Nive (rivière) walks

A pleasant hike in the Basque Piedmont with beautiful scenery.

Magnificent climb to Jara with breathtaking views of Larla, Iparla, Buztanzelai and Autza and, to the north, the ridges of Haltzamendi and Baigura. A variety of paths, almost always in the open, ending with a cornice path overlooking the Landes plain. Arrival at the summit with a 360° view of the peaks of the Basque Country and Béarn. A pleasant picnic area awaits us there.

A route that starts from the hilltop village of Bidarray, crosses it and returns to it after climbing a little higher.

A beautiful stage in the Pyrenean foothills along country lanes.

A hike around Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to discover a unique feature of Basque architecture in this part of Navarre, then share a "piece of the journey" with pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

A simple return walk along the banks of the Nive between Ustaritz and Bassussary using the towpath.

A return walk along the banks of the Nive through the Plaine d’Ansot. The turning point has been chosen to make for a walk of around two hours.

Visit Bayonne and let yourself be charmed by the soul of this city, a unique blend of history, art and culinary delights. Immerse yourself in the world of a City of Art and History, proudly designated as the capital of the French Basque Country. Art and culture flourish in the streets and bring colour to the urban landscape. A true gourmet destination, the city is renowned both as the French capital of chocolate and as the home of the famous Bayonne ham. Every street corner reveals a rich history, through iconic monuments such as Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the ramparts and the casemates…

Step back in time as you discover a unique heritage, walking along centuries-old cobblestones and enjoying the view of the Pyrenees – this is how you’ll discover the authentic town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. I visited this town at the end of the final French stage of my Camino de Santiago, after 47 days of walking.

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.

Do you want to commune with nature, admire its beauty at the slow pace of walking, walk to get to know yourself better, get back to basics, push yourself: set off on an adventure along the Camino de Santiago. That’s what I’m offering you with this route. I set off from my village in the Jura (the first six stages are not part of the signposted routes of the Camino de Santiago) to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain, but there’s nothing stopping you from setting off from your own home to join the route at any stage, starting from Le Puy-en-Velay or any other town along the way. .