Urrugne walks

The old coastal path along the Basque coastline from Ciboure to Hendaye is permanently closed to pedestrians due to coastal erosion and numerous landslides.A new path, further inland, has been temporarily proposed by the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department. This is the route described here. (!) Comment from a user on 30 August 2025 >Hello, access to this route is now prohibited between SOCOA point (1) and the corniche house point (8) by prefectural decree. Could you please note this restriction, as I have informed and discouraged hikers who were venturing onto this section.nOTE: The comment dated 25 July 2025 is the subject of this proposal, but the signs had not yet been put up.FFRando64. GR®8 coastlineexplanatory pdf from FFRando 64

Lake Ibardin with a detour that has become mandatory since crossing the dam is no longer permitted.We therefore descend along the left bank of the stream to complete a true circular loop.

A beautiful loop that climbs up to Xoldoko Gaina, then descends to the Col d'Osin (Osingo Lepoa), passes through the Col des Poiriers (Pitare), an area rich in monoliths, and returns along the side of Xoldo, skirting the lake.

This is a very easy hike that starts at the foot of the Col d'Ibardin next to the old customs house, climbs up to the pass and descends on the side facing the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. It is called the Sentier des Mulets (Mule Trail) in reference to the convoys of mules that once criss-crossed the mountain to carry all kinds of goods, not necessarily declared at customs, across the border. For the record, Pierre Loti's novel Ramuntcho, written in Ascain, recounts these stories of smugglers.

Meadows on pink cliffs. In the coves, the waves erode these pink cliffs, which continue to crumble into the sea. The moorland above the ocean, the cliffs and the pretty bay of Loya (Loïa) are unspoilt corners of nature thanks to the work of the Conservatoire du Littoral, which manages the area. It would appear that dogs are not allowed on the trail, even on a leash!

If, relatively speaking, the Basque coast is sometimes compared to California, then Hendaye could be considered the counterpart to San Diego. From the Corniche to the old town of Hendaye, discover the Château d'Abbadia, the Pointe Sainte-Anne with its wild coastline, the long beaches bordering the Baie du Figuier and its Californian atmosphere, and the Baie de Chigoudy, which is the estuary of the Bidassoa and a very important natural area for migratory birds.

Climb to the summit of Ciboure Mountain to discover the Basque Coast via the Insola forest.

A hike in the heart of nature, with views of either the sea or the mountains, but also offering the chance to discover dolmens and a fortified camp dating back to Napoleon.

The view from the top is magnificent, both to the south towards the surrounding peaks and to the north towards the coast.

A family walk along the Nivelle, the fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the marina and the beach at Ciboure, the oceanfront, the beach, the port and the Fort de Socoa. What's more, if you get hungry or thirsty, no problem, everything you need is available along the way.

La Petite Rhune, passing by the Yasola venta, offers an unusual view of La Rhune. Follow this trail towards the Col de Kizkuitz to discover an unusual feature of the Rhune massif. The return to the Col des Trois Fontaines will allow you to seek out the little secrets of the Ihizelai rocky plateau.

A beautiful route to discover La Rhune in all its glory.

La Rhune, the legendary mountain of the Basque Country, is never really easy to climb.This hike via the central ridge and the chimney is certainly one of the most difficult ways to reach the summit. The descent via Petite Rhune and Subizia is also difficult.Despite this, this hike is worth doing once because it takes you off the beaten track. You won't meet many people. The path is varied and the views are splendid.

Starting from Biriatou, climb Xoldoko Gaina and its tower. This hike takes you quickly up the Basque Coast, with views of La Rhune, the 3 Couronnes and the Côte d'Argent in the Bay of Biscay. The return journey is along the Bidassoa.

A short hike up Mont du Calvaire above Biriatou, with views of Xingudi Bay and the Basque coast.

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.

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

A circular passing by the Zigorriaga viewpoint and the redoubt of zigzag on the Manttale.

A beautiful hike that combines superb views and varied trails. Definitely do it in good weather to enjoy the landscapes that await you.

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.

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.

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.

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.