Basque country

Gravel Cycling Adventure in the Basque Country: From Biarritz to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

364 Google reviews5/5
Duration:
5 days / 4 nights
Daily distance:
30 - 70 km
Difficulty:
3 / 5
View departures
Pays Basque 1 : prairies verdoyantes

What to expect on this trip

This gravel cycling tour takes you from the Atlantic beaches to the peaks of the Pyrenees, crossing iconic locations such as the Bergons Valley, the Aubisque Pass, and the unspoiled landscapes of the Bénou Plateau.

Between effort and contemplation, each day offers a full immersion in preserved nature: progressive climbs, flowing descents, panoramic ridgelines, and secret roads lead you deep into the heart of the Basque Country, ending in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Whether you are passionate about gravel biking, a fan of bike touring, or looking for an adventurous and exotic cycling holiday, this journey is a true invitation to explore, challenge yourself, and experience a unique adventure between ocean and mountains.

✨ Our team’s favorite highlight: conquering the great Pyrenean mountain passes and riding along ridge trails with breathtaking views… before finishing in the warm atmosphere of a traditional Basque village.

Choose your dates

From : 1750

Going as a group? Enjoy a private stay starting from just 4 riders
  • Payment in 2 installments with no fees

  • Holiday vouchers and e-ANCV accepted!

👉 Not a member yet? Join the Club

A Glimpse of Adventure

On coastal trails and green valleys, we laugh, encourage each other, and enjoy the journey together.

Pays Basques_Émotions 2

Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry Valley: Irouléguy vineyards and unspoiled nature.

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Breaks by rivers and in Basque villages become moments of connection and camaraderie.

Pays basques_émotions

Gravel trips in the Basque Country are all about sharing: tasting artisanal cider and enjoying warm exchanges in the heart of the villages.

Pays basques : Moments de partage

Dinners at local cider houses: discover artisanal cider and regional specialties.

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Discover the iconic spots of Bidart, Guéthary, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

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Drive through the Basque hills, where every turn reveals a new panorama of green valleys and picturesque villages.

Vallées verdoyantes

La Rhune (905 m), iconic summit with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Blog SEO Pays Basques

The base camp where you’ll stay for 3 nights, in an atmosphere blending authenticity, comfort, and conviviality.

Pays basque - Camp de base Hotel Indarra

You’ll ride through traditional Basque villages with whitewashed facades and red shutters, dotted with lively squares and cobbled streets.

Jour 1_Adventurer_Pays Basques

The Atlantic as a backdrop, the Basque Country in all its elegance.

Pays Basque - Villages typiques

Healthy, balanced breakfasts designed to give you the energy you need and start your active days in the best conditions.

Pays Basque - hotel indarra petit déjeuner

You’ll enjoy a yoga class to gently recover after your rides (included in your registration).

Pays basque - Camp de base Hotel Indarra - salle yoga

You’ll climb mountain passes opening onto views of lush green peaks and deep valleys.

Pays Basque 2 : sommets basques

Wild coasts and hidden coves: ride along coastal trails where the ocean meets the cliffs, offering moments of contemplation and freedom.

Pays Basques 6 : bord de côtes

Enjoy the gravel trails to observe and encounter local birds and mammals.

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The authentic charm of Basque ports, where maritime traditions meet the coastline.

Pays basque - port typique

The valleys of the Basque Country offer a perfect playground for gravel riding: lush nature, winding roads, and preserved authenticity.

Terrain de jeu

The Basque Country in its natural essence, deep in its forests, offering trails perfectly suited for gravel riding.

Pays Basque 6 : Forêts

The Basque hills offer a perfect harmony between untamed nature and pastoral traditions, providing an ideal setting for an authentic gravel adventure.

Collines Basques

Gravel routes that will take you off the beaten path, into the heart of the most beautiful landscapes the Basque Country has to offer.

Vallées basques et rivière

The local culture of the Basque Country and its Espelette pepper

Pays Basques 7 : Piment d'espelette

A symbol of the Basque art of living, surfing here blends with the magic of sunsets over the ocean.

Pays Basques 8 : la côte basque

Crystal-clear rivers and streams: cross sparkling waterways, with picturesque bridges and natural pools perfect for a contemplative pause.

Pays Basque 4 : torrents

Authentic Basque cuisine: savor traditional dishes in the heart of the villages.

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Typical villages and gastronomy: Espelette, Itxassou, Sare, with local tastings.

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Balance body and mind: wellness moments to complement your cycling adventure.

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Join our community

Hear from those who’ve lived the experience – and come ride with us!

364 Google reviews5/5
A badge for the soul
Sharing meals, building memories
Riding together
Post-ride relaxation in nature
Lakeside smiles
Deux cyclistes gravel prêts à démarrer une aventure en petit groupe dans la forêt du Morvan
Climbing together
Smiling cyclist with Gravel Up badge
Photo article Séjour Mathias Dandois
Instagram joinUs

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

Avis_Pays Basques_Adventurer_Marie Thibert

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

Pays Basques_Adventurer_Jean Michel Moutin

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

Avis Pays Basques_Fanny Ardison

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.

Espagne voyage vélo

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.

Avis Andalousie gravel

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.

Pays Basques 25

Day 1 — Biarritz → Bergons: a warm-up facing the Pyrenees ∼ 30 KM | 1000 MD+

After a pickup at 11 AM from the Biarritz train station or airport and a first shared meal, your first pedaling strokes begin between the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Basque Country. This first day of your gravel trip is designed as a gentle start, ideal for gradually entering the atmosphere of a true bikepacking adventure.

As you move further inland, the ascent toward the Bergons valley reveals a wilder and more preserved environment. You ride along quiet roads, far from busy routes, through lush landscapes perfect for a cycling experience in nature. The physical effort is greatly rewarded by the beauty of the surroundings and a sense of full immersion in nature.

This first stage allows you to find your bearings, adjust your equipment, and fully immerse yourself in the journey, laying the foundation for an unforgettable gravel expedition in the Pyrenees.

PYR_LIB_VUES MONTAGNES

Day 2 — Bergons → Arette: the great Pyrenean mountain passes

Set off towards more challenging terrain with a true crossing of the Pyrenees, immersing yourself in an authentic gravel cycling adventure.

You begin by climbing back through the Bergons Valley, gradually gaining elevation as the landscape becomes more dramatic and alpine. The route then leads to the legendary Soulor Pass, a natural border between the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées, and a must-ride highlight of any Pyrenean cycling tour.

The journey continues towards the iconic Aubisque Pass, renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding mountain ranges. This section offers one of the most scenic stretches of the entire gravel bike expedition, combining effort, altitude, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

The long and rewarding descent into the Ossau Valley brings this intense day to a close. Marked by grand scenery, high mountain atmosphere, and unforgettable views, this stage embodies the spirit of a true mountain bikepacking experience in the Pyrenees.

Avis client Pyrénées - Thomas. G

Day 3 — Arette → Issarbe: immersion in the wild Basque Country

A change of atmosphere awaits as you gradually enter the heart of the Basque Country, embracing a more remote and authentic gravel cycling experience.

Leaving Arette, you follow quiet, little-traveled roads that wind through hidden valleys and dense forests, far from the usual routes. This section of the journey highlights the essence of off-the-beaten-path cycling, where nature takes center stage and every kilometer deepens your sense of bikepacking adventure.

The climb toward the Issarbe Plateau is a true highlight, offering a unique ascent through a preserved natural environment. As you reach the ridgelines, the landscape opens up dramatically, revealing sweeping views over the surrounding mountains and valleys—an unforgettable moment of panoramic gravel riding.

Arriving on the heights of the massif marks a powerful stage of the journey, surrounded by raw and spectacular scenery. This day perfectly captures the spirit of a gravel tour in the Basque Pyrenees, combining solitude, nature, and adventure.

EUS_LIB_SENTIERS GRAVEL

Day 4 — Issarbe → Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: between ridgelines and Basque villages

An iconic stage blending panoramic ridgelines with the rich traditions of the Basque Country, offering a memorable gravel cycling experience.

Leaving the heights of Issarbe, you descend onto more technical and winding terrain, where the route alternates between flowing gravel tracks and narrow, forgotten mountain roads. This section showcases the diversity of a true gravel bike adventure, combining fun riding with constantly changing landscapes.

As you progress, you pass through picturesque Basque villages, with their distinctive architecture and deep-rooted culture, adding a unique cultural dimension to your bikepacking journey. The rolling terrain and scenic views make this day both engaging and visually rewarding, with frequent opportunities to enjoy panoramic cycling routes.

The arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a historic village nestled at the foot of the mountains, marks a highlight of the trip. Known as a gateway to the Pyrenees and a key stop on the Camino de Santiago, it offers the perfect setting to end this beautiful stage of your Pyrenean gravel tour.

Pays Basque 8 : Sentiers côtiers

Day 5 — Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port → Biarritz: return to the ocean

The final day of your gravel cycling tour offers a beautiful return journey towards the Atlantic Ocean, blending iconic Basque landscapes with a rewarding sense of completion.

Leaving Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, you ride through picturesque Basque villages and rolling countryside, where mountains gradually give way to hills and then to coastal scenery. This stage showcases the diversity of the region, combining cultural heritage with natural beauty, all within an unforgettable bikepacking adventure.

Arriving in Biarritz marks the end of this unique gravel expedition between ocean and mountains. With a strong sense of accomplishment and a head full of memories, this final stage perfectly concludes an exceptional cycling journey in the Pyrenees and Basque Country.

The day ends with brunch at the hotel, before heading to the Biarritz train station at 5 p.m.

Fancy a Private Trip?

Ride with your favorite people - we’ll handle the rest.

Request a quote

GravelUp benefits

This is included

  • Accommodation in a shared room (single room available for an additional fee)
  • All food for the stay
  • A mechanic who will share his secrets with you
  • A great welcome pack
  • Return transfer from Biarritz train station
  • A professional and local guide
  • Unique tracks designed by the GravelUp
  • Assistance and transportation van
  • 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

    Bikes

    No gravel bike? No problem! You can rent one of our premium Gravel or E-Gravel bikes for an optimal experience on all terrains (+€70/day). Just select this option when booking. Learn more.

    Single Room

    For added privacy and comfort during your stay, you can choose a single room for an additional fee. This option is available when making your reservation.

Any questions?

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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 .