The best of the Basque Country : discover what's new this tour!
For over 10 years, the Best of the Basque Country tour has been one of Respyrénées’ must-do tours.
We like to offer tours that aren’t limited to beautiful hikes, but which also allow you to discover and understand a region.
It is in this spirit that this tour has evolved this year, with a completely redesigned day that is more immersive, more lively… and a little more memorable too.
Immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Basque Country.
Not far from Sare, on the border with Navarre, the trail winds its way into the stunning border beech forest, a preserved natural environment full of character. Here, the mountains have always been a living space, shaped by human activity over time.
But this area also harbours darker memories. It was the scene of a witch hunt ordered during the reign of Henry IV, a period marked by accusations and collective fears. The Zugarramurdi Cave, which you will discover on this new day’s excursion, is now an iconic site steeped in symbolism.
A brief history
In the early 17th century, the Basque Country was the scene of an intense witch hunt, marked in particular by the intervention of Pierre de Lancre, a judge sent by the king. Between 1609 and 1610, he led a fierce crackdown on alleged witches, accused of attending sabbats, making pacts with the devil and practising pagan rituals. Dozens of people, often women, were arrested, tortured and executed. This dark period illustrates the fear and religious intolerance that prevailed at the time, exacerbated by the Inquisition.
The must-see attractions of the trip.
🏔️ Nestled between sea and mountains, set off to experience one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Basque Country: the ascent of La Rhune. Up there, your gaze wanders between the Basque coast and the mountain peaks, between France and Spain, across an open landscape.
🌊 On the Basque coast, the coastal path reveals another side to the region. The sound of the ocean accompanies your walk, between cliffs and viewpoints overlooking the Atlantic, in an atmosphere very characteristic of the coast.
🌶️ The trip also takes you to Espelette, an iconic village with white houses decorated with red chillies. Here, Basque identity is evident on the façades as much as in the narrow streets.
🦅 Finally, the Peñas d’Itsusi offer a completely different setting: a wilder landscape, where your gaze is drawn to the cliffs and the sky, often crossed by griffon vultures gliding above the hills.
And those delicious moments we love so much!
Because a tour in the Basque Country is also all about good food and meeting new people… Enjoy lunch at Marie-Pierre, a typical Basque shepherds’ farm.
A simple, authentic and generous experience that’s always a big hit.
A warm and friendly place to stay: the Txistulari hotel.
You’ll be staying at the Hôtel Txistulari***, a longtime Respyrénées partner in the heart of the Basque Country. This friendly, family-run establishment is a real hub for your stay, where you can take the time to unwind after your hikes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Jean-Jacques and his son Michel prepare hearty meals inspired by Basque specialities, using fresh, local produce. Meanwhile, Anne-Marie takes care of the welcome and contributes to the simple, authentic atmosphere that gives the hotel its charm.
A place where you’ll quickly feel at home, in the Basque Country.
📍 Ready to discover the tour?
Departures every week from April to October.
Easy access to Bayonne station.
