Pyrenees GR10: Part 1, Hendaye – St Jean Pied de Port

Day 1: Arrival

Welcome at your hotel in Hendaye

Depending on your arrival time, after checking into your hotel, you may choose to walk in the region of Domaine d'Abbadia. A fantastic natural site of 65 hectares is situated right on the coast. You will find a great mix of landscapes, moors, prairies, heather and high cliffs. You can also visit the famous neo-gothic chateau, the Domaine d'Abbadie.
If you have more time: from St Jean de Luz, the coastal path, offers you magnificent panoramas from the port of Ciboure to Hendaye.

Overnight: Hendaye, Optional walk: 5.5km (2hrs), +80m, -80m or 12km (3hrs30), +200m, -200m.

Day 2: Hendaye - Ibardin

Hendaye lies on the estuary of the River Bidassoa, which forms the border with Spain. The GR10 walking route begins its course on Hendaye Plage. Rising rapidly above the Atlantic, this first stage of the walk is pleasant. The landscape, scattered with villages, is peaceful and harmonious with the rolling hillsides. The ambiance is very basque but there is no sign yet of the high dramatic mountains to come.

Overnight: Ibardin, Walk: 14km (4hrs45) +730m, -345m

Day 3: Ibardin - Dancharia

Short transfer (can be avoided, consult us). The first outlines of the distant mountains can be spotted on the horizon. You have the chance to reach the summit of La Rhune. At an altitude of 900m it is considered the first peak in the Pyrenean chain. You'll pass picturesque villages; Sare and Ainhoa are scarcely more than single streets lined with large houses. The houses (mostly dating from the 17th century) have stone lintels carved with the dates of their construction and details of their family's history.

Overnight: Dancharia, Walk: 21.5km (6hrs45) +650m, -670m.

Day 4: Dancharia - Col des Veaux

Today the GR10 passes a series of summits, crossing over high mountain passes, it winds its way around l'Erebi (583m), and then further on l'Axulegi (617m). At the high mountain pass of Col Zuccuta there is a superb viewpoint. From the col, weather permitting, you can either take the track route to the Col des Veaux or if it's fine you might choose to stay on the ridge. This is not part of the GR10 but it is well worth it for the views. The ridge leads all the way to the Pic Gorospil at 691m where there are superb panoramic views.

Overnight: Col des Veaux, Walk: 13km (4hrs), +670m, -200m.

Day 5: Col des Veaux - Bidarray

The GR10 continues to alternate between the Pyrenean summits and mountain villages that have a strong Basque identity. The trail heads in the direction of Col de Mehatche situated at an altitude of 716m. You'll pass into a rocky landscape that is home to griffin vultures that circle high above. You descend to Bidarray village, an emblematic overnight stop that is vibrant with the characteristic Basque culture and lifestyle.

Overnight: Bidarray, Walk: 11km (3hrs30), +270m, -740m.

Day 6: Bidarray - Saint Etienne de Baigorry

Today is a challenging walk and will lead you to Saint Etienne de Baigorry across some breathtaking scenery, such as extraordinary sandstone cliff faces along the classic ridge walk of the Cresta d'Iparla and its culminating peak of 1044m.

Overnight: Saint Etienne de Baigorry, Walk: 18.5km (7hrs30), +1250m, -1275m.

Day 7: Saint Etienne de Baigorry - St Jean Pied de Port

This is the final day of the first week's walking on the GR10 trail leading into Saint Jean Pied de Port, in the very heart of the Basque country. There is over six hours of challenging walking with 900m ascent and descent before arriving at Saint Jean Pied de Port. It lies in a picturesque setting on the banks of the river Nive, and is located on a historic route into Spain. Enclosed by walls of pinky red sandstone, the old town is pretty and interesting with a single cobbled street. Many of the historic houses bear inscriptions on the lintels from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Overnight: St Jean Pied de Port, Walk: 19.5km (7hrs), +950m, -950m.

Day 8: Departure

Your holiday ends after breakfast in Saint Jean Pied de Port. Opportunity to visit the historic capital of Basse-Navarre.

Please see our section called "Options" for details about undertaking this walk in reverse from the mountains to the Atlantic, as well as about adding 2 extra days to this option and finishing in San Sebastian.