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.
Basque country
Gravel & waves in the Basque Country
364 Google reviews- Duration:
- 4 days / 3 nights
- Daily distance:
- 40 - 70 km
- Difficulty:
- 3 / 5
What to expect on this trip
Discover the Basque Country on an all-inclusive gravel trip, in a small group and accompanied by a certified guide. Travel worry-free – we take care of everything.
Explore spectacular landscapes between the Atlantic Ocean, green hills, and Pyrenean peaks, ride through pristine forests, and breathe the fresh sea and mountain air. Pass through charming villages like Ascain and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and let yourself be captivated by the wild and authentic beauty of the region. The Basque Country offers a varied and peaceful playground, perfect for gravel riding.
Whether you’re a gravel enthusiast, a fan of active trips, or simply seeking a refreshing nature escape, this long weekend cycling adventure invites you to discover the richness of the region.
✨ Team favorite: those gourmet stops where sheep’s cheese pairs perfectly with a glass of Irouléguy on a sunny terrace.
A Glimpse of Adventure
Discover the Basque Country on a gravel bike, exploring its landscapes and heritage in a small group with a certified guide!
On coastal trails and green valleys, we laugh, encourage each other, and enjoy the journey together.
Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry Valley: Irouléguy vineyards and unspoiled nature.
Breaks by rivers and in Basque villages become moments of connection and camaraderie.
Gravel trips in the Basque Country are all about sharing: tasting artisanal cider and enjoying warm exchanges in the heart of the villages.
Dinners at local cider houses: discover artisanal cider and regional specialties.
Discover the iconic spots of Bidart, Guéthary, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
Drive through the Basque hills, where every turn reveals a new panorama of green valleys and picturesque villages.
La Rhune (905 m), iconic summit with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Pyrenees.
The base camp where you’ll stay for 3 nights, in an atmosphere blending authenticity, comfort, and conviviality.
You’ll ride through traditional Basque villages with whitewashed facades and red shutters, dotted with lively squares and cobbled streets.
The Atlantic as a backdrop, the Basque Country in all its elegance.
Healthy, balanced breakfasts designed to give you the energy you need and start your active days in the best conditions.
You’ll enjoy a yoga class to gently recover after your rides (included in your registration).
You’ll climb mountain passes opening onto views of lush green peaks and deep valleys.
Wild coasts and hidden coves: ride along coastal trails where the ocean meets the cliffs, offering moments of contemplation and freedom.
Enjoy the gravel trails to observe and encounter local birds and mammals.
The authentic charm of Basque ports, where maritime traditions meet the coastline.
The valleys of the Basque Country offer a perfect playground for gravel riding: lush nature, winding roads, and preserved authenticity.
The Basque Country in its natural essence, deep in its forests, offering trails perfectly suited for gravel riding.
The Basque hills offer a perfect harmony between untamed nature and pastoral traditions, providing an ideal setting for an authentic gravel adventure.
Gravel routes that will take you off the beaten path, into the heart of the most beautiful landscapes the Basque Country has to offer.
The local culture of the Basque Country and its Espelette pepper
A symbol of the Basque art of living, surfing here blends with the magic of sunsets over the ocean.
Crystal-clear rivers and streams: cross sparkling waterways, with picturesque bridges and natural pools perfect for a contemplative pause.
Authentic Basque cuisine: savor traditional dishes in the heart of the villages.
Typical villages and gastronomy: Espelette, Itxassou, Sare, with local tastings.
Balance body and mind: wellness moments to complement your cycling adventure.
Join our community
Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!
364 Google reviews
Thanks to all of you — honestly, it was really, really, really awesome. Discovering the sport, this authentic Basque Country so beautifully showcased, the atmosphere, the delicious (mega) local dishes, the flawless organization, the thoughtful touches, and the amazing team. See you very soon in Andalusia for a V2!!!
Marie. T
Fantastic, as always. Well-chosen and varied routes, stunning landscapes, excellent and very friendly accommodation, and delicious food. A great guide and a great team that quickly creates a real group spirit. We love it… and we’ll be back.
Jean Michel. M
I had an amazing stay in the heart of the Basque Country with the Gravel Up team from October 30th to November 2nd, and it was simply fabulous! Breathtaking landscapes, a dynamic team always looking after us. We rode for three days and explored the Basque Country in every way.I highly recommend experiencing this if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture!
Fanny. A
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.
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.
PROGRAM OF THE STAY
Day 1 – Reunion & Basque flavors
Day 2 – Heading to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, in the heart of the Basque Country ∼ 61 km | 1170 m D+
Day 3 – Tour of La Rhune and immersion in the Basque mountains ∼ 70 km | 1400 m D+
Day 4 – Along the surf spots and final Basque immersion ∼ 37 km | 400 m D+
Day 1 – Reunion & Basque Flavors
We’ll welcome you from 7:00 pm in a charming and comfortable hotel located in the small village of Arbonne, just outside Biarritz. If you’re arriving by train, a shuttle will pick you up at the Biarritz TGV station (around 6:00 pm) and take you directly to the hotel.
The evening will begin with a Basque-inspired dinner, highlighting local products and regional specialties. In this warm and friendly atmosphere, you’ll get to know the rest of the group, as well as your guide and the GravelUp support team.
Day 2 – Heading to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the Heart of the Authentic Basque Country∼ 73 km | 1400 mD+
After a hearty breakfast, we leave Arbonne and ride through the picturesque villages of Espelette and Itxassou before following the Nive River and crossing the legendary Pas de Roland. We stop for a picnic lunch in Bidarray, facing the stunning Iparla ridges, then continue over the secluded Gastangarte pass to reach the valley of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry and the vineyards of Irouléguy.
We then arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a legendary stop for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, to explore its medieval town and enjoy a tasting at our partner estate, before returning by van to the base camp.
After this beautiful day on the bike, at 6 PM, join a yoga session before your dinner, which will be served in a traditional cider house.
Day 3 – Rhune Loop and the Heart of the Basque Mountains ∼ 70 km | 1400 mD+
From Arbonne, we head towards Ascain and the Ibardin pass via forest tracks, with breathtaking views of La Rhune, the Basque coast, and the Atlantic Ocean. We cross into Spain to reach a local venta, where we enjoy a traditional menu.
Once you arrive at the base camp, enjoy some free time before dinner to relax in the hotel’s pool, sauna, or hammam. The day concludes with a dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 – Exploring Surf Spots and a Final Basque Adventure ∼ 40 km | 400 mD+
We head to the Atlantic coast to visit the famous surf spots of Bidart, Guéthary, and finally Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where we take a well-deserved coffee break. On the way back, we travel through the inland trails to enjoy the Basque landscapes one last time.
The day concludes with a brunch at the hotel before heading to Biarritz train station.
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
With us, there’s no stopwatch. We start together and we finish together. To help every rider find the adventure that suits them best, we offer 5 difficulty levels, from 1/5 to 5/5, detailed below. The level of each trip is shown at the top of its page, on the header photo. If you’re still unsure, just write to us at bonjour@gravelup.earth — we’ll be happy to help you assess the right level for you.
Please note: all our trips are open to e-gravel bikes (available for rental in all our destinations). Our groups include both traditional and electric bikes to ensure a smooth balance of pace.
What can I expect on this trip?
Booking
GravelUp trips combine sporting adventure, local immersion and seamless logistics. Group departures usually bring together 8 to 12 participants maximum. Self-guided departures are available from a minimum of two people.
Each day, you will ride between 40 and 80 km, with elevation gain adapted to your level, averaging between 500 and 1,500 meters of climbing, on carefully selected gravel routes blending smooth tracks, forest trails and quiet backroads.
For group departures, experienced guides lead the way, with mechanical support and refreshments provided along the routes. Accommodation is always comfortable and thoughtfully selected, featuring local cuisine, wellness sessions such as yoga and stretching, and convivial moments that complete the experience.
What hire bikes do you have?
Equipment
When booking your trip, you can rent our premium gravel and e-gravel bikes through our partner Origine.
Multiple-time winners of “Gravel bike of the year”, you can choose between:
The GRAXX GTO mechanical model (carbon frame and carbon wheels, weight: 8.1 kg)
The HELP electric-assist model (aluminium frame and wheels, weight: 12 kg)
These bikes combine performance, versatility and lightweight design to enhance your riding experience throughout your trip. Learn more about our Origine 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 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
Self-Guided Gravel Trip in the Basque Country – Cycling Between the Ocean and the Pyrenees
Embark on a self-guided gravel adventure in the Basque Country and discover a unique region between the Atlantic Ocean, lush hills, and Pyrenean peaks. Over 3 days, GravelUp offers a tested and validated route for you to follow at your own pace, creating a cycling journey that combines breathtaking landscapes, Basque culture, and local gastronomy.
Everything is designed for your autonomy: charming accommodations, a complete roadbook, phone support, and expert tips to fully enjoy each stage. Whether you’re a passionate gravel rider or looking for an active, nature-filled getaway, the Basque Country is the perfect destination.
👉 Want to explore more? Discover all our gravel destinations in France and Europe – download our free catalog HERE .