Orreaga/Roncesvalles walks

A beautiful loop around the hospitable center of Roncesvalles, an important stage in the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.Roncesvalles is called Roncesvalles in Castilian, or Orreaga in Basque. The route passes through the village of Auritz (in Basque) or Burguete (in Castilian).

The forty-seventh stage of the Camino de Santiago. A long stage but less gruelling than the previous day’s, despite a somewhat arduous descent towards Zubiri. Along this route, you’ll alternate between landscapes of beech and pine forests and charming little villages with typical Navarran architecture. From this stage onwards, the signposting on the Camino de Santiago in Spain consists of yellow arrows—either painted on the ground, on building facades, on rocks or on trees—or specific European signage featuring a stylised yellow scallop shell on a blue background. This logo may also take the form of bronze scallop shells nailed to walls or set into the ground in the major towns along the route, indicating the direction towards Santiago de Compostela.

The Urkulu Trophy: this imposing stone tower is thought to have been built in Roman times to intimidate invaders of the powerful Roman army... even though it is located off the route from Bordeaux to Astorga via Pamplona.

The D428 alone offers wonderful scenery. Unless you make frequent stops, you won't be able to enjoy it much as it's best to keep your eyes on the road. The Urculu offers different scenery along this route as you pass through plateaus with magnificent views of the surrounding area and the Basque and Béarn mountains.

This route starts at the Royal Arms and Munitions Factory in Orbaizeta and takes a lovely circular route through the forest, following much of the local path known as SL-NA-59B.It is enhanced here by a visit to the ruins of Arlekia Castle, which gave its name to the walk.

A beautiful circular route on grassy slopes between 1,000 and 1,400 m takes you to an exceptional panorama, the ruins and the Roman tower, which rises to 1,423 m. A great moment and a great memory. GPS essential.

We thoroughly enjoyed this route, which I "invented" to change my usual habit of climbing almost straight up through the forest and descending almost the same way. A variety of landscapes and atmospheres are on the menu during this fairly leisurely 3½-hour walk. I have fond memories of passing by the stream and its blue-green pools, surrounded by meadows covered with spring flowers. It's as romantic as you could wish for. In short, you want to take your time here, so those who are keen on sporting achievements should refrain!

This loop is a superb hike in Lower Navarre, taking you in turn to the peaks of Lindus, Xaxperro and Sorotepo. This ridge route between France and Spain offers total immersion in the open, wild landscapes of the Basque Country. Throughout the route, panoramic views of the Baigorri valley, the surrounding Basque peaks and, on a clear day, the High Pyrenees follow one after another. A complete itinerary, between high-altitude pastures, airy ridges and a pastoral atmosphere, ideal for hikers in search of tranquillity and wide open spaces.

The Iramendy ridge is bristling with poudingue peaks (conglomerate of round pebbles). From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, this gives it the appearance of a dinosaur. Climbing to the summit via this ridge from north to south requires a bit of scrambling (level 2 lower). The proposed hike climbs to the summit via the other ridge. No difficulties other than the total elevation gain and a few steep sections. Magnificent 360° view of the surrounding mountains.

From the Nive de Béhérobie in Estérençuby, head up one of its tributaries, the Bihurriko Erreka, to discover the peaceful heights where shepherds and their sheep reign supreme. The Azketa huts are inhabited during the summer grazing season. They shelter beautiful Basque-Béarnaise horned sheep. These pastures are also popular with pottoks, the small Basque horses.

The Adi overlooks the Urepel valley and the Quinto Real, which belonged to the kings of Navarre. The inhabitants paid a grazing fee corresponding to one-fifth of the herds, the quint.Currently reduced to 2,000 ha on the French side, but belonging to Spain, only the families of Saint-Étienne de Baïgorry have use of it. Herd owners pay a grazing fee (vacade) for each animal. This is why a fence marks the boundary of the Quinto Real.

A steep climb right from the start, along a small road, then we take the HRP and the GRT5.

Cette boucle, à l'Est du village des Aldudes, permet de faire une belle trilogie de sommets Otsaxar (825 m), Otsamuhno (901 m) et Errola (907 m), ornés de promontoire rocheux, dans le cadre enchanteur des collines de Basse Navarre. Le retour face aux crêtes Ouest des Aldudes nous donne une vue superbe sur la Peña de Alba, l'Hargibel et le Zarkindegi. On revient au village par le Sud et on découvre (ou redécouvre) les spécialités du village ! Passages interdits ? Voir l'avis di 04/09/2023 et laisser le votre, merci

A lovely hike, taking in part of the western ridges of the Aldudes valley, which guarantees magnificent views.

An easy family hike that allows you to explore the hills around Aldudes. You may encounter a few Pottok ponies roaming free at the top of some of the hills. The walk offers some very pretty views of the surrounding valleys and can be rounded off with a visit to a farm where Basque pigs are bred.

A sublime hike along part of the historic Way of St James. The weight of history is on your shoulders, but it feels light as the arrival at the Virgin of Orisson is so beautiful. A long climb on unpaved ground with a steady slope through the summer pastures of the Basque Country does not spoil the pleasure, especially as the path is shaded.

A pleasant hike of moderate difficulty, except for the final climb up Munhoa, which is quite steep. Magnificent views of the Basque Country landscape. The outward leg of the hike follows the GR®10 to the Col d'Urdanzia. The return leg is not marked, so we recommend using the Visorando app.

The D'esternguibel valley is a wild site in Lower Navarre. Its steep sides are bristling with ridges and peaks. Iraukotuturu is the highest peak. To reach it, head for the Errékaxaro pass and from there follow a path carved into the rock in places, which was once used for transhumance of sheep.

The Muhnoa is a magnificent 360° viewpoint. Most of the climb is on a gentle slope of about 10%. The last 1,400 metres become more difficult, but the reward is at the end.

This lovely circular route starting from Lasse follows part of theGR®10route. The signpost describes this route as offering "Unbeatable views of the citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port".

A beautiful stage in the Pyrenean foothills along country lanes.

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.

The forty-sixth stage of the Camino de Santiago. A physically demanding stage, featuring the ascent of the Pyrenees, splendid views of the surrounding Basque Country if the weather permits, free-roaming herds, a sense of being high up, and the excitement of crossing into Spain. After a long, steep descent, you arrive at the Monastery of Roncesvalles. Given the altitude of the finish point and the cool temperatures, I preferred the monastery dormitory to camping. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a whole new journey begins. The landscapes are no longer the same, nor are the pilgrims. From here on, there are ten times as many people on the paths. Very few French people and lots of Koreans, Australians, Americans, Filipinos and, of course, Spaniards. From here on, you have to speak Spanish or English or use Google Translate. But you always manage to make yourself understood and get by. That’s the magic of the Camino de Santiago.

Even if you are not a pilgrim on your way to Compostela, you will enjoy this pretty little tourist town in Lower Navarre, built on the banks of the Nive de Béhérobie. Let me give you a little guided tour.

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.