Premium Cycling Holiday in Basque Country

Your journey begins in elegant Saint‑Jean‑de‑Luz, a charming seaside town where the Atlantic Ocean, the colourful fishing harbour and Basque art de vivre come together. After your individual arrival, you have time to explore the narrow streets, browse the boutiques, relax on a sunny terrace or enjoy a gentle stroll along the beach.
In the early evening we gather for a friendly apéro, a relaxed moment to meet your fellow travellers and introduce the programme for the days ahead. Afterwards, you sit down to a refined dinner in a carefully selected restaurant, where the pure flavours of Basque cuisine take centre stage.
A warm welcome, a good glass of wine and your first taste of Basque hospitality set the tone for a week of striking landscapes, memorable encounters and unforgettable cycling experiences.

After a generous breakfast, we ride into the authentic Basque hills. Ascain and Sare offer classic village charm, Espelette greets us with its iconic red peppers, and Cambo‑les‑Bains adds a touch of elegance. We finish in Itxassou at the foot of the Pyrenees — a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Pays Basque.

Today’s stage is one of the highlights of the trip. From Itxassou we ride deeper into the Basque hinterland, following quiet winding roads through green hills, traditional farms and wide mountain meadows. The Pas de Roland leads us along the Nive River toward the slopes of Mondarrain, and on to the peaceful Col de Gorospil with its sweeping views over the valleys.
Along the way we pause in a typical mountain restaurant to enjoy Basque hospitality and local flavours. A beautiful descent brings us to Ainhoa, one of France’s most charming villages — an ideal ending to a day where nature, culture and adventure come together.

After yesterday’s mountain stage, today we slow the pace and enjoy the gentle beauty of the Basque interior. From Itxassou we follow the scenic Nive valley past green hills, traditional farms and characterful villages. Bidarray and Ossès offer classic Basque charm before we enter the Baïgorry valley, where the first Irouléguy vineyards appear on the steep slopes.
Here we discover this small but remarkable wine region, with time for a local tasting or simply to enjoy the peaceful landscape. Our day ends in Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry, one of the Basque Country’s most beautiful villages, surrounded by mountains and rich in tradition. A relaxed stage where nature, culture and gastronomy blend effortlessly.

Today we ride the queen stage of the trip. From Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry we climb the legendary Col d’Ispeguy, a beautiful ascent through quiet forests, open valleys and wide mountain meadows. At the top, on the natural border between France and Spain, we enjoy sweeping views over the Pyrenees and both sides of the Basque Country, with a stop at the traditional Venta on the pass.
We descend into Navarra, where the landscape shifts again, and visit Amaiur (Maya), one of the most atmospheric villages of Spanish Basque Country. The return ride brings us back over the same mountain world, ending with a long, scenic descent into the Baïgorry valley. A memorable day that combines challenge, culture and the raw beauty of the Basque mountains.

Our final cycling day begins in Saint‑Étienne‑de‑Baïgorry. Instead of heading straight to Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port, we first make a last loop through one of the most untouched valleys of the Basque Country. We follow the quiet Nive valley toward Banca and deeper into the remote Vallée des Aldudes, a landscape of farms, forests and wide mountain meadows where life still follows the rhythm of nature. After this final taste of the Basque hinterland, we return toward Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port. This historic pilgrimage town, with its cobbled streets and old ramparts, forms a beautiful transition from the mountains back to the lively Basque world. From here we board the scenic train through the Nive valley to Bayonne, a relaxed intermezzo after days on the bike. Reaching the Atlantic again, we follow the coast past Anglet and elegant Biarritz to Bidart, a charming village with its traditional fronton at the heart of local life. During the festive farewell dinner we close the journey as we began it: together, at the table, with the flavours of the Basque Country.
A route from ocean to mountains and back again — a week that reveals the true soul of Baskenland.