📍 France

BÉARN & BASQUE: MOUNTAIN PASSES MEET OCEAN SOUL

Pyrenean passes crossing the ridges, Basque villages alive with tradition, ocean crashing on the coast, smugglers' trails hugging the border. Béarn, authentic.

≈ 7
Days
245
Km
7
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Béarnais and Basque Pyrenees. Cross Ossau valley. Pass through Lescun and Oloron-Sainte-Marie. Follow Saint-Palais paths. Enjoy Biarritz and Hendaye. End at Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Laruns

ossau peaks rise majestically

Laruns - Photo 1Laruns - Photo 2Laruns - Photo 3Laruns - Photo 4Laruns - Photo 5Laruns - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Col d'Aubisque (1709 m): 360° panorama and orientation table at the summit.
2
Gourette: discovery of the resort and Bézou plateau (access by cable car in summer).
3
Lac de Bious-Artigues: easy loop along the lake with views of Pic du Midi d'Ossau.
🎯

Activities

→
Aubisque → trail towards the ridge (Grum ridge type route) for extended viewpoints.
→
Gourette: mountain biking on dedicated trails (summer).
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Bious-Artigues: family hike and supervised water activities (canoe/horseback riding depending on season).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 47 km
Travel time: 1h10
2
Day

Lescun

limestone crags pierce sky

Lescun - Photo 1Lescun - Photo 2Lescun - Photo 3Lescun - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Village of Lescun: narrow streets, church, panorama of the cirque from the kiosk.
2
Lescun Belvedere: viewpoint over the cirque after gradual ascent.
3
Sanchèse Plateau: easy walk in a pastoral valley with waterfall at the back of the cirque.
🎯

Activities

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Belvedere hike (round trip ~2 h, ~300 m elevation gain), vulture observation depending on conditions.
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Sanchèse Plateau: continue to the foot of the waterfall and nature break.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 40 km
Travel time: 50min
3
Day

Oloron Sainte Marie

river valley carves gently

Oloron Sainte Marie - Photo 1Oloron Sainte Marie - Photo 2Oloron Sainte Marie - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Chemin de la Mature (Gorges d'Enfer): trail carved into the cliff face, views over the Aspe valley.
2
Fort du Portalet: fortified complex clinging to the rock face (access by guided tour).
3
Oloron-Sainte-Marie: Sainte-Marie cathedral, Sainte-Croix church, bridges over the Gave, city center.
🎯

Activities

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Variant from the start of Chemin de la Mature: round trip to Portalet via the footbridge (if visit reserved).
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Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h10
4
Day

Saint Palais

camino trails intersect peace

Saint Palais - Photo 1Saint Palais - Photo 2Saint Palais - Photo 3Saint Palais - Photo 4Saint Palais - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Holzarte Footbridge: forest hike to the suspension bridge above the gorges.
2
Saint-Palais: town center, fronton, banks of Bédouze, Saint-Paul and Sainte-Madeleine churches.
🎯

Activities

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Holzarte: continuation after the footbridge on balcony trail (depending on level), exploration of clearings and pools.
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Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 55min
5
Day

Biarritz

basque surfers own waves

Biarritz - Photo 1Biarritz - Photo 2Biarritz - Photo 3Biarritz - Photo 4Biarritz - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Biarritz: promenade from the Lighthouse (Pointe Saint-Martin) to Rocher de la Vierge, beaches and cliffs.
2
Anglet: seafront between Chambre d'Amour and Barre de l'Adour.
3
Bidart: center and coastal viewpoints; passage to Uhabia beach.
🎯

Activities

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Surfing or bodyboarding introduction on supervised beach (conditions and season permitting).
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Sunset at Uhabia: coastal walk and wave observation.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
6
Day

Hendaye

border mountains meet atlantic

Hendaye - Photo 1Hendaye - Photo 2
2 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Espelette: traditional streets and facades, old castle, Saint-Étienne church, covered market.
2
Basque Corniche – Domaine d'Abbadia (Hendaye): coastal path and sculpted cliffs.
🎯

Activities

→
Summit of Mondarrain (from Espelette/Itxassou): panoramic hike (moderate level).
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Scenic road climb to Artzamendi: photo stops and short walk on the ridges.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 13 km
Travel time: 20min
7
Day

Saint Jean De Luz

fishing boats bob anchor

Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 1Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 2Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 3Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 4Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 5Saint Jean De Luz - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Fort de Socoa (Ciboure): defensive complex on the bay shore.
2
Ciboure: Saint-Vincent church, market and old fountain; stroll through the town.
3
Saint-Jean-de-Luz: large beach, jetty, port and historic center.
4
Pointe de Sainte-Barbe: landscaped park and panorama over the bay.
🎯

Activities

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Gentle coastal walk between Ciboure, Socoa and Saint-Jean-de-Luz (round trip depending on time).

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.