Aquitaine walks

The not-to-be-missed Lacs d'Ayous, deep in the Ossau valley, with a magnificent view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau.

A circuit a dozen or so kilometers long in a green area among forests, streams and waterfalls. And especially crossing the Holzarté bridge which is the headline event of this quite demanding hike. If it is too physically demanding, you can turn around once you have seen the bridge.

One of the best-known paths in the Pyrenees, carved into the steep rock above the Gorges d'Enfer. The Chemin de la Mâture still echoes with the blows of the pickaxes of the convicts who dug it. An unforgettable page of history!

This hike takes you up the Suhalmendi for a magnificent 360° view of the Pyrenees and the ocean. You'll also discover the Basque pig that makes such delicious hams and other charcuterie. There's also a nice little picnic area where you can enjoy your picnic.

A beautiful route to discover La Rhune in all its glory.

A hike that will lead you to one of the primary summits of the Pyrenees, offering you a view over the entire Basque country, French and Spanish.

This well-marked loop, taken from the region's guidebooks, will take you through the village of Vitrac, perched on a plateau and dominated by its church and castle, as well as the medieval village of Montfort and its castle.

This beautiful hike will allow you to discover the most famous peaks of the Basque Country as you climb, as well as enjoy a wide view of the ocean.

Enjoy discovering the village of Beynac (one of the most beautiful villages in France) and don't hesitate to visit its castle, a jewel of 12th-century military architecture that has been constantly remodelled since then. You will then be able to admire the surrounding countryside of hills, valleys, shady forests, green meadows and typical Périgord houses with their undeniable charm.

A beautiful hike that combines superb views and varied trails. Definitely do it in good weather to enjoy the landscapes that await you.

A rural route through woods, meadows, a few vineyards and quiet country roads.

A magnificent route that will take you up high and offer superb views of the village and the Rhune.

Beautiful views of Itxassou and Mount Ursuya, then Roland's Pass and the Nive Gorges.

Why Grand Tour? Because you have to pass by the Ayous Refuge in a setting that is, how can I put it? Sublime...

This is a beautiful hike that allows you to discover the Iparla ridges without having to climb the various peaks.

This circular walk takes you to the Napoleonic redoubts used by Marshal Soult's army against Wellington's British troops in 1814. You can enjoy beautiful 360° views. Magnificent hundred-year-old oak trees line the route.

A superb walk along the seafront between Biarritz and Anglet. Easy and enjoyable.

An interesting route that takes you around local farmers, where you can buy Espelette peppers and sheep's cheese. A pleasant route through a charming village.

From the old Saint-Laurent-des-Combes railway station, at a place called Barbeyron, you will climb back up towards Saint-Émilion with exceptional views of the medieval town. After skirting the town, this hike will take you through the heart of the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru vineyards.

From the Vitrac quite village, this route goes up the Dordogne valley to discover the famous La Roque-Gageac clifftop village.

Far to the north, Mount Ursuya offers magnificent views of the Basque and Béarn mountains, the plain and the valleys of Piedmont.

This hike takes you up to a higher elevation with a beautiful view of the Vézère River, and also allows you to discover two sites: - La Roque Saint-Christophe, troglodyte dwellings in a limestone cliff one kilometre long and sixty metres high, - and the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

A very pretty loop that follows the French-Spanish border ridge, passing three passes. A very well-marked red and white path on the Spanish side allows you to pass under the ridges (for those prone to vertigo).

A very beautiful hike that climbs from Sare towards La Rhune and passes from pass to pass, offering remarkable views of the mountains, countryside and ocean.

Hike starting from a must-see spot in the Arcachon Basin, mentioned by Pascal Obispo in "Tombé pour elle".A forest trail with access to the ocean via a wild passage, a walk along the waves (perhaps with your feet in the water), and a return through the forest to the Piraillan Reservoirs Nature Reserve and the beaches of the Arcachon Basin and the oyster-farming village of Grand Piquey.A varied and charming hike.

Walk along the ocean to return via the Dune du Pilat with beautiful views of the Banc d'Arguin Nature Reserve and Cap Ferret.

From Lescun, discover the Aiguilles d'Ansabère and the superb landscape of the Aspe Valley!

This hike is ideal for getting back into shape after a year of varying levels of physical activity. It is suitable for children who are used to walking.You will discover the Basque Country, its traditions and its beauty.You will encounter Pottoks, sheep, springs, hiding places for wood pigeon hunting and vultures.

A very beautiful route to reach Mondarrain via the north face. The summit passes at the foot of a climbing site. See Practical Information. The view from the summit is 360°, from the Basque Coast (Côte d'Argent) to the Béarn Pyrenees, passing by the peaks of Navarre.

Meadows on pink cliffs. In the coves, the waves erode these pink cliffs, which continue to crumble into the sea. The moorland above the ocean, the cliffs and the pretty bay of Loya (Loïa) are unspoilt corners of nature thanks to the work of the Conservatoire du Littoral, which manages the area. It would appear that dogs are not allowed on the trail, even on a leash!

Loop from the port of Langoiran to the hillsides and the church of Haut-Langoiran. Moderator's note Possible private property issue between (5) and (6): See reviews. It is possible to take the road

A very fine circuit, which can be modified to suit the length and type of path required. You follow the Huchet stream, a small river that flows from the Étang de Léon to the ocean. Spectacular flora and beautiful colours at the mouth of this walk through the Landes Amazon. Author's note 24 June 2024. Walk described on Visorando in 2019, done several times since then, but despite the work done on the footbridge, it is still closed. The forest rangers I met in October 2023 gave me no information about the reopening of the Nasse footbridge. The loop described in 2019 is therefore still not feasible in 2024. A return trip is therefore necessary. I recommend that you then drive to the mouth of the Huchet stream and follow the stream upstream, as the scenery is sublime depending on the time of day.

A lovely shaded circuit around Aubertin, on the banks of the Baïse, on the ridges facing the Pyrenees and in the vineyards of Jurançon.

Discover the Basque coast from Bidart, where you can watch the surfers, to the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The route is uneven between the very pleasant coastal path and the detours behind the numerous properties. You can end your visit at the beach in Saint-Jean-de-Luz or relax in the town.

A beautiful hike offering superb views of the surrounding peaks and the ocean in the distance. In addition, you will pass through a fascinating archaeological site.

Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord...

A beautiful hike that allows you to admire many legendary peaks of the Basque Country and gain a better understanding of wood pigeon hunting.

Route on the heights of Ibarron with a beautiful view of the Nivelle valley.

This walk will take you through the vineyards of Saillans, a small village with beautiful views of the River Isle and Libourne.

The Certes and Graveyron estates in Audenge (33) are a group of former salt marshes, once used as fish ponds, nestled in the Arcachon basin. Now a nature reserve, it is a unique place to observe nature and especially birds. The short loop trail allows you to explore these places at your leisure.

Here's another way to do a nice loop in Ursuya. This hike is always on open ground on wide paths with magnificent views from the start to the summit. The end of the return journey is via the Iramalda and Harrixuri ridges with Cambo-les-Bains in front of you and, further away, Bayonne and, of course, the coast. On the left, you can see La Rhune, Mondarrain, Artzamendi, etc.

During this hike, you will discover a hilly, wooded area dotted with hamlets that bear witness to a rich farming history. The forest, composed of oak, hornbeam and chestnut trees, offers a rich palette of colours. Here and there, small islands of meadow add to this mosaic.

A superb circuit that passes in front of the Gapelu amphitheatre (one of the most majestic sites in the Basque Country according to Miguel Angulo) and through the Col d'Iparla, which is a tough climb but is rewarded on reaching the ridges with a vast panorama stretching from the sea to the peaks of Orhy and Anie...

This walk will take you through woods and vineyards.

Magnificent views, weather permitting: Saint-André-de-Cubzac, Pont d'Aquitaine, etc. Passage through Mediterranean-style shrubbery, not to mention a few beautiful castles... Be careful in wet weather, as the path can be slippery.

A beautiful hike along an oldPR® trail, which is unfortunately no longer well marked. The return journey is on gentler slopes than the outward journey. The end of the route crosses the vineyards of Irouleguy.

This hike allows you to discover Lake Saint-Pée, where there is a small beach where you can cool off before the last part of the route.

This hike starts in one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country. The route takes you up a series of climbs to the Col des Trois Croix. From there, you climb to the summit of Errebi. The view stretches from the ocean to the mountains of Labourd.

Climb gently to reach a beautiful viewpoint over the surrounding peaks and even the coast on a clear day.

This is a lovely route for enjoying peaceful, magnificent views of the modest but beautiful Basque hills and, above all, the Penas d'Ichusi.