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Basque country

3-day bike trip in the heart of the Basque Country

A self-guided bike trip in the Basque country to discover the best spots of the region during a short break. Due to its geography and the lack of major traffic routes, it is a very specific region
with quiet small roads. There are few to no cycle paths, but there is also very little traffic. Please note, some climbs are long and steep, we do not recommend a touring bike in this region.

Reviews (8) :
4.38 / 5
Reference BPB0301
  • Loop trip
  • 3 days
  • Moderate
  • From april to october
  • Minimum age 14 years old
GPSGPS-app available
311€ / pers.
  • Itinerary
  • This self-guided bike trip takes you across the Basque country during 3 days on an ebike (or touring bike if your legs are strong enough). You ride on low-traffic roads or cycle paths. On the way, you will visit the traditional town of Bayonne, the Arnaga villa which belonged to the family of writer Edmond Rostand, the nice villages of Espelette or Sare and finally, you will be biking along the Basque coast from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Biarritz on the Velodyssey cycle route. You will be amazed by the variety of landscapes, the beauty of the villages and the taste of the food. This tour will take you along the best places of the Basque country by bike, an experience you shouldn’t forget.

    Day 1

     
     

    Biarritz - Cambo-les-Bains

    Altitude
    ±195m
    Bike
    36km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    On this first riding day, you leave behind the luxury hotels and wonderful houses of Biarritz to follow the coastline and the Adour river towards Bayonne. It is worth a break to admire its nice colourful houses, enter the cathedral and sense the atmosphere of the historic town. Then, you enter the Basque hinterland and cycle along the Nive river banks to the village of Ustaritz.

    You cycle on small country roads to reach the spa town of Cambo-les-Bains. Do not miss to visit the beautiful Villa Arnaga, house of the French writer Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac.

    Day 2

     
     

    Cambo-les-Bains - Sare

    Altitude
    ±645m
    Bike
    35km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    You leave Cambo-les-Bains to reach Itxassou, then the charming village of Espelette where dried peppers are hanging in front of the facades. On your way, do not hesitate to make a short break and buy some regional products in the local farms. After crossing the Pinodieta pass, you reach Ainhoa ranked among the most beautiful villages of France.

    From there, you are not so far from the French-Spanish border. Pass the old customs’ office before cycling on the Spanish roads. You may make a stop in the beautiful village of Zugarramurdi, well-known for its caves and its "Witches’ museum". Finally, your arrive in the traditional village of Sare, also ranked among the most beautiful villages of France. You can make a detour of 8km to visit the impressive caves of Sare if you want.

    Day 3

     
     

    Sare - Biarritz

    Altitude
    ±365m
    Bike
    32km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    You leave Sare and cross the Saint-Ignace pass. Take the "Petit Train de La Rhune’’ and discover the breathtaking views at the summit of La Rhune. This authentic vintage rack railway train dating from 1924 will take you on a 35-minute ride, up to 905 meter high, where you will enjoy one of the loveliest panoramic views on the French and Spanish Atlantic coast and the peaks of the Pyrenees.

    A few pedal strokes further, you reach Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its sumptuous houses built in the neo-Basque style. Your cycle itinerary follows the "Vélodyssée" along the Atlantic coast, its beaches, its cliffs and waves loved by surfers. On your way discover the town of Guéthary, famous for its sumptuous villas. Finally, you come back to Biarritz and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere in the evening.
  • Accommodation
  • Category A

    You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-3 Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend th night in these friendly and family-run hotels.
    * Example of the type of accommodation
  • Bikes, luggage and documents
  • Bikes

    On your arrival day, we provide you with:

    • an electric bike adjusted to your size
    • equipped : front rack pack with an integrated file compartment, saddlebag, helmet (on demand), repairing toolkit with patches etc.



    Luggage


    For this trip, bikes are equipped with 2 waterproof saddle bags with a capacity of 10 to 20L each to transport your luggage. Do not forget to put your items in a soft travel bag to be able that you can roll it up in your saddle bags.

    For more comfort, you can choose to add luggage transport in your booking:
    (see rate in "Prices")

    • We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.
    • Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.
    • We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.(included in your bike rental).
    • We advise to take an extra set of clothes with you if you expect to arrive before 5p.m. at your accommodation.

    Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.


    Travel documents

    A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

    Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy the itinerary and its points of interests.

    Our documentation contains a very detailed description of the itinerary. No matter how you usually navigate, you will find your way thanks to our comprehensive guidance material including:
    • a roadbook with maps that we drew at the easiest scale to follow on a bike
    • a roadbook with step-by-step description giving the direction to follow at each intersection and highlighting the points of interest

    Example of a map and of a step-by-step description


    For this short trip your travel documents will be sent electronically.


    Our GPS App

    For this trip, you can also use our smartphone app featuring GPS guidance (without extra fee).

    You will find in the app all the information given in the map and step-by-step roadbooks. You will be located on the itinerary with the GPS device of your phone. The route and directions to follow will be both viewable on the screen of your phone and announced aloud. As you ride along the itinerary, you will be given information about visits, restaurants, services and useful alerts on the way.

    -> You need to have a smartphone and download Le Velo Voyageur app on your Apple or Android store before the trip. All details concerning the downloading and the use of the application will be given after we have confirmed the booking and the balance is paid. Once the trip is downloaded, the GPS guidance can be used off-line.
  • Practical information
  • To get to departure point :

    • By plane: flight to Biarritz.
    • By train: Direct TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse. The duration of the trip is about 4h10. Then, take a bus to reach the city center (20-25min). To plan your trip, https://www.sncf-connect.com/.


    Parking:

    It is very difficult to park in downtown Biarritz, especially in high season. If you wish, you can park your car in the secure car park at Biarritz SNCF station (~ 4km from the city center), then take the bus to reach the city center (20-25min).

    Otherwise, you can also park in Anglet (~4km from Biarritz). Parking is usually much easier. Our bike partner has a shop in Anglet, so you can pick up your bikes directly and cycle to Biarritz (30min). Please add this option if you choose it to your booking request.


    Meeting time:

    You pick up your bikes in the morning between 9.30am and 12.30pm. We recommend you to arrive at around 10am to enjoy your day fully without rushing and be able to do the visits on the way.

    If you chose luggage transport, you must arrive before 10am to drop off your luggage. Bikes pick up point and luggage drop off point are located in the city center and will be given in your travel documents.

    .
  • Reviews
  •   Memory of the trip  

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    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    8 bike travelers reviews 4.38 / 5

    Une première expérience en vélo top

    On the 2024-08-27 by Céline
    C'était le premier voyage que nous faisions en vélo, et tout s'est très bien passé! Les vélos et le matériel fournis étaient super, l'application fonctionnait parfaitement et le parcours proposé nous a tout à fait enchanté. Les hébergements étaient également très sympathiques et à la hauteur de nos attentes.

    Au top!

    On the 2024-05-18 by Stephanie
    Magnifique séjour dans le pays basque, tout est parfaitement programmé itinéraire, durée, conseils. Les hébergements sélectionnés etaient de qualité et leurs propriétaires très accueillants. Nous repartirons avec le vélo voyageur.

    Pam & Garnets bike trip in the Basque Country

    On the 2023-07-14 by Pam
    Excellent

    super périple dans le pays basque

    On the 2023-05-10 by VALERIE
    Nous avons adorer notre séjour, circuit avec un maximum de piste cyclable et variant campagne et bord de mer. Le confort des vélos éléctriques nous à permis d'enchainer les kilometres et dénivelés sans douleur.

    Fun Experience!!

    On the 2022-10-03 by Ellen
    This was such a fun way to see the Basque countryside! The mountains, villages, and ocean views were all beautiful. Most of the trip was on bike paths or uncrowded roads. A few short sections were on busier roads, especially on the last day heading back toward Biarritz (I’m not a very experienced cyclist, and while I never felt unsafe in these sections, I definitely felt like I had to keep a sharp eye). The hotels were simple, but very friendly and welcoming. The e-bikes were in great shape. If you like adventure and are looking for something fun to do in Basque country, don’t hesitate to book this trip!

    Le top du top !

    On the 2020-09-09 by Chloé B
    Quel parcours ! On longe la mer, on se promène en pleine nature ou on grimpe les montagnes. C'est varié, on ne s'ennuie jamais. Les vélos électriques sont parfaits pour ce genre de parcours. Les hébergements très agréables et familiaux. On s'y sent comme chez nous. A FAIRE ET REFAIRE !

    Pays basque (3 jours) - 20 juillet 2018

    On the 2018-07-22 by Nelly
    Magnifique région à découvrir en vélo, paysages agréables et variés entre océan et petite montagne ( en vélo électrique c’est impeccable car c’est quand même un peu vallonné), découvertes culinaires locales dans les petits villages. Séjour formidable !

    Un goût de reviens-y

    On the 2018-07-18 by Véro
    3 jours à vélo qui donnent envie de revenir découvrir le Pays Basque. L'itinéraire, entre océan et montagne, est bien choisi, malgré quelques petites portions sur routes circulantes et/ou zones artisanales avec peu d'intérêt. Hébergement au top, qui permet de découvrir les spécialités locales, tant culturelles que culinaires.
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