• FR: Call us : +33 (0)1 80 91 98 18
  • BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91
Voyage vélo Cycling holidays in France
Home About us FAQ FR: Call us : +33 (0)1 80 91 98 18   BE: +32 (0) 2 588 76 91 Contact us
Back to results See all the trips in this region
Basque country

Basque country bike tour in 4 days, with stopover on the coast

Journey not available from July 1st until August 21st. This Basque country tour lets you slow down and take in the variety of landscapes and attractions, with the help of your
E-bike. The Basque Country is a beautiful and rugged region. Please note, some climbs are long and steep, we do not recommend a touring bike in this region.

Reviews (6) :
4.50 / 5
Reference BPB0401
  • Loop trip
  • 4 days
  • Moderate
  • From April to October
  • Minimum age 14 years
GPSGPS-app available
From
Prices
499€ / pers.
Book here
  • Itinerary
    • This self-guided tour betzeen the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees lets you fully enjoy the highlights of Basque Country. You have four days to ride on peaceful country roads or on dedicated bike paths. The schedule gives you time to savor time on the coast, visiting Saint-Jean-de-Luz to many other sandy beaches. The route also travels through the green hills of the hinterland, with sweeping landscapes filled with churches and grazing cows. You’ll delight in pedaling by half-timbered villages such as Ainhoa, Espelette or Sare. After passing Guethary, end the day breathing fresh ocean air in Biarritz.

    Day 1
     
     

    Biarritz - Itxassou

    Altitude
    ±245m
    Bike
    44km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    Start your tour by passing the stately mansions and half-timbered houses of Biarritz seaside resort and heading towards the coastline. Pedal at your own pace along the Adour River while discovering the colorful houses of Bayonne. Most houses are white with deep red or dark green shutters. Be sure to sample the town’s famous chocolate and the Bayonne ham! The path will take you to the Basque hinterland. You’ll ride the bike path alon the Nive River ntil coming to Ustaritz, the center of Basque culture.

    The day’s route continues on small, country roads until you reach the spa town of Cambo-les-Bains. Stop and visit the beautiful Arnaga, home of Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac. Soon you’ll reach Ixtassou, a typical Basque village where you’ll probably see Basque pelota players entertaining on the town square.

    Day 2
     
     

    Itxassou - Sare

    Altitude
    ±420m
    Bike
    25km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    This morning you’ll leave Ixtassou and head towards the charming village of Espelette, where houses are colorfully decorated with dried peppers. Along the way, stop at local farms to buy fresh fruits or tasty treats. After crossing Pinodieta Pass, you’re rewarded with time to visit Ainhoa, designated as one of France’s prettiest villages.

    You are now close to the French-Spanish border. Pass the old Customs House before cycling on Spanish roads. The village of Zugarramurdi is worth a stop to see its well-known caves and "Witches Museum". Here you have a choice to ride directly to Sare or take an 8km detor and visit the impressive Caves of Sare. The 45-minute guided tour takes you 900meters deep into the cave.

    Day 3
     
     

    Sare - Saint-Jean-de-Luz

    Altitude
    ±170m
    Bike
    14km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    Today’s short ride lets you fully enjoy the mountains before biking down the road to the ocean. Start by pedaling over the Saint-Ignace Pass. Then take the Rhune Tourist train to get to where you see wonderful views of both the mountain and the ocean. Take a break in Ascain, a charming village with narrow, quaint alleys and picturesque town square. The day ends as you reach your hotel in the seaside town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Enjoy looking at the sumptuous neo-Basque style houses close to sandy beaches.

    Day 4
     
     

    Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Biarritz

    Altitude
    ±200m
    Bike
    18km
    E-bike (touring bike available)
    Today’s ride takes you on the 1,200km Velodyssee Bike route. Don’t worr. You are not doing the entiere route! The path goes along the Atlantic Coast where you’ll see beaches, cliffs and waves perfect for surfing. The short itinerary gives you time to stop along the way when something catches your attention. Before you reach Biarritz, explore the town of Guethary, known for its sumptuous villas. Maybe take a surfing lesson or try another water sport. Your mini-vacation comes to an end as you return to Biarritz.
  • 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.

    We can provide you with travel documents in paper format (for a supplement of €15 for printing and postage), which include:
    • 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


    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). You need to 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).


    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  

    prev next
    1 2 3 4 5 6 7
    6 bike travelers reviews 4.50 / 5

    “ Bicycling La Cote Basque with LeVeloVoyageur ”

    On the 2024-05-28 by Alan
    Beautiful landscapes and beautiful biking! A great getaway in every respect and a great bargain!

    “ Très belle randonnée à vélo ”

    On the 2023-06-12 by Claude
    Superbe randonnée à vélo pour découvrir et visiter le Pays Basque avec des étapes très agréables. La région est magnifique. La nourriture délicieuse. les gens très gentils. La période mai-juin est idéale pour éviter de trop grosses chaleurs. Les vélo à assistance électrique sont très appréciés car la région est très vallonnée et les pentes parfois raides...

    “ Wonderful trip ”

    On the 2022-09-27 by Laura
    This is a great ride with mountain views and walks, sea swimming, many pretty villages and variety on route. We took regular touring bikes and carried our luggage. Climbing the hills inland was comfortable and rewarding, the up and down on the last coastal stretch was harder than we anticipated but not very long. The choice of hotels is perfect - very charming locations, rooms and staff. The breakfasts were delightful and the rural hotels do dinners for guests which are excellent quality and good value.

    “ Breath of fresh air ”

    On the 2021-07-02 by Anne
    Amazing trip through the French Pays Basque. Envigorating and refreshing !

    “ Tout en nuances... ”

    On the 2019-04-20 by Pascal
    Les hôtels sont très bien choisis (typicité, authenticité, calme, menus et petits-dej, amabilité, propreté). Le roadbook est très bien construit et détaillé, très utile. Les délais indiqués sont très raisonnables. La région est magnifique. L'itinéraire est très agréable au début mais certains passages ensuite sont plus risqués. A la suite d'un accident, la hotline m'a paru compréhensive. A notre avis, à réserver aux habitués de la route à vélo et aux jeunes couples sans enfants.

    “ pays basque 08 2018 ”

    On the 2018-08-16 by Pierre
    très bien
  • Download
    the trip description
Top