Artzamendi walks

From the beautiful little Navarran village of Urdax, we set off to conquer Alkuruntz. There are several picnic spots to choose from and the view is magnificent on both the French and Spanish sides.

A lovely walk through the heart of the Bastan valley, starting from the Etchebertzekoborda restaurant and passing by the beautifully restored “Moulin de l’Enfer” and the Palacio de Aizkolegi (at the top of the Bertiz estate).

From the Rhune mini-train station, this hike climbs to the summit at 905 metres. The trail crosses moors, pastures and small woods, offering progressive views of the Basque Coast and the Pyrenees. Along the way, pottoks and mountain birds punctuate the ascent. At the summit, the 360° panorama reveals the ocean on one side and the Pyrenean mountain range on the other, rewarding your efforts with a spectacular natural spectacle.

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.

A lovely stage with a seaside feel and the end of the journey in sight.

After reaching the summit of La Rhune via the little train (a lovely climb), we head back down towards the village of Sare. A lovely stretch through the woodland, occasionally passing horses roaming freely.

Did you know that a tramway used to run through the hinterland from the coast (Hendaye, Ciboure) to Sare via Ascain? That was before the car became popular in 1936. This hike takes you along its route, based on available archives. The landscape has preserved the memory of this journey, which you can discover during this excursion under the watchful eye of Mont Esnaur.

A beautiful stage in the Pyrenean foothills along country lanes.

The forty-sixth stage of the Camino de Santiago. A physically demanding stage, featuring the ascent of the Pyrenees, splendid views of the surrounding Basque Country if the weather permits, free-roaming herds, a sense of being high up, and the excitement of crossing into Spain. After a long, steep descent, you arrive at the Monastery of Roncesvalles. Given the altitude of the finish point and the cool temperatures, I preferred the monastery dormitory to camping. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a whole new journey begins. The landscapes are no longer the same, nor are the pilgrims. From here on, there are ten times as many people on the paths. Very few French people and lots of Koreans, Australians, Americans, Filipinos and, of course, Spaniards. From here on, you have to speak Spanish or English or use Google Translate. But you always manage to make yourself understood and get by. That’s the magic of the Camino de Santiago.