Arantza walks

A lovely walk to discover numerous waterfalls, the most famous of which is Putzubeltz. The path, which often runs through the forest, follows several rivers, and you’re constantly accompanied by the sound of running water. However, part of the route follows a very narrow path along the mountainside, which may be daunting for those with a fear of heights. Furthermore, you’ll have to wade across numerous rivers, which can be difficult after periods of rain.

Mendaur rises to an altitude of 1,130 metres. It is an iconic peak with its chapel built in 1692 and restored in 1963. This is essentially a round trip hike following the ridge line to the south-east of the Navarrese village of Arantza and climbing the nearby Mendieder.

There are numerous waterfalls around the village of Arantza, though some are difficult to reach. The most famous and easiest to access is the Putzubeltz waterfall. The Arantza local council has also created a lovely, fairly easy path leading to it. You start by walking across meadows, then quickly find yourself in the middle of the forest, with the only sound being the trickling of small streams.

A very lovely walk in the heart of nature, with only the sounds of wildlife. For almost the entire route, there are impressive views of the surrounding peaks, including Mendaur, the Trois Couronnes, La Rhune, etc.

The pretty village of Arantza lies at the foot of a cirque of medium-height mountains, rising to over 1,000 metres in altitude, which you can walk around along the ridges, enjoying magnificent views. Domizko Gaïna (1,038 m), Ekaïtza (1,048 m) and Mendieder (1,071 m) are the main peaks offering magnificent views of the Mendaur (1,131 m). It’s a lovely walk.

A Roman road, a summit offering 360-degree views, wooden vultures, a superb cave, miraculous waters, all in a forest offering a fabulous setting: follow the guide!

Starting from the small village of Sunbilla in the Bidassoa valley south of Vera, this is a pretty, technically easy circular on beautiful tracks except for one short section. There is a small campsite on the heights above the village.

A magnificent hike through a typical Navarrese forest leads to the summit of Mendaur, with its breathtaking 360° views.A visit to the Ermita de la Trinidad (ermitage) is a must!

Lake Arritzulegi is better known as Lake Mendaur, as it lies at the foot of this peak. It is actually a dam lake. Located at an altitude of 700 m in a very pretty setting, it makes for a beautiful hiking destination. However, I would describe this hike as difficult, partly because of the elevation gain and partly because some of the paths that still appear on maps have disappeared. This means that part of the hike is off-trail and without many landmarks. You therefore need to have a good sense of direction and be used to walking off-trail. This hike is therefore only suitable for experienced walkers.The Visorando app is recommended.

A beautiful route leading to the summit of Frain, known as the Cinco-Villas viewpoint, as it offers the best possible panoramic view of this area. The Cinco-Villas is an area of Navarre along the Bidasoa River comprising the five municipalities of Aranaz, Yanci, Lesaca, Echalar and Vera de la Bidasoa.

All types of paths: concrete tracks, dirt tracks and paths, and footpaths. There are several peaks to choose from, as well as forests and pastures. There are several 360° views and fountains along the route. You’ll want to choose a fine day to enjoy the views. This hike covers a considerable distance with a significant elevation gain, but the route isn’t complicated. Furthermore, some peaks can be bypassed by walking below them, which shortens the distance and elevation gain slightly. The vast majority of the ridges are dotted with ground-based and tree-based wood pigeon hunting posts. Hiking is prohibited during the wood pigeon hunting season (October). Menhirs and cromlechs can be found on certain peaks and passes.

A short and pleasant hike in the Aiako Harria Natural Park, right in the heart of the forest. However, you’ll need to be prepared to go off-track (easy) as the paths become a bit overgrown. Using the GPS track is therefore recommended. You’ll climb two peaks of just over 700 m. This is a family-friendly hike offering beautiful scenery.

Circular path in a natural park to Lake Artikutza (dry) via thePR®®-NA-124 Eskas - Artikutza trail.

A magnificent loop through the Artikutxa park, taking in the splendour of the beech forest and the panoramic view of the Navarre mountains via Bianditz.

A beautiful hike, starting in the heart of the forest and heading towards one of the region’s most iconic peaks, taking in cromlech sites along the way and offering fantastic views of the region’s other peaks, such as Jaizkibel and the Three Crowns.

A short hike to get back into shape, near the beautiful village of Lésaka (worth visiting). A pleasant hike in the silence of the forest, with lovely views.

A beautiful walk in the undergrowth that still allows you to discover the surrounding peaks.

Un presque aller-retour passant par l'Agiña avec une belle vue sur les Trois Couronnes et l'Ikatzuloko Bizkarra avec une petite vue sur le Lac Domiko.

A lovely circular route around the village of Etxalar, passing by several peaks including Kokori and Menditxorrotx along beautiful forest paths, offering stunning views of the village and the various surrounding peaks.

Karmen – which we French spell Carmen – is indeed the heroine of a short story by Prosper Mérimée, written in 1835, as well as of George Bizet’s famous opera (1875). Carmen was born in Etxalar. The municipality of Etxalar has therefore created a path leading to the house where Karmen lived as a young woman. Along the route, there are six information boards about Karmen’s era, her way of life and the events that took place at that time. This is the route we are suggesting here. It is therefore a walk that combines nature and culture.

A beautiful hike from a delightful Basque-Spanish village over the passes, with magnificent views on both sides of the border.

A lovely circular route south of Etxalar to climb to the summit of Azkua. You’ll encounter all sorts of paths: tarmac roads, tracks, wide paths, narrow paths and even meadows. The entire ascent follows the GR®11, marked in red and white, whilst the descent takes the standard Azkua route, marked in places with yellow and white. Magnificent views from the summit and throughout the hike.

A circular walk that passes over the summit of Kopako Harria and overlooks Lake Endara.

Lovely walk with views of San Sebastian, the Basque coast, the Trois Couronnes, La Rhune and a visit to a remarkable cromlech site.

We start by climbing to the summit of Munagirre (781 m), then follow a path through streams, small waterfalls and a beech forest, discovering the fairly recent ruins of the old Artikutza train, or very old ruins with cromlechs and superb views, either of the coast or of the peaks of the Three Crowns.

The climb up the south face of Aritzmendi allows you to hike in the sun, apart from the beautiful forest sections. The view from the top is magnificent, with a 360° panorama of mountains and ocean.

A beautiful loop from the charming village of Vera de Bidassoa with a magnificent view of La Rhune on the way up and a pleasant descent through the forest.

A short walk around the Arditurri mines.Very pretty woodland with numerous small streams and footpaths.From the higher ground, and in fine weather, there are views of San Sebastián Bay and its rock.

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.

This is a short version of the pidgeon hunting hut circuit (the long version starts at the bottom of the valley). Starting from the pass, the elevation gain is greatly reduced, but this does not detract from the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, the valleys (French and Spanish) and the coast (Basque and Landes) in the distance. Information boards also provide a better understanding of wood pigeon hunting.

An easy and quick climb to a beautiful summit offering enchanting 360° views.

Climb to Ibanteli from the Lizarrieta Pass, which is easy and offers beautiful views. The Lizarrieta Pass is a birdwatching spot and also the starting point for a large number of hikes.

A short walk, with no real difficulties and partly shaded, which first takes us down into Spain and then along the border ridge. There are some lovely views of La Rhune and the neighbouring peaks.

This route starts at the Lizarieta Pass and goes around Ibanteli without passing through the Xokobia car park (the lowest point of a long loop). It offers the possibility of a half-day hike, without missing out on the magnificent views of the Basque valley and some legendary peaks.

A walk amidst ferns, the sound of a stream and birdsong, leading to the discovery of a little house.

A ridge route above the town of Bera, taking you from the Col de Lizuniaga, on the French-Spanish border, to Bera. The Haute Route des Pyrénées is not yet very high at this point.

Nice hike to the top of La Rhune, along the pigeon fields, on the south side, avoiding the crowds and the little cogwheel train.