How can I assess my level?
Level
You can take a look here.
And if you want even more information, don't hesitate to contact us directly by email at bonjour@gravelup.earth so that we can help you choose the type of expedition that will suit you best.
Pays Basque
Gravel & Waves in the Basque Country
324 Google reviews- Duration:
- 3 days / 3 nights
- Daily distance:
- 40 - 80 km
- Difficulty:
- 3 / 5
100 % Gravel Adventure
Discover the Basque Country with GravelUp, a perfect playground for gravel biking!
Spend 3 days exploring spectacular landscapes between the Atlantic Ocean, rolling green hills, and Pyrenean peaks, cycling through pristine forests and breathing in the fresh mountain and sea air.
Ride through charming villages like Ascain and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, climb the col de la Côte, and let yourself be captivated by the region’s wild and authentic beauty. The Basque Country offers a varied and peaceful playground, perfect for recharging alone, with family, friends, or fellow gravel enthusiasts.
Traveling with GravelUp means:
A wide choice of dates during the best seasons for cycling.
Small groups (8 to 12 people) for a friendly and personal experience.
An authentic journey with charming accommodation and delicious local meals.
Hidden gravel routes designed for exploration and enjoyment.
Peace of mind guaranteed: logistics, support, and high-end bikes available (optional).
→ Check out our bikes
Download our catalogue HERE
A Glimpse of Adventure
Rolling green hills and undulating meadows: pedal along gravel paths lined with hedges and pastures dotted with flocks of sheep.
Basque Pyrenean summits: climb mountain passes offering views of green mountains and deep valleys while breathing the fresh high-altitude air.
Typical Basque villages: ride through Ascain, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and other villages with whitewashed facades and red shutters, dotted with lively squares and cobbled streets.
Crystal-clear rivers and streams: cross sparkling waterways, with picturesque bridges and natural pools perfect for a contemplative pause.
Beech and oak forests: let yourself be enveloped by the cool shade and the scent of the woods while following winding trails.
Wild coasts and hidden coves: ride along coastal trails where the ocean meets the cliffs, offering moments of contemplation and freedom.
Join our community
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
324 Google reviews
A second amazing GravelUp experience in the Morvan. The team was, as always, fantastic, with our awesome host Colin and coach Sébastien, who put together routes perfectly tailored for us. The Morvan is an ideal destination to start gravel riding. Go for it with your eyes closed — you won’t regret it! The landscapes are stunning and varied, the terrain is perfect, the food is excellent, and the Gîte des Taureaux is super cozy. Convinced? Then go ahead and sign up 😋
Nathalie. G
We did a five-day trip in Norway in July 2025 — an absolutely fantastic experience. Our guides, James and Colin, were outstanding.
Ross. M
I will be travelling again with GravelUp and highly recommend the experience. The program was a good balance of scripted and flexible, not too full, but with beautiful offerings.
Juris D.
We had previously joined a trip in the Causses, which we thoroughly enjoyed. This new adventure exceeded our expectations.
From a sporting perspective, there was a fantastic variety of landscapes and trails, with the right level of challenge. The rental ORIGINE bikes were impeccably maintained, both standard and electric models available to keep the group together despite differing skill levels, and the instructor was fully engaged.
In terms of logistics, everything was perfectly coordinated, with ideal accommodations and delicious, plentiful meals.
E.D
A wonderfully friendly experience with a great level of sporting challenge that we’re so proud to have accomplished. A fantastic opportunity to reconnect with friends over biking and good meals. I’ll be back!
Matthieu B.
An exceptional Gravel Up adventure! You can tell you’re surrounded by real pros, with top-notch equipment and well-planned outings, the staff truly goes above and beyond, keeping the human touch at the forefront throughout the entire trip.
Arnaud L.
Fantastic weekend in the Vaucluse (Mont Ventoux). Highly recommended for the guidance, equipment, routes, and atmosphere.
Philippe B.
Your adventure, day by day.
Stages, landscapes, highlights: discover the program that awaits you. This itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or logistics, to ensure the best possible experience.
Day 1 – Reunion & Basque Flavors
You settle into Hôtel Indarra, a warm and authentic establishment, the perfect base for this stay in the heart of the Basque Country. For those who wish, a transfer is organized from Biarritz train station around 5 PM, handled by your GravelUp Destination Manager.
The evening begins simply with a dinner featuring local flavors, in a friendly atmosphere full of warmth and connection. First laughs, first stories, and the tone is set: authenticity, sharing, and the joy of discovering the Basque Country by gravel bike.
Day 2 – Basque Lakes and Villages ∼ 73 km | 1400 mD+
The day begins with an energizing breakfast at Hôtel Indarra, overlooking the lush hills of the Basque Country. Then, it’s time to get on your bike! You set off for a spectacular loop through landscapes typical of the region.
Ride through deep forests and rolling meadows before reaching Xoldokogaina Lake, a peaceful haven where the crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding mountains. It’s the perfect spot for a photo break or simply to take in the untouched nature.
Your route then continues to the charming village of Sare, with its traditional Basque houses and cobbled streets. Take the time to discover its authenticity and local culture before returning to winding gravel paths that offer stunning views of the valleys and Pyrenean peaks.
Throughout the day, sparkling rivers and fragrant forests accompany your ride, making every pedal stroke a true pleasure. The loop ends back at Hôtel Indarra, where you can enjoy a well-deserved dinner with Basque flavors and share your impressions of the day.
Day 3 – Basque Villages and Traditions ∼ 60 km | 1200 mD+
The day begins with breakfast at Hôtel Indarra, fueling you for another exciting day on the bike. Today, you ride from the hotel to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, passing through the famous village of Espelette.
The route takes you through rolling green hills, fragrant forests, and typical Basque countryside paths. In Espelette, take time to wander the lively streets, admire the facades adorned with peppers, and soak up the warm atmosphere of this iconic village.
After Espelette, continue along winding gravel tracks offering spectacular views of the valleys, the Pyrenees, and Basque pastures. Sparkling rivers and mountain streams punctuate the route, providing refreshing stops and unforgettable photo opportunities. The day ends in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, renowned for its citadel and medieval streets.
Day 4 – Basque Coast and Atlantic Views ∼ 42 km | 400 mD+
The day begins with breakfast at Hôtel Indarra before setting out for a spectacular loop along the Basque coast, starting from Arbonne.
The route follows the beaches and cliffs of Anglet and Biarritz, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the region’s iconic waves. Gravel paths alternate with coastal trails and small country roads, perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and fresh ocean air.
Along the loop, admire the wild landscapes and picturesque villages that dot the coast. Take a pause to contemplate the ocean, listen to the crashing waves, and capture these unique moments in photos.
Then comes the time to return, say your goodbyes… and perhaps already dream of your next adventure. For those who wish, a return transfer to Biarritz train station is available around 4 PM.
GravelUp benefits
This is included
- All food for the stay
- A mechanic who will share his secrets with you
- A great welcome pack
- Accommodation 3 nights in a double room
- Return transfer from Biarritz train station
- A professional and local guide
- Unique tracks designed by the GravelUp
- Assistance and transportation van
- Wellness activities - Yoga, meditation, relaxation
- Visits to various historical and cultural sites
- An evening of celebration
- A community of enthusiasts
This is not included
- Transportation from your home
- Travel insurance for repatriation and civil liability
- Personal drinks and other souvenir purchases
- Anything not specified in "What's Included"
- Bike rental (extra charge)
Options
Any questions?
I really want to join a trip but I'm not sure I have the level or experience ...
Level
We offer 3 expedition formats on our trips: 2-day, 3-day, and 5-day adventures. For the 2- and 3-day formats, we ride out each day from a single base camp. For the 5-day format, we go on a point-to-point journey, changing base camp each night.
The main differences between the formats are the number of days on the bike and, of course, the difficulty level of the destination you choose. With us, we start together and finish together — that’s the GravelUp speed.
To learn more about the difficulty level of each destination, click HERE.
If, however, you are still unsure, you can write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth and we will contact you to help you assess your level. We can also help you prepare for your adventure, just ask us.
What can I expect on this trip?
Booking
Our GravelUp trips combine sporting adventure, local immersion, and logistical comfort. Each day, you’ll ride between 40 and 80 km, with elevation gain tailored to your level (from 500 to 1,500 m of climbing on average), along carefully selected gravel routes mixing smooth tracks, forest trails, and quiet country roads.
The rides are led by experienced guides, with mechanical support and refreshments along the way. A support van will follow the group throughout the trip to transport your luggage — so you can travel light! Comfortable accommodation, local meals, wellness sessions (yoga, stretching, etc.), and friendly moments round out the experience.
What hire bikes do you have?
Equipment
You have the option to rent our premium Gravel and E-Gravel bikes from our partner, Origine.
Repeatedly awarded Gravel Bike of the Year, our carbon GRAXX GTO model (8.1kg) and the electric Help model (12kg) combine performance, versatility, and lightness - the perfect match for your expedition.
Learn more about our gravel bikes
What happens in the event of a puncture or other mechanicals?
Safety
Our guides will be able to repair small problems straight away. Their tips and advice can sometimes be useful when you get home too :) In the event of a more serious mechanical problems, spare parts and even a spare bike will be available nearby in the support vehicle. Every problem has its solution!
What type of accommodation will we stay in on the trips?
Practicalities
Recharging your batteries is essential after a day on the bike. Post ride you can relax at our base camps or partner hotels and guest houses 3 stars. We have chosen them carefully for their comfort, tranquility, location and the quality of their food.
Discover these other trips
Discover the Basque Country with GravelUp, trips designed specifically for gravel enthusiasts.
Join us for 3 days of gravel riding to explore this unique region, between the Atlantic Ocean, rolling green hills, and Pyrenean peaks. During your cycling trip, GravelUp takes care of everything to provide you with an unforgettable experience: charming accommodation, delicious Basque-inspired meals, a support van, a passionate local guide, and cultural discoveries.
All that’s left is to choose your departure date and pack your bags for this memorable adventure between ocean and mountains!
👉 Want to explore our other destinations? Download our catalogue HERE .