Route 2

Baztan Way of St. James (Camino Baztanés)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BAYONNE

The capital of flavor and history in the French Basque Country. Following the transfer from Biarritz, check in at a boutique hotel in the historic center to begin your immersion into the French-Basque essence.

Activities of the Day

  • Historical walking tour: A route through the old town visiting Saint-Mary’s Cathedral, the Old Castle (Château-Vieux), and the Town Hall.

  • Gastronomic immersion: Visit to the Les Halles central market to taste iconic products such as Bayonne ham, Basque cake, local cheeses, and regional wines.

  • Free time: Enjoy the atmosphere along the banks of the Adour River.

Recommended Accommodations

  • Camping Bela Basque (Anglet) – Guaranteed accessibility.

  • Mer et Golf Appart Hôtel – Guaranteed accessibility.

Here is the translation for Day 2, maintaining the exact same structure and natural, polished English:

DAY 2: BAYONNE – SARE – ESPELETTE

Rural architecture and the red gold of Espelette. The journey inland reveals traditional architecture and Pyrenean peaks.

Route Highlights

  • Ortillopitz Basque House: Visit to learn about rural architecture and the preservation of traditional style.

  • Petit Train de La Rhune: Ascent on the historic rack railway train (dating from 1924) up to an altitude of 905 meters. A 35-minute journey with views of the Cantabrian Sea and the Pyrenees. (Operational from April 5th to November 11th, 2025).

  • Sare: Visit to the Musée du Gâteau Basque to discover the origin and preparation of the region’s most famous dessert.

  • Espelette: Visit to the covered market (Wednesdays) and the Ateliers du Piment to learn about the cultivation of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) pepper.

Accommodation in the Area

  • Hotel Trinquet (Amotz, Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle) – Guaranteed accessibility.

DAY 3: ESPELETTE – URDAX

Cross the border into Navarrese mysticism.

Main Activities

  • Ainhoa: Walk through one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France) and visit the Maison du Patrimoine.

  • Zugarramurdi: Visit to the Witch Museum (Accessible) and the famous Caves, including a tasting of local products (cider, homemade bread, and cold cuts).

  • Urdax: Exploration of the Ikaburu Caves and a self-guided visit to the Monastery of San Salvador (Premonstratensian Order).

Recommended Accommodations

  • Camping Ariztigain (Sunbilla) – Guaranteed accessibility.

  • Camping Baztan (Erratzu) – Guaranteed accessibility.

DAY 4: URDAX – ELIZONDO

The heart of the Baztan Valley.

Points of Interest

  • Amaiur: Visit to the castle and the historical interpretation center.

  • Arizcun: Introduction to the history of the marginalized Agotes community and a visit to the Santxotena Museum.

  • Elizondo: Guided walking tour through the capital of the valley, exploring its palaces and literary landmarks.

DAY 5: BAZTAN VALLEY – PAMPLONA

Immersion in the Navarrese capital. A day dedicated to the pintxo culture and Gothic heritage.

Culture and Heritage

  • Guided walk through the old town and a visit to the Pamplona Cathedral Museum (Guaranteed accessibility).

Selection of Restaurants and Bars in Pamplona

  • Establishments with Accessibility: Mesón de la Tortilla, Bar La Granja, Txirrintxa, Bar Gaucho, La Mandarra de La Ramos, Katuzarra, Baserriberri.

  • Old Town Classics: Bar el Bosquecillo, La Crepa, Hotel Maissonnave, Viva San Fermín, Asador Maitagarri, Whanau Craft Beer, Amatxo Catedral, Mesón Pirineo, Asador Erretegia, Bar Fitero, Bar El Txoko, La Tasca de Don José, Bar El Kiosko, Bar Baviera, Café Iruña, Casa Otano, La Vieja Iruña.

  • Haute Cuisine Restaurants: Restaurante Alhambra, Restaurante Rodero, Restaurante Enekorri, Restaurante Iruña, Restaurante Tubal (Tafalla), Molino de Urdániz (2 Michelin Stars).

Featured Accommodations (All with guaranteed accessibility)

  • Center: Hotel La Perla, Hotel Tres Reyes, Hotel Maisonnave, Hotel Pamplona Catedral, Hotel Palacio de Guendulain, Hotel Yoldi.

  • Suburbs and Surroundings: Castillo de Gorraiz Hotel & Spa, Hotel Luze el Toro, Basoa Suites (treehouse cabins).

Here is the translation for Day 6, maintaining the exact same structure and natural, polished English:

DAY 6: PAMPLONA – RONCESVALLES – OCHAGAVÍA

Toward the high peaks and Jacobean history.

Suggested Route

  • Roncesvalles (Orreaga): Visit to the Collegiate Church, a key point on the Way of St. James.

  • Ochagavía: Considered one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees. Visit to the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Muskilda and the Salazar Valley Ethnographic Museum.

  • Mountain Gastronomy: A moment to try migas de pastor (shepherd’s breadcrumbs), PDO Roncal cheese, and local meats like venison stew.

DAY 7: OCHAGAVÍA – ISABA – ARETTE

Ancient traditions and the Tribute of the Three Cows.

Route Highlights

  • Isaba: A stop in the Roncal Valley to visit the fortress-church of San Cipriano.

  • La Pierre Saint-Martin: Site of the “Tribute of the Three Cows” ceremony (every July 13th), the oldest active peace treaty in Europe.

  • Speleology: Optional visit to the La Verna Cave in St-Engrâce, one of the deepest karst caves on the continent.

  • Arette: Visit to the Ossau-Iraty Cheese Museum to taste this gem of the Béarn Pyrenees.

DAY 8: ARETTE – GOURETTE – EAUX-BONNES

Thermalism and legendary mountain passes.

Activities of the Day

  • Eaux-Bonnes: Discovery of Second Empire architecture in this thermal town that was once a haven for French nobility.

  • Gourette: Ascent to the Col d’Aubisque, a classic setting of the Tour de France, to enjoy the panoramic views.

Here is the translation of the final summary and events section, maintaining the exact same structure and natural, polished English:

SUMMARY OF MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Historical and Cultural Heritage

  • Cathedrals and Monasteries: Bayonne (Gothic), Urdax (Premonstratensian), and Roncesvalles (Jacobeon).

  • Local Architecture: The traditional homesteads (caseríos) of Elizondo, the slate roofs of Ochagavía, and the timber-framed buildings of Arette.

Natural Heritage

  • Karst Systems: Ikaburu Caves, Zugarramurdi, and the La Verna Cave.

  • Pyrenean Valleys: Baztan, Roncal, Salazar, and the Ossau Valley.

EVENTS AND TRADITIONS 2025

Pamplona and Navarre

  • Croquette Week (Semana de la Croqueta): May 23rd to June 1st.

  • Sanfermines: July 6th to 14th.

  • Flamenco On Fire: August 22nd to 31st.

  • Feast of San Saturnino: November 29th.

Pyrenees and Béarn

  • Tributo de las Tres Vacas (Tribute of the Three Cows – Stone of Saint-Martin): July 13th.

  • Arette Cheese Festival: First Sunday in September.

  • Transhumance Festival (Laruns): First Sunday in October.

  • Espelette Pepper Festival: Last weekend in October.

CONNECTIONS AND CROSS-BORDER ITINERARIES

  • Baztan Way (Camino Baztanés): Jacobean route connecting Bayonne with Pamplona.

  • Route of the Three Walled Cities: Joint project between Bayonne, Hondarribia, and Pamplona.

  • Witch Hunt Route: Itinerary through the historical sites of the Inquisition in Navarre and the French Basque Country.

  • Pyrenees Trail: Hiking connections between the Col d’Aubisque and the Navarrese valleys.

Cueva de Zugarramurdi
Caballo Blanco
3. Espelette hôtel Darraidou ©Fotolia_sasha64f
4. Biarritz Port des Pecheurs Crampottes 008 ©Edelweiss_Loren Bedeli
5. Irati Barnean (Selva de Irati)
6. Turismo en Navarra_Irati_1_HR_0497