Castagnède (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) walks

A family walk on the hill overlooking the Gave d’Oloron valley, a land where legends and superstitions converge. View of a fine example of Eiffel architecture spanning the Gave.

On a sunny plateau overlooking the Bidouze river, Arancou is a village with white walls and a remarkable architectural and human heritage. A historic stop on one of the hiking trails to Santiago de Compostela, the Via Turonensis, Arancou built its reputation around a hospital-priory that welcomed pilgrims from the 13thcentury onwards. There are also a few mansions, once dedicated to hospitality, whose architectural details can still be appreciated. In the village, the Church of Notre-Dame is also worth a visit for its style, which combines a long Romanesque plan with Gothic vaults and capitals. Along the trails, the surrounding hills promise fresh air in the forest, where you can see beautiful hundred-year-old oak trees, while the Bidouze valley offers peace and quiet and cool riverbanks.

A very pleasant short walk in the Béarn des Gaves, through woods, fields and villages. Beautiful views of the Pyrenees.

A short discovery route in the Bois de Mixe designed for children. A pleasant 3.5 km route, featuring rope bridges and giant’s steps (square stone blocks), which winds its way along the river. Simply follow the signs explaining life in the forest. An easy walk for the whole family, suitable for children aged 4 years old.

Belle boucle en forêt dans le Bois de Mixe. Balade facile en famille.

Hastingues, an English fortified town built in the 14th century. Permanent exhibition on the routes to Santiago de Compostela. 12th-century Arthous Abbey, museum showcasing the heritage of the Pays d'Orthe. Data: Landes department - Pays d'Orthe and Pouillon - Hastingues Heritage Route 5.4.

This route follows paths that are open and maintained by local volunteers. Much of the walk is on dirt tracks with beautiful views of the region and the Pyrenees.

A short walk starting from the water tower on the Butte de Miremont which, as its name suggests, offers views of the surrounding mountains, with four orientation tables accessed via an external spiral staircase. This route is published by the Basque Country Tourist Office under the name Urgorri. It is reproduced here for use with Visorando.

A round trip on the south bank of the Bidouze from Guiche.

Published by the Landes Departmental Tourism Committee, this route is reproduced here for use with Visorando.

Forty-fifth stage of the Camino de Santiago. This stage is the last of the French section. The ever-changing landscapes of the Basque Country, each more wonderful than the last, will leave you with unforgettable memories. By the time you arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you will have already covered approximately 1,150 kilometres in 45 days of walking, with 12,750 metres of elevation gain. Something to be proud of! Remember to visit the pilgrims’ reception office with your pilgrim’s passport to have your visit to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port certified, before crossing the Pyrenees, and to pick up useful information for your journey through Spain. Make the most of a rest day to recharge your batteries and enjoy the town, which is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France thanks to its typical and well-preserved Basque architecture, its green landscapes opening out onto the Pyrenees, and the expertise of its producers and craftspeople.

This hike takes you along one of the most beautiful sections of the Compostela trails in the Basque Country. You will pass by the Stele of Gibraltar at the crossroads of several paths and you can enjoy a stop at the open chapel of Soyarce, ideal for taking in the panorama of the Basque Pyrenees and for a picnic break.

From the Moulin de Bénesse, restored by volunteers, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Chalosse and the Pyrenees mountain range. You’ll discover the rolling countryside of Heugas and the neighbouring villages, and can spot at least seven water towers. During opening hours, you can buy bread, pastries and hot drinks at the mill car park.

A beautiful ridge walk with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks.

A lovely walk that takes you up into the Arbéroue Valley.

A small peak offering a wonderful 360° view, especially if the weather is on your side. Views over the Adour plain and all the peaks to the south: Ursuya, La Rhune, Mondarin, Artzamendi, Iparla, Baigura... and the entire Pyrenean range to the south-east.

A lovely circular, mostly shaded and offering beautiful views of the Pyrenees. Discover two pretty chapels on the Way of St James.

Forty-fourth stage of the Camino de Santiago. During this stage, you leave Béarn for the Basque Country. A very long stage, mostly along country roads and paths through woodland. As you do not pass through any large villages, it is best to stock up on provisions at the start.