Igantzi walks

A Roman road, a summit offering 360-degree views, wooden vultures, a superb cave, miraculous waters, all in a forest offering a fabulous setting: follow the guide!

A very lovely walk in the heart of nature, with only the sounds of wildlife. For almost the entire route, there are impressive views of the surrounding peaks, including Mendaur, the Trois Couronnes, La Rhune, etc.

There are numerous waterfalls around the village of Arantza, though some are difficult to reach. The most famous and easiest to access is the Putzubeltz waterfall. The Arantza local council has also created a lovely, fairly easy path leading to it. You start by walking across meadows, then quickly find yourself in the middle of the forest, with the only sound being the trickling of small streams.

Mendaur rises to an altitude of 1,130 metres. It is an iconic peak with its chapel built in 1692 and restored in 1963. This is essentially a round trip hike following the ridge line to the south-east of the Navarrese village of Arantza and climbing the nearby Mendieder.

A lovely walk to discover numerous waterfalls, the most famous of which is Putzubeltz. The path, which often runs through the forest, follows several rivers, and you’re constantly accompanied by the sound of running water. However, part of the route follows a very narrow path along the mountainside, which may be daunting for those with a fear of heights. Furthermore, you’ll have to wade across numerous rivers, which can be difficult after periods of rain.

Karmen – which we French spell Carmen – is indeed the heroine of a short story by Prosper Mérimée, written in 1835, as well as of George Bizet’s famous opera (1875). Carmen was born in Etxalar. The municipality of Etxalar has therefore created a path leading to the house where Karmen lived as a young woman. Along the route, there are six information boards about Karmen’s era, her way of life and the events that took place at that time. This is the route we are suggesting here. It is therefore a walk that combines nature and culture.

A beautiful hike from a delightful Basque-Spanish village over the passes, with magnificent views on both sides of the border.

A lovely circular route south of Etxalar to climb to the summit of Azkua. You’ll encounter all sorts of paths: tarmac roads, tracks, wide paths, narrow paths and even meadows. The entire ascent follows the GR®11, marked in red and white, whilst the descent takes the standard Azkua route, marked in places with yellow and white. Magnificent views from the summit and throughout the hike.

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.

A short hike to get back into shape, near the beautiful village of Lésaka (worth visiting). A pleasant hike in the silence of the forest, with lovely views.

The climb up the south face of Aritzmendi allows you to hike in the sun, apart from the beautiful forest sections. The view from the top is magnificent, with a 360° panorama of mountains and ocean.

A beautiful loop from the charming village of Vera de Bidassoa with a magnificent view of La Rhune on the way up and a pleasant descent through the forest.

A beautiful hike offering superb views of the surrounding peaks and the ocean in the distance. In addition, you will pass through a fascinating archaeological site.

This is a short version of the pidgeon hunting hut circuit (the long version starts at the bottom of the valley). Starting from the pass, the elevation gain is greatly reduced, but this does not detract from the magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, the valleys (French and Spanish) and the coast (Basque and Landes) in the distance. Information boards also provide a better understanding of wood pigeon hunting.

An easy and quick climb to a beautiful summit offering enchanting 360° views.

Climb to Ibanteli from the Lizarrieta Pass, which is easy and offers beautiful views. The Lizarrieta Pass is a birdwatching spot and also the starting point for a large number of hikes.

This route starts at the Lizarieta Pass and goes around Ibanteli without passing through the Xokobia car park (the lowest point of a long loop). It offers the possibility of a half-day hike, without missing out on the magnificent views of the Basque valley and some legendary peaks.

Un presque aller-retour passant par l'Agiña avec une belle vue sur les Trois Couronnes et l'Ikatzuloko Bizkarra avec une petite vue sur le Lac Domiko.

A ridge route above the town of Bera, taking you from the Col de Lizuniaga, on the French-Spanish border, to Bera. The Haute Route des Pyrénées is not yet very high at this point.

Nice hike to the top of La Rhune, along the pigeon fields, on the south side, avoiding the crowds and the little cogwheel train.

A circular walk that passes over the summit of Kopako Harria and overlooks Lake Endara.

A short mountain walk which, as you climb, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding villages.

This mountain hike offers stunning views of the surrounding villages as you climb. Furthermore, the route takes you over the Col de Lizarrieta, where there are two restaurants—one in Spain and the other in France—offering the chance to stop for a bite to eat.

A beautiful walk in the undergrowth that still allows you to discover the surrounding peaks.

A short and pleasant hike in the Aiako Harria Natural Park, right in the heart of the forest. However, you’ll need to be prepared to go off-track (easy) as the paths become a bit overgrown. Using the GPS track is therefore recommended. You’ll climb two peaks of just over 700 m. This is a family-friendly hike offering beautiful scenery.

A magnificent loop through the Artikutxa park, taking in the splendour of the beech forest and the panoramic view of the Navarre mountains via Bianditz.

Circular path in a natural park to Lake Artikutza (dry) via thePR®®-NA-124 Eskas - Artikutza trail.

Lake Arritzulegi is better known as Lake Mendaur, as it lies at the foot of this peak. It is actually a dam lake. Located at an altitude of 700 m in a very pretty setting, it makes for a beautiful hiking destination. However, I would describe this hike as difficult, partly because of the elevation gain and partly because some of the paths that still appear on maps have disappeared. This means that part of the hike is off-trail and without many landmarks. You therefore need to have a good sense of direction and be used to walking off-trail. This hike is therefore only suitable for experienced walkers.The Visorando app is recommended.

A magnificent hike through a typical Navarrese forest leads to the summit of Mendaur, with its breathtaking 360° views.A visit to the Ermita de la Trinidad (ermitage) is a must!

A beautiful circular route for visiting Petite Rhune (Larrun Ttiki) and passing close to Venta Yasola.La Rhune will be visible above us.

A beautiful hike that allows you to admire many legendary peaks of the Basque Country and gain a better understanding of wood pigeon hunting.

A lovely, easy hike. Beautiful view from the summit.

Starting from refreshing streams, a warm-up walk through chestnut and oak woods gradually reveals the other side of the Rhune, towering above the foggy plains iridescent with the first rays of the sun. After following a small canal, the route climbs into the open, widening the view of the hillsides. The slope becomes steeper along the edge of the forest, then along the border, before levelling out onto a wide, beautiful lawn. It is then time to climb the last slopes leading to the summit of Ibanteli. This summit offers a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Basque countryside, the ocean, the Rhune, the Col d'Ibardin, the Peñas de Hayas and, to the east, the Pyrenees and Atxuria. In this direction, you can also see the Lizarrieta border pass, which may be waiting for you for a refreshing break or a typical, hearty lunch..

A circular route that takes in the restaurants on the border between Ziburumendi and Errentzazu.

Following paths through pidgeon hunting huts to climb up to the Gartzin blockhouse. A route starting from the Col d'Ibardin on easily accessible paths. The route can be shortened at the point near the pidgeon hunting huts

For those who want to climb La Rhune without encountering hardly anyone, this is the hike to do. The route starts in the forest. Once you’ve left the road behind, only birdsong accompanies you. If you wander along the edges of the path during the season, you may come across a few mushrooms. The return route, alternating between open areas and forest sections, is most pleasant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A route starting from Ibardin that climbs up to Mantalle (or Menddalé), where the Redoute de la Baïonnette is located; this was part of the Rhune fortifications used during battles, particularly against the coalition led by Wellington. From the ridge, there are magnificent views in both directions.

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.

Un itinéraire en boucle à travers les vallons qui entourent Sare en passant par la Redoute en étoile de Santa Barbara.

Starting from the caves of Sare (which are well worth a visit), the climb to this proud summit offers a magnificent panorama. The climb up the French side, which is sometimes steep, quickly takes you close to the summit ridge, which you follow to reach the top of Atxuria. The route continues opposite the village of Zugarramurdi, the village of witches, before plunging down the Spanish side. A wild crossing precedes a steeper descent back to the French side, passing at the foot of cliffs made up of countless brown-red ledges: overhanging, they serve as a refuge and nesting place for colonies of griffon vultures that fly over this idyllic pastoral landscape. As you approach the forest, the hundred-year-old beech trees and the refreshing company of streams give this gentle valley an enchanting air.

Atxuria or Peña Plata is a beautiful peak with 100-metre cliffs on its southern face. Magnificent views of the Spanish mountains and the northern plains. There are numerous caves at its base. The most famous are those of Sare and Zugarramurdi, which were inhabited in the Palaeolithic era.

A beautiful walk starting from the Sare Caves and passing through the Zugarramurdi Caves, the Witch Museum and the village of Zugarramurdi.

A beautiful circular route around Atxuria (Peña Plata in Spanish).

A lovely circular walk starting from the Grottes de Sare and climbing up to the Col des Trois Bornes.

Another way to do a circular route around Atxuria. Easier than some of the other routes already published, with only 450 m of elevation gain. Magnificent views of the impressive cliffs of Atxuria. Some difficult sections – see the reviews

Several hikers have reported that the path after the Zugarramurdi caves is now blocked. I have modified the route (July 2023). From the centre, take the road that leads to the cemetery. A superb hike that avoids the climb to the summit, which can be exhausting and difficult to find.I have already posted this hike on Visorando.You will walk along the magnificent and impressive cliffs of Atxuria. On this southern side, the hike, with less elevation gain and a few hundred metres more, becomes bucolic.

This is a very pretty hike that takes you up Atxuria or Peña Plata, a rocky peak above the caves of Sare. We will start near the caves. Etymologically speaking, Atxuria comes from aitz-xuria, meaning "white rock". To the south, it is called Peña Plata, or "silver peak", which comes from the light colour of the rock when the sun shines on it. This peak is a border peak. During this hike, we will be in Spain, in the part that goes around the peak.

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.

After reaching the summit of La Rhune via the little train (a lovely climb), we head back down towards the village of Sare. A lovely stretch through the woodland, occasionally passing horses roaming freely.

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

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.

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

Another way to climb La Rhune. You won't have to contend with the crowds on the more popular trails. Here, there are very few people, except for the locals.

This is the ideal route for tackling La Rhune in winter or on a cool day in mid-season. Indeed, much of this hike faces south and is sheltered from the north wind. Whilst the ascent is steep, the descent will also leave you with pleasant memories, over grassy terrain with few stones. In any case, your efforts will be rewarded by the unforgettable view from the summit of La Rhune. Depending on the time of year, you may even be able to enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat in one of the summit huts (closed in winter). On the way up, you’ll come across a magnificent cromlech, a prehistoric Basque monument and a sacred burial site.

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.

A hike after passing the Elurretxe Pass through the forest with numerous streams and therefore sometimes muddy paths. During the hike, you will climb several peaks: Belitz, Arburu, Sardinola and Gogortegiko.

A very beautiful hike that climbs from Sare towards La Rhune and passes from pass to pass, offering remarkable views of the mountains, countryside and ocean.

This is a short walk with no other aim than to spend a pleasant moment in a superb landscape and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wide open spaces of the Basque Country.

Starting from Sare, a beautiful little village in the Basque Country, a short hike allows you to discover the beautiful landscape around the village.

With the beautiful village of Sare as its starting point, this hike showcases the built heritage, old stones, history and landscapes in a very varied loop where there is no room for monotony. From a sporting point of view, the climbs and descents follow one another without transition, never very long, but admittedly with a few steep sections that are sometimes quite tough. It takes a little effort to complete this varied circuit between the town hall square and the heights of the Col de Saint-Ignace. But above all, there are discoveries to be made along the way. Walking along the cobblestones of the old galtzada (medieval road) is a poignant introduction to the area's heritage, followed further on by an old wash house, the remains of Napoleonic redoubts and traditional houses and barns.

A beautiful hike that will allow you to discover the most famous peaks of the Basque Country around you as you climb, but also to enjoy a wide view of the ocean.

A route to the summit of Zuhalmendi, featuring traces of the past along the way, such as wayside shrines, a wash house and a redoubt, as well as the chance to learn about pig farming.