Here, the three colors of the Basque flag unfold in natural splendor: the green of the hills, the red of the chili peppers, and the white of the sheep’s fleece. Feel the Basque Country!
 

Between the Nive, Bidouze, and Adour rivers, this hidden corner of the Basque Country flourishes in fifty shades of green—rolling hills, Espelette pepper fields, and kiwi orchards.  

Start your journey in Cambo-les-Bains, where a unique microclimate and renowned thermal baths invite relaxation. Visit the unmissable Villa Arnaga, the former home of Edmond Rostand, and stroll through its remarkable gardens. Hike through town or the surrounding foothills, where hidden gems reveal themselves at every turn. Nearby, meet artisans and farmers proud to uphold their ancestral traditions.  

Next, head to La Bastide-Clairence and succumb to the charm of this officially designated “Most Beautiful Village in France.” This Navarrese bastide is a treasure trove of heritage, gastronomy, and exceptional craftsmanship. Embark on a road trip through the Charnegou region, stopping by local producers and unique artisans.  

Throughout your stay, you will be welcomed in elegant and characterful homes.
 

  • The bucolic and picturesque landscapes of the Basque foothills.
  • A visit to a farm producing Espelette peppers.
  • A relaxing break in a thermal spa.
  • Exceptional accommodations in the heart of peaceful towns.

 

boussole ok
Orientation: level 1/3
Physique
Physical: level 2/5
terrain
Terrain Difficulty: Level 2/4
7 days / 6 nights
+ 18 years old
branche
Carbon Footprint: C
Ask us

Day by day

1
Cambo-les-Bains – Bas Cambo – Shepherd’s Hill

Explore the heart of Cambo-les-Bains on foot and soak in its tranquil ambiance. A true garden town that invites you to wander from park to gardens. Visit Saint Laurent church and its cemetery adorned with discoidal steles, where a lush panorama stretches from the Nive River to the northern Basque Country. From the terraced streets, descend to Bas Cambo to admire the magnificent Labourdine houses. For lunch, settle into a gourmet restaurant in the town center for a delightful culinary pause. In the afternoon, gently ascend Shepherd’s Hill and take in the breathtaking views over the Nive Valley. Then, it’s time to check into your charming guesthouse, where you will stay for the next three nights. Enjoy dinner freely at one of our recommended restaurants, located within 3 to 5 km of your accommodation.

Activity Time
Approximately 2 to 4 hours of walking tours.
Distance
Approximately 10 to 12 km of walking tours.
Transfer Duration
15 min. approx.
Accomodation
A magnificent guesthouse nestled in the hills above Espelette.
Elevation
+/-150 m
2
Cambo-les-Bains – Villa Arnaga – The Thermal Baths

Head to Villa Arnaga at the entrance of the town. Visit the neo-Basque house of Edmond Rostand, officially recognized as a "Maison des Illustres." Its grand interior, equipped with all the comforts of the time, is filled with the author’s mementos. Then, stroll through the 15-hectare park, known as "Jardins et Arbres Remarquables." See, smell, and touch (without picking), sit under a tree, and enjoy the views and flower beds. At noon, in Cambo, enjoy a unique culinary experience. Then, walk to the Art Deco-style thermal baths, adorned with Byzantine decorations, and indulge in a spa break in the vitality area. Take a leisurely walk through the park along the Nive River. Return to your vehicle and head back to your accommodation. Enjoy dinner freely at one of our recommended restaurants, located within 3 to 5 km of your lodging.

Activity Time
Approximately 2 to 3 hours of walks and visits on foot.
Elevation
+/-81 m
Distance
Approximately 5 to 8 km of walks and visits on foot.
Transfer Duration
35 min. approx.
Accomodation
The same magnificent guesthouse nestled in the hills above Espelette.
3
Mont Baïgura – Glassblower – Chocolate Factory

By car, drive along the Nive River to the starting point of a memorable hike towards an iconic summit of the Basque region: Mount Baïgura. From its 897 meters in altitude, the panoramic views are breathtaking, stretching from the coast to the peaks of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Along the way, you'll encounter the unique wildlife and flora of the Basque Country. Enjoy a picnic at the summit. Once you've descended, return to Cambo-les-Bains. On the way, make a stop at a glassblower’s workshop, then visit a chocolate factory for a tour and tasting. Finally, head back to your accommodation and enjoy dinner in the nearby area, following our suggestions.

Activity Time
Approximately 3.5 hours of round-trip hiking.
Elevation
+ 580 m.
Distance
Approximately 8 km of round-trip hiking.
Transfer Duration
50 min. approx.
Accomodation
The same magnificent guesthouse nestled in the hills above Espelette.
4
Cambo-les-Bains – Hasparren – La Bastide-Clairence

On the outskirts of Cambo-les-Bains, visit a farm producing Espelette peppers. You’ll meet a family of producers proud to share their expertise, and you can take home a bit of this prized spice. Leave Cambo and head towards Hasparren. Explore the charming center of this Labourdine town, and refresh yourself with a local craft beer. Cross the street and sit down at a Michelin-starred restaurant for a culinary getaway. Continue your journey to La Bastide-Clairence, where your accommodation for the next three nights awaits. Once settled in, enjoy the pool and then take a leisurely stroll through the village before dining freely at one of the local restaurants.

Activity Time
Approximately 1.5 hours of visits.
Elevation
0
Distance
Approximately 2 km of visits and 29 km of transfer.
Transfer Duration
40 min. approx.
Accomodation
Charming guesthouses with a pool in the town center.
5
La Bastide Clairence

Explore on foot this "Most Beautiful Village in France," a medieval gem structured as a typical bastide. Among the must-see attractions are its square bordered by arcades, its church, and its trinquet, the oldest in France. Exceptional craftsmanship is a prominent feature here, with boutiques and workshops welcoming visitors. Food lovers should not miss the chocolate and macaroon factories. At the edge of the village, a shaded inn awaits for a delightful lunch. Afterward, relax by the pool at your guesthouse. When the temperature cools, take a walk to a farm producing Ossau-Iraty cheese and treat yourself to some delicious local goods. Dine freely in the village, then return to your charming guesthouse.

Activity Time
Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours of visits and walks.
Elevation
+/-150 m.
Distance
Approximately 5 to 8 km of visits and walks.
Transfer Duration
0
Accomodation
The same charming guesthouses with a pool in the town center.
6
Bardos - Guiche - Bidache - Came

Embark on a road trip through the Charnegou region, at the crossroads of the Basque Country and Gascony! On a winding and hilly route, you’ll explore the Basque countryside and discover unique viewpoints, remarkable sites, and passionate artisans. Along the way, stop at a local dairy farm, at the top of a lookout tower, with a kiwi producer, at a medieval castle, and with a barrel maker. At the halfway point, enjoy a creative and sustainable meal inspired by local products. After this delightful escape, head back to your accommodation. Dine freely in the village.

Activity Time
Approximately 1 to 2 hours of visits.
Elevation
0
Distance
Approximately 3 to 5 km of visits.
Transfer Duration
1 h 15 min. approx.
Accomodation
The same charming guesthouses with a pool in the town center.
7
End of the stay.

It’s time to head back!

Take one last look at the lush, rolling hills of the Basque foothills and hum, "elle m'a dit d'aller siffler là-haut sur la colline ..." - a French song, you could translate by "she told me to go whistle up there on the hill..."!

Previewsituation_pays_basque_fr

The highlight of the stay

Visit to a producer of AOP Espelette peppers.

Preview
Piment d'Espelette

At this characteristic Basque farm, generations follow one another, passionately continuing the cultivation of Espelette peppers. This red symbol of the region is deeply embedded in the history, culture, and labourdine cuisine. In the local microclimate, nestled between hills and valleys, the peppers are carefully nurtured—from sowing and planting to harvesting, de-stemming, drying, and packaging. It’s a family-run operation, respecting the land and nature. You will tour the farm, taste the powdered Espelette pepper, and have the opportunity to purchase this precious spice before you leave.

Cozy guesthouses in La Bastide-Clairence.

In the heart of the peaceful village, this typical Basque building offers exceptional guest rooms and suites. A beautiful harmony is evident throughout the contemporary decor of the house: stone flooring, fabrics, furniture, scents, music, and artworks from local artists. The cozy, warm, and family-friendly atmosphere prevails in this home. All the comfort for a successful stay is here: air-conditioned rooms, a pool, garden lounge, terrace, and a delicious breakfast made with homemade or local products. Tranquility, relaxation, and letting go perfectly characterize this charming property.

Photos / Videos

Technical informations

When to go

At your convenience from April 1st to October 31st (note: the summer period can often be crowded).

Access

With your personal vehicle.

Parking for your vehicle

Parking facilities are available near your accommodations.

Accommodation

You will be hosted in charming accommodations: 3 nights in a guesthouse located in a peaceful setting on the hills overlooking Espelette and Cambo-les-Bains, with comfortable rooms featuring contemporary decor; 3 nights in a high-comfort guestroom with a cozy atmosphere in the center of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France." Depending on availability, you may be accommodated in similar high-quality and luxurious places.

Meals
Breakfast

Full breakfasts (included) will be served at the accommodations that welcome you throughout your stay, featuring homemade or local products.

Lunch or picnic

Except for the lunch on Day 3, all your lunches are arranged (and included) in exceptional establishments, ranging from gourmet restaurants to prestigious venues recognized or listed in the Michelin guide.

Dinner

Dinners on your own in Cambo-les-Bains and La Bastide-Clairence, based on our suggestions that will be provided to you before departure, within a 5 km radius around your accommodations.

Visits

Included in this program:

  • The visit to Villa Arnaga and its Remarkable Garden.
  • A spa/therapy session at the Thermes of Cambo-les-Bains.
  • A visit to the Espelette pepper production farm.
  • A visit to kiwi fields.
Supervision

Self-guided stay, without a tour guide.

Type of itinerary
Semi-itinerary-based
Level

Make sure you have the required levels mentioned at the beginning of the document, by comparing them with the scales in our "Levels and preparation"" section.

Please make sure to check the required endurance and agility levels (at the beginning of the technical sheet) with the detailed scale of these levels: www.so-inspyration.com/niveaux before registering.

Departures possible from 1 person, limited to 4 people.
Price includes

The price includes: 6 nights with breakfasts, 5 lunches at restaurants, and the visits mentioned in the program, 1 travel booklet with a topoguide and 2 maps for 1 to 2 people.

Price does not include

The price does not include: the lunch on Day 3, the dinners on Days 1 to 6, drinks, any visits not listed above, registration fees, and insurance.

Additional charges

N/A

Contents of travel bag

In the month prior to departure and after receiving the balance of your stay, we will send you a travel folder containing all the necessary documents for your hike: a practical sheet detailing the schedule of your trip (meeting times, transfers, accommodation contacts and addresses...), a detailed topoguide outlining your itinerary, often supplemented with cultural and natural information, maps (sometimes integrated into the topoguide), as well as contractual documents (invoice, insurance contract), and luggage tags.

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