the city center, 10 km from Le Musée du Gâteau Basque and 16 km from the Larrun rack railway, on the French border.
The Churrut Hotel is a relaxing three star boutique hotel located in an 18th Century Manor House in the heart of the old town of Bera, which is a peaceful town surrounded by spectacular countryside.
This family-run hotel was lovingly restored to an 18 bedroom hotel in 2002. The charm and character of the hotel extends to all its bedrooms, where you can see the traditional decor with modern facilities.
220.00€
320.00€
420.00€
1.190,00€ – 1.390,00€
Discover the best of the French Basque Country starting from San Sebastian, visiting historic fishing villages, enjoying the verdant countryside and savoring the region’s rich gastronomy.
| Dates | High season July 1st to Sept 30th 2025, Low season Oct 1st to Oct 31st 2025, Low season April 1st to June 30th 2025 |
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