Biriatou walks

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

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.

Walk from the San Martial hermitage with panoramic views on both sides of the border.To be avoided during the hunting season, as the path is lined with pigeon shoots.

A beautiful loop that climbs up to Xoldoko Gaina, then descends to the Col d'Osin (Osingo Lepoa), passes through the Col des Poiriers (Pitare), an area rich in monoliths, and returns along the side of Xoldo, skirting the lake.

Signposted loop on the SL-GI-1006 trail which passes at the foot of the Aitzondo waterfall and along the Irugurutzeta kilns. Apart from the incline at the start and the staircase to follow, the rest of the hike is a pleasant, mostly shaded walk with no major difficulties. The spectacle of the great waterfall is magnificent for those who manage to get close enough.

A pretty loop near the town of Irun to climb to the summit of San Martial, then on to the Ermita de San Martial with its exceptional view over the bay of Txingudi.Please note: due to the presence of numerous hunting posts, this hike should not be attempted during the pigeon hunting season.

Lake Ibardin with a detour that has become mandatory since crossing the dam is no longer permitted.We therefore descend along the left bank of the stream to complete a true circular loop.

Short walk with beautiful views of the Three Crowns and Lake Endara on the Errenga River.

A stroll along the Domiko Canal then a descent to Embalse de Endara before returning to the start via the GR®11.

Discovery of an old mine and access routes via numerous tunnels that had been dug into the mountain. All this in the forest of the Aiako Harria (Aia Mountains in Basque) nature park, also known as the Three Crowns.

This is a very easy hike that starts at the foot of the Col d'Ibardin next to the old customs house, climbs up to the pass and descends on the side facing the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is called the Sentier des Mulets (Mule Trail) in reference to the convoys of mules that once criss-crossed the mountain to carry all kinds of goods, not necessarily declared at customs, across the border. For the record, Pierre Loti's novel Ramuntcho, written in Ascain, recounts these stories of smugglers.

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!

A circular route to discover three peaks overlooking the Basque coast to the north and the Bidasoa valley to the south.

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

Lake Xoldokogaina, also known as Lake Ibardin, is located at an altitude of 330 m in the Arola Valley, surrounded by the Xoldo, Munhoa and Onéaga mountains. It was created in the early 1930s as a water reserve. Swimming and fishing are prohibited. A hike starting from the car park, below the ventas (traditional Basque restaurants) when arriving from the pass, provides access to the lake and offers beautiful views of the Basque coast and the surrounding mountains. The trail crosses pastureland where you may encounter pottoks and betisoak. The Ibardin Pass offers exceptional views of the Spanish and French Pyrenees. The site is ideal for relaxing by the water or enjoying a picnic.

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 round trip to the first two summits of the Three Crowns, plus a third as a preamble. For the less adventurous, the climb to Txurrumurru requires crossing a rocky bar that can be tricky. Nevertheless, it's worth the effort to reach the narrow passage between two boulders that gives a view of Lake Endara. Going to the last summit, Erroilbide, is much trickier and requires experience, which is why it is not mentioned in this itinerary.

What more could you ask for in the coastal area of the Southern Basque Country: mountainous landscape, granite terrain and a ridge path! The Three Crowns massif offers three peaks to explore. We will start this route with Erroilbide, then Txurrumurru and finally Irumugarrieta. The view is magnificent, with a 360° panorama of the Southern Basque Country and the Labour coastline stretching as far as the Landes. The route along the ridge includes passages, in couloirs and on slabs, which must be negotiated with caution.Some passages require the use of your hands. There is a fixed ring on the ascent to Txurrumurru. Not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.