Sunbilla walks

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

A lovely walk that includes a visit to a moving mill steeped in history, but also takes in the surrounding peaks as you climb up from a beautiful Navarrese forest.

A beautiful hike through a forest of oak, beech and spruce.Here, green dominates.There are many sights to see, including a beautifully renovated mill and lime kilns that bear witness to Navarre's history.At the top of the hike, a beautiful view of the Basque country on the French side, and of the sea if the sky is clear.

A lovely walk through the heart of the Bastan valley, starting from the Etchebertzekoborda restaurant and passing by the beautifully restored “Moulin de l’Enfer” and the Palacio de Aizkolegi (at the top of the Bertiz estate).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 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.

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

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