Respyrénées: a local and sustainable commitment at the heart of the Basque Country
Since its foundation in 2016, Respyrénées has established a strong and lasting presence in the Pyrenees region, and more specifically in the Basque Country, where Iputxainia, our family guesthouse, is situated in Ascarat, near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The Basque Country (Euskal Herria in basque) is a region that inspires us deeply. Nestled between the ocean and the mountains, it offers sumptuous, hidden corners that we love to share through our hiking tours in the Pyrenees. But beyond its panoramic views, it is also a vibrant region, rich in its culture, language and collective spirit.
Here, local life relies heavily on a vibrant network of voluntary organisations. These organisations play a vital role: they pass on, bring together and keep traditions alive, whilst fostering social cohesion. Whether through sport, culture or community spirit, they embody on a daily basis the values we share at Respyrénées.
A local commitment that makes sense
Getting involved locally is a meaningful way of being part of a region that we know and love. As an agency specialising in walking tours in the Basque Country and the Pyrenees, we operate day in, day out at the heart of this human and cultural environment. Supporting local initiatives means doing our bit to preserve what makes this region unique and authentic.
Our partnerships in the Basque Country
We have chosen to support a number of events and organisations that reflect this diversity and local energy. Beyond simply providing support, this commitment is also put into practice on the ground. Mélanie, our logistics manager, has, for example, taken part in these events by competing in the races. It is a concrete and genuine way of getting involved, working closely with the organisations and their initiatives.
Euskal Trails
A must-attend event on the trail running circuit in the Basque Country, the EuskalTrails offers participants the chance to explore our Pyrenean mountains and attracts many running and nature enthusiasts every year.
When you're out on the course, the experience is as memorable as it is gruelling: after running several dozen kilometres, the fatigue can be so intense that you almost fall asleep on your feet… A reality that serves as a reminder of just how intense these races are.
But there are also deeply human moments: being cheered on by loved ones, seeing them at the refreshment stations, running a few metres alongside them… all these moments give you the energy to push on,
as Mélanie explains.
Korrika
The Korrika is an iconic race that crosses the entire Basque Country over several days to promote the Basque language, euskara, and to fund its teaching. Over 11 days and 10 nights, the event brings together thousands of people in celebration of a culture and a language.
Mélanie has one particularly vivid memory:
The Korrika passing by Iputxainia… at 3 am. A moment as unexpected as it was vibrant, which shows just how much this event brings a whole region to life, even in the middle of the night.
These commitments fit naturally into our world: walking, exploring the countryside… but above all, sharing and community.
So much more than just hiking!
It is a way for us to get involved locally, with respect and simplicity, alongside the people who bring the region to life. This kind of discreet and sincere commitment reflects our vision of tourism in the Pyrenees: respectful tourism, rooted in the local community, which celebrates the men and women who bring these regions to life.
At Respyrénées, organising hiking trips in the Pyrenees, whether on the GR10, in the Basque Country or elsewhere, is also about being part of a local, sustainable and people-centred initiative.
Why not come and discover the Basque Country in a different way, by walking through the heart of this vibrant region?
