Basque Country by Bike: Coast and Inland
From the cliffs of the Basque Corniche to the green hills of Soule, a ride between ocean and mountains.
Four days cycling in the Basque Country, from the coast to the interior. The route starts in Bayonne on the quays of the Nive, passes Biarritz and the Rocher de la Vierge, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its colourful fishing harbour where Louis XIV married Maria Theresa in 1660, then leaves the ocean for Espelette, whose facades are hung with strings of drying chillies in September and October, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its citadel where the Santiago routes converge, and finally Mauleon-Licharre, capital of the espadrille. The contrast is sharp: flat and windy on the coast, frankly mountainous as soon as you enter the valleys. Basque gradients are short but steep, often above ten per cent. Expect rain, even in summer.
Practical info
- Stops
- 6
- Duration
- 4 days
- Transport
- 🚲 Bike
- Distance
- ≈ 90 km
- Best time
- Spring and summer
Itinerary
- 1
Bayonne
Cathedrale gothique, quais de la Nive, chocolat et jambon de Bayonne.
- 2
Biarritz
Rocher de la Vierge, Grande Plage et culture du surf.
- 3
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Port de peche colore, maison de Louis XIV et macarons basques.
- 4
Espelette
Village du piment d'Espelette, facades a colombages ornees de guirlandes rouges.
- 5
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Citadelle Vauban, porte Saint-Jacques et depart du chemin de Compostelle.
- 6
Mauleon-Licharre
Capitale de la Soule, espadrilles artisanales et chateau fort.
