The Pyrenees on foot: walking from village to village with friends

Your first day begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, former capital of Lower Navarre. Wander around the picturesque streets, explore the citadel and just embrace the local atmosphere. The town walls, ancient houses and the old harbour all offer unforgettable scenery. You'll be staying at Maison Donamaria, a charming bed & breakfast hidden behind the trees on the riverbanks between the Roman bridge and the waterfall. Just five minutes on foot from the historic town centre, there’s a former Basque tannery from the 19th century that has been wonderfully renovated and offers an inviting atmosphere. Anyone fancy a game of cards?

On the second day, you'll be walking from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Phagalcette. Cross through Caro and Estérençuby, discover the Basque pelota fronton (court) and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Iramendy peak. There’s always one person in a group of friends who prepares a picnic isn’t there? Today’s walk covers an elevation gain of 835 metres and a 490-metre elevation drop. You'll be staying overnight at the Kaskoleta stopover gite on the Phagalcette plateau, which is in a great location on a section of the GR10 long-distance hiking route between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the Chalets d’Iraty. The hosts also provide meals so you can properly recharge your batteries.

This section is a challenging one as you'll be climbing several mountain passes through the forests and across meadows to reach the high Iraty plateau, a superb place awash with precious cultural and natural heritage. Covering an elevation gain of 1,320 m and a elevation drop of 733 m, this day of hiking is a physical challenge but you can also expect some incredible views. The Chalets d’Iraty are perfectly blended into the natural environment and offer a peaceful refuge where you can disconnect, embrace your surroundings and spend some quality time with the other guests.

The fourth day will lead you along the ridges up to the Col d’Ugatzé and the spectacular views. With an elevation gain of 600 metres and a 1,380 elevation drop, this is set to be a sporty day. We bet the sporty members of your group will help motivate the troops! In the event of adverse weather conditions, you can choose the alternative route via Larrau valley for the way back down which will take 3.5 hours for 13 kilometres. You’ll see some cayolar cabins along the route, where shepherds live and work from. Stop off at the Auberge Logibar, on the GR10 long-distance hiking route. You can stop here to eat, spend the night at the gite or to just cool off after walking over the Holzarte footbridge.

On the fifth day, you'll be crossing the Haute Soule which is renowned for its canyons. The route leads you alongside the Holzarte gorges and Kakuetta canyon down through Sainte-Engrâce valley. Don’t forget to stop off at the little church in this village to admire the surprising sculptures. Stay overnight at the Maison Elichalt gites where the Burguburu family will give you a warm welcome. A picturesque place devoted to hikers all year round.

This section up to the Col de la Pierre-Saint-Martin is dotted with ravines, gorges and narrow passes. With an elevation gain of 1,080 m and a elevation drop of 230 m, you'll be passing through very diverse landscapes. This is the time to take some souvenir photos! The Jeandel Refuge was built by skier René Jeandel in 1963, and stands at an elevation of 1,670 metres on a rocky peak, with a 360° view of the Pyrenean peaks.

The last section of your adventure will take you across the Arres de Camplong, a vast rocky limestone plateau. The view from Lescun over the Orgues de Camplong peaks is one of the best views in the Pyrenees, and an epic way to end your week of hiking in the Pyrenees. Get some well-deserved rest at the Air d’Aspe, at the heart of Aspe valley in Accous. Betty and Francis will welcome you to their charming bed & breakfast with a heated swimming pool from June to September.

• Visit le Pays basque et les Pyrénées

Further reading : 

• Pyrénées : balade à vélo avec les enfants
• Le Pays basque en van et entre amis !