Bidassoa (fleuve) walks

Starting from Biriatou, climb Xoldoko Gaina and its tower. This hike takes you quickly up the Basque Coast, with views of La Rhune, the 3 Couronnes and the Côte d'Argent in the Bay of Biscay. The return journey is along the Bidassoa.

The typical, picturesque village of Fontarrabie is one of the region's finest examples of Basque-Spanish culture and architecture. With its facades of brightly-colored wood contrasting with the surrounding white, its pedestrian streets, ancient fortifications and cathedral, it's a Basque journey summed up in one town. Numerous cafés and "pintxos" bars line the route for a gastronomic break.

A short hike up Mont du Calvaire above Biriatou, with views of Xingudi Bay and the Basque coast.

A walk along the banks of the Bidasoa between Béhobie and Hendaye station, returning via the south bank. This walk is very easy and is suitable for families with children.

Once you’ve made the effort to climb to the top, you’re rewarded with a superb view of the Basque coast.You have to look past the rather unattractive scenery at the start with the high-voltage power line.

The border winds peacefully along the waters of the River Bidasoa, then rises abruptly up the ridge of the Pyrenees, towards the Col d’Ibardin and on to the Rhune massif. Numbered boundary markers were erected in the mountains to demarcate this administrative line, and patrols of vigilant customs officers had to be deployed to curb the night-time smuggling and trafficking of goods in days gone by. This walk partly follows in the footsteps of these border guards; you will notice that the job required a certain level of physical fitness at the time, as the climb to border marker No. 3 is quite challenging, though fortunately shaded by a beautiful oak grove. In these forgotten corners of the Basque mountains, provided you are not put off by steep slopes, the circular route becomes a splendid ascent towards the first Pyrenean peaks.

A round trip from Biriatou with a view over Lake Xoldokogaina (Lake Ibardin). The route skirts the Xoldo, which is the westernmost mountain in the French Pyrenees (Xoldokogaina means ‘the summit of the Xoldo’ in Basque).

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

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.

Plaiaundi Ecological Park is located in Irun, between the Bidassoa River, the Jaizubia Stream and Txingudi Bay. Inside the park, there is an interpretation centre providing information. There are numerous observation points along the route where you can watch the birds without disturbing them. There are also many information panels and benches. The park serves as a refuge for migratory birds due to its location at the foot of the Pyrenees. It has two saltwater lagoons and one freshwater lagoon. With virtually no elevation gain, it is a great place for a family outing.