We would like to share with you our passion for this beautiful part of France. Our tours are based in the country, giving you the rare opportunity to meet the locals, taste the regional produce, admire the beautiful landscapes, and experience the culture. The walking tours will be suitable for energetic people who like challenging walks as well as good dining. For your greatest comfort in the Béarn and Basque regions we will settle in at the one hotel for the nine days ensuring a stress-free stay where no packing and unpacking will be required.
The hotels have been chosen for their comfort, charm and good table. All the rooms offer private ensuite facilities. Shops and banks are all within walking distance of the hotels. All singles will have their own room and facilities unless sharing with a friend. During the tours, participants will have the choice of joining daily activities or relaxing in the village for the day. A large bus will ensure a comfortable journey along the French country roads.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: All participants will be met at Bayonne railway station at 14.55. This is the arrival time of the TGV 8515 from Paris, Montparnasse. Details will be confirmed a few months before the start of the tour. Participants will be met and taken to Les Tilleuls Hotel in Hasparren, approximately 30 minutes away. Those who are not using this pick-up service will make their own way to the hotel. The afternoon will be free to relax and explore the village. Dinner in a nearby village will follow welcome drinks. (D).
Day 2: Bus trip to St Jean Pied de Port to spend time at the local market and then on to the village of Irouléguy where we will start our 8 km country lane walk to the village of St Étienne de Baigorry. Picnic lunch. After lunch we will visit Chateau d'Etchauz, the former holiday retreat of the famous Charlie Chaplin, where we will have a guided tour and a wine tasting with one of France's top Sommeliers. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 3: Bus trip to Les Aldudes for a four-hour walk among the palombiere [the wild squab hunting huts] with magical valley views. Picnic lunch. After the walk we will visit a Basque Charcuterie, enjoy a tasting and see the unique breed of Basque pig. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 4: We will cross the border into Spain and walk along the ridge of Mount Jaizkebel to the seaport of Passajes taking in the spectacular views of the Pyrénées and the Atlantic. Light lunch in a restaurant and free time to visit the village. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 5: Bus trip to Espelette, the capital of the red chili pepper, to taste Foie Gras and roam the colourful village. We will then make our way to the port of Socoa, for Ttoro, a traditional Basque seafood soup, followed by a stroll along the water's edge to St Jean de Luz where there will be free time to experience its history and charm. Dinner at the hotel. (B/L/D).
Day 6: Bus trip to Bidarray for a spectacular four-hour walk in the hills surrounding the village. Picnic lunch. Dinner in a nearby village. (B/L/D).
Day 7: Four hour walk from the village of Itxassou in the surrounding hills to a country restaurant for a light lunch. The afternoon will be spent playing some traditional French games. Dinner in a nearby village. (B/L/D).
Day 8: Trip to the Col Ignasse for a ride on the petit train to the top of La Rhune and a picnic lunch. A two and a half-hour walk will take us back down the mountain. We will stop in Ainhoa for a little time to explore this beautiful village. Dinner in a nearby village. (B/L/D).
Day 9: The bus will take all the participants to Bayonne railway station in the morning to catch the 11.11TGV 8534 for Paris, Montparnasse . This will be the only transport organised that day. [The TGV ticket is not included in package] Details will be confirmed a few months before the start of the tour. (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost includes: all transport, accommodation, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, activities as stated in the brochure. Wine is included with all the sit down meal.
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