Gartzin and the pidgeon hunting huts

This hike takes you to a large bunker that runs through the mountain and was part of the defensive structures built along the border during Franco's time to prevent a possible invasion from France. But the views of the surrounding landscape are very beautiful.

Popular for its ventas and other Sunday shopping, the Col d'Ibardin is also the starting point for easy, scenic walks along the Atlantic coast. One of these involves a visit to Lake Xoldokogaina and is suitable for families. As most of the climb is concentrated at the beginning of the walk, it is advisable to take a leisurely pace to reach the highest venta, then the Manddale slopes. The view is already very wide and encourages contemplative breaks. As you round a grove of conifers, the entire Xoldokogaina massif comes into view, a complex of moors and shady valleys, a true paradise for pottoks! It's time for the long descent to the lake, where you can take a break in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks.

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.

This hike is actually a trilogy of the most beautiful places to the west and north-west of the Col d'Ibardin. The Col d'Ibardin (the French-Spanish border ridge) is well known for its ventas and restaurants, which attract many visitors all year round. But it also offers beautiful walks thanks to its tracks and hiking trails. What is proposed here is a long route that passes through the three main points of these places and offers the most beautiful views of this region over the surrounding peaks, such as the Trois Couronnes to the west and the Rhune to the east. There are also magnificent views of the ocean and the towns of Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye, Hondarribia, Irun, etc.

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

A lovely hike above Ibardin, offering the chance to climb a few peaks, including Mandalle, and enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding peaks and the sea.

A circular passing by the Zigorriaga viewpoint and the redoubt of zigzag on the Manttale.

This is a beautiful and fairly short hike, suitable for families (only the start is a little steep), offering superb views of the region's iconic peaks such as La Rhune and Les Trois Couronnes, as well as the Pyrenees mountain range in the distance and the coast.