Begin your tour through the narrow streets of Petit Bayonne, a lively neighbourhood where artisan workshops, historic façades and bustling squares bear witness to the city’s Basque identity. Next, head to Grand Bayonne to admire Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a Gothic jewel declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. Continue towards the Château-Vieux, the former fortress overlooking the city, before reaching the town hall and then the quays of the Nive, where cafés and terraces invite you to enjoy Bayonne’s atmosphere.

Les Halles is an essential stop for your first encounter with the flavours of the Basque Country. Producers, cheesemakers, charcutiers and chocolatiers offer the specialities for which the region is renowned: Bayonne ham, sheep’s cheese, Basque cake, artisan chocolate and Irouléguy wines provide an introduction that is as generous as it is delicious.

Your first stop is Sare, recognised as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. Its Labourd-style houses, pelota court and peaceful streets offer an extraordinary example of traditional Basque architecture. A visit to Ortillopitz House provides a better understanding of the daily lives of rural families in the past, while the Basque Cake Museum reveals the secrets of one of the region’s most famous specialities.

Next, head to the Saint-Ignace Pass to board the famous La Rhune train. For more than a century, this rack railway has slowly climbed the slopes of the Basque Country’s iconic mountain. From the summit, the panoramic views encompass the Pyrenees, the Atlantic coast and the Basque valleys, offering one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the region.

In the afternoon, make your way to Espelette, whose façades decorated with strings of red peppers have become a symbol of the Basque Country. Along its narrow streets, producers welcome you into their workshops and tell the story of this spice, which holds Protected Designation of Origin status. It is also an opportunity to sample some of the great local specialities: axoa, ham, sheep’s cheese and even chocolate delicately flavoured with chilli pepper.

Begin your itinerary in Ainhoa, a former stopping point on the Way of St James, whose long street lined with traditional houses forms one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in the French Basque Country. The Maison du Patrimoine explores the history of the village and its role in exchanges between the two sides of the Pyrenees.

After crossing the border, stop in Zugarramurdi, a place made famous by the 17th-century witch trials. The Witch Museum explains and contextualises this turbulent period, while the impressive natural caves invite you to travel much further back into the history of this land shaped by water. A tasting of local products allows you to continue your immersion in Navarrese traditions.

The day ends in Urdax, a peaceful village nestled at the bottom of the valley. Its Monastery of San Salvador recalls the spiritual importance of the Way of St James, while the Ikaburu Cave reveals a fascinating underground network carved out by the river over thousands of years.

Explore the narrow streets of the historic centre, following the old fortifications, bustling squares and iconic locations associated with the San Fermín Festival. The visit continues at the Cathedral of Santa María, a remarkable Gothic building whose cloister is considered one of the most beautiful in Spain. Its museum offers a better understanding of Navarre’s history and Pamplona’s role along the routes to Santiago.At aperitif time, make your way from bar to bar to sample the famous pintxos, a true Navarrese ritual. Surprising flavours, high-quality local ingredients and culinary innovation concentrated into a single bite have shaped the city’s gastronomic reputation, because a Navarrese pintxo is much more than a tapa: it is the perfect combination of deep-rooted tradition and imagination. Traditional establishments now stand alongside original restaurants, offering a magnificent showcase of Navarrese cuisine. Do not leave Pamplona without enjoying this experience.

Your first stop is Roncesvalles, an iconic location in the tradition of the Way of St James. The Collegiate Church of Santa María, the former pilgrims’ hospice and the monastic buildings recall the essential role played by this village in welcoming travellers crossing the Pyrenees.

The route then reaches Ochagavía, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Navarre. Its stone houses with steeply pitched roofs line the banks of the River Anduña, creating a typical Pyrenean landscape. Take the opportunity to visit the Romanesque Hermitage of Our Lady of Muskilda, built on top of the mountain in the 12th century, and the Ochagavía Nature Interpretation Centre, where you can learn more about the biodiversity and traditions of the Salazar Valley.

In Isaba, traditional houses cluster around the Church of San Cipriano, a remarkable example of medieval architecture in the Navarrese Pyrenees. If you are looking for a generous dose of fresh air and exceptional views, an excursion to the Pyrenean viewpoints is exactly what you need.

A few kilometres away, the Pierre-Saint-Martin Pass, near the ski resort, evokes a tradition unique in Europe: the Tribute of the Three Cows. For more than six centuries, this ceremony has symbolised peace between the valleys of Béarn and Navarre.

Those who enjoy underground landscapes can continue their exploration with a visit to the La Verna Chamber, one of the largest underground chambers open to visitors in Europe, before arriving in Arette.