The Putzubeltz waterfall in Arantza

The starting point of the walk is at the car park, at the entrance to the village of Arantza (or Aranaz in Basque), on Rue Beheko. To get there, see the ‘Practical Information’ section.
The walk is signposted, either by signs or by blue and white markings. The suggested route is almost entirely a return walk, except for a short section where you can take an alternative route.

(S/E) From the car park, head towards the village along Rue Beheko. Walk past the school, where you’ll find the first signpost; follow the direction for “otras rutas” (other routes). You’ll then pass the town hall. The street bends left and then right. Carry on to the right, where you’ll come to a second sign (Putzubeltza 5.5 km), and take the next street leading down to the left (there’s a sign for Aterpe), Rue Osina. Continue along this street without turning right or left. You’ll reach a junction where two streets are separated by a low wall. Follow the left-hand street (towards Aterpe) and, immediately, take the small stony path on the left, at a third signpost. Look out for the white and blue markings and follow them.

(1) Turn right, following the markings.

(2) You’ll come to a concrete track. Turn left, then, shortly afterwards, turn right in front of house no. 13301. You’ll reach a junction with a sign indicating that your destination is 3.5 km away. Turn right and head down a concrete road.

(4) At a fairly large hole on the left-hand side of the road, leave the road and continue straight on along the dirt track, following the white and blue markings. In the middle of the forest, pass a lovely fountain. You’ll come to another sign indicating that your destination is 2.5 km away.

(5) Carry on straight ahead. 100 m further on, look out for a wooden sign by the side of the road marked ‘Putzu beltz’. Leave the main road and take the small path on the left. This leads onto a concrete track

(6) Follow it to the right.

(7) At the junction, take the path on the right. Shortly afterwards, at the crossroads, go straight on. You’ll arrive at the farm known as “Beraskun”.

(8) Turn left and head for the Putzubeltz waterfall.

(9) Return along the same path in the opposite direction.

(6) Suggested alternative route for the return journey, following this route: continue straight on along the track. Admire a few bordas and, in particular, note the very large house-shaped letterbox on one of them – a common sight in the region. About 800 metres further on, head down to the left for a few dozen metres to rejoin the path taken on the way out.

(3) Opposite, follow the outbound route in the opposite direction.

(2) On the zigzag section, don’t forget to take the small path on the right at the letterbox.
Continue on to return to the village of Arantza and then to the car park (S/E).

To get to the starting point by car

From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, head to Béhobie to cross the border.
After crossing the bridge, turn left at the roundabout onto the N121A towards Pamplona.
On the N121A, at kilometre 58, take the NA-4020 exit for Igantzi / Arantza.
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the NA-4020 towards Igantzi / Arantza. Follow the NA-4020.
At the roundabout, take the second exit towards the NA-4020 Arantza (so do not take the right-hand exit for the NA-4052 Igantzi).
Carry on along the NA-4020 for quite a while (you’ll pass the Yanci and San Juan Xar quarries).
You’ll enter Arantza, pass a few blocks of flats, and the car park is immediately on the right-hand side of the road, opposite a large bus park: you’re on Rue Beheko (Beheko Karrika).

For your information: by car from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the journey is 35 km and takes around 50 minutes.

Visit the village of Arantza.