Walk a part of the mythical GR10 in France and explore the Basque Coast, its charming villages, its gastronomy, and rolling mountains
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking trail from the Pyrenees Mountains to Atlantic Ocean is available from 1 April to 31 October. This trek is at relatively low altitudes reaching just over 1000m in altitude and so the risk of snow is relatively small outside of winter, early spring and late autumn. Having said this, April is relatively fresh with a maximum average daily temperature of 16°C on the coast and several degrees lower inland. From May, temperatures are pleasant for walking and the wildlife becomes abundant. Maximum average temperatures in July and August are 25°C on the coast. Temperatures would be higher inland at low altitudes and lower at higher altitudes. In terms of temperatues, June and September are optimal with maximum avarage temperatures of 23°C on the coast. June and July are the driest months, whilst April and October are the wettest months during the holiday period. The chance of storms is usally greater in the afternoons, so setting off early is advisable. The busiest period in terms of fellow walkers is from Mid July to mid August. Early in the season is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows.
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at St Jean de Pied de Port at the start of the trip and in Hendaye at the end of your walk.
Combining trips
It is possible to continue with the second part of the Traverse of the Pyrenees at the end of this walking holiday: Pyrenees GR10, Part 2: St Jean Pied de Port – Estaut.
Changing or Tailor-made holidays
It is possible to book this walking holiday in the reverse direction starting in Hendaye and ending up at St Jean de Pied de Port. The walking stages would be the same except in reverse. It would also be possible to add a couple of walking days at the end of the trip in Northern Spain, finishing at San Sebastian. These two walking days are detailed below:
Extra day 1 : Loop of Hondarribia
From Hendaye, you will reach the wharf to take the boat shuttle to cross the Txingudy Bay, which separates Hendaye from the Spanish harbour of Hondarribia. You will quickly reach the Cabo Higuer, the western end of the Pyrenees. From there, the track will offer you a condensed summary of the Basque Country, leading you sometimes above the cliffs, sometimes in the middle of a green valley: ocean and mountain merged! When you get to Hondarribia, after the hike, it is time for a Tapas stop! And return to hendaye to your accommodation via boat shuttle.
Distance : 14km, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -300m.
Extra day 2 : From the Jaizkibel mountain to San Sebastian
Transfer from Hendaye to the Jaizkibel Mountain. There, the track will reward you with magnificent views over the ocean, 400m down, from one side, and over the first French and Spanish Basque mountains, from the other side. Then you will walk down through a lovely pathway on the cliff’s edge to reach Pasaia, where you will take another boat shuttle to cross the Pasaia Bay. The remaining part of the track to reach San Sebastian will take place through creeks and green seaside. San Sebastian and its famous “Concha” are waiting for you, for an amazing evening wandering along the “Casco Viejo”, discovering the best “Pintxos” (tapas) bars of the whole country !
Distance : 17km, altitude gain: +300m, descent : -700m.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor Made Trips
If you want to learn more about the region’s culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out this trip that includes a few days in the South West of France. Contact us to add them to your hike.
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