Jaïzkibel loop, Grande faille, Vallée des couleurs and Paramoudras

Access by car via the Bayonne/Irun motorway, then the GI 3440 road. There is a fairly large car park next to the Santa Barbara Tower.

(S/E) At the start, go to the orientation table with a view of the Spanish Basque countryside to the south and east and also a view of Irun and Hendaye to the north. Then head south-west on the well-marked trail to reach Mount Jaïzkibel (altitude 545 m) with a view of the sea.

(1) Take the path to the west that descends and joins the road, leaving it after 200 m to descend to the GI 3440 road.

(2) Cross the GI 3440 road and follow the north-west path, then north-east to join a wide path until you reach a crossroads. There are horses roaming freely in this area.

(3) Cross the road and head due west, then descend to the edge of the sea. You will pass large rocks with impressive honeycomb formations on your right. As you walk along the sea, you will cross faults of varying widths, some of which are deep and dangerous.

(4) At the crossroads, return to the viewpoint.

(5) Return to point 4 and continue south-east. Cross the stream, then head north, descending towards the sea and then climbing back up to the next intersection.

(6) Return to the viewpoint.

(7) Start again at the crossroads.

(6) Head south-east, then east. Cross the stream and head north until you reach the crossroads.

(8) At the intersection, go straight ahead towards the northeast. Descend the cliff heading south towards the valley of colours. The rocks are yellow, orange and red with unusual shapes.

(9) After the stream, head north until you reach a road.

(10) Cross the road and continue north

(11) Cross the road and continue northeast

(12) At the crossroads, turn left and head north to reach the coast. Cross the Paramoundras, these cannonball-shaped rocks clinging to the ground or the cliff, then climb back up to the road

(13) Follow the road for 50 m and turn left. Descend towards the "pool": a magical place populated by seagulls where you can swim (except at high tide). Climb back up to the GR® 121 and follow it to the stream.

(15) After crossing the stream, turn right and follow a path up to a forest road.

(16) Turn right and continue climbing until you reach the GI 3440 road.

(17) Turn right and follow the GI 3440 road uphill. Watch out for cars and especially motorcycles, which drive fast.

50 m before the crossroads, cut across the field to reach the car park (S/E).

Some passages along the coast can be difficult or even dangerous. Avoid high tides and rainy weather as the sloping slabs towards the sea can be very slippery. One section requires downclimbing and is equipped with ropes (it is impossible to descend without these ropes. You must fold your walking sticks and stow them away as throwing them down is risky: there is an almost inaccessible crevasse where we found three lost sticks!

At the seaside:

• the crevasses are impressive but dangerous
• The valley of colours is very beautiful, especially in bright sunshine.
• The Paramoudras seem unreal and make you feel like you are on the moon or Mars
• The "pool" is perfect for swimming (at least your feet) and is a haven of peace with birds nearby waiting for you to leave so they can return