📌Just under 30 minutes between each destination
👍The bonus : Travel from the ocean to the mountains in less than an hour; enjoy the sea and delicious cuisine
📍Stops : Saint Jean de Luz ; Corniche Basque ; Hendaye ; San Sebastian
WEEKEND VAN TRIP TO DISCOVER THE BASQUE COAST : BIARRITZ → BAYONNE → SAINT JEAN DE LUZ → HENDAYE → SAN SEBASTIAN
DEPARTURE : Leaving from Biarritz, take the D260 → N117 → D936
ARRIVAL : After visiting Bayonne, take the D810, a pretty coastal road that will take you through picturesque villages
Looking for a trip that smells of sea air and authenticity? Set off on a road trip in southwestern France that combines must-see surfing beaches, panoramic views of the Pyrenees, and traditional villages. In this region between Biarritz and Bayonne, a new route is emerging, offering a wealth of nature activities and cultural experiences. Each day promises a new story, from the majestic Sainte-Marie church to the wild cliffs. Follow our practical advice to make the most of this road trip in the heart of the Basque Country.
DAY 1 : ON THE BASQUE CORNICHE ROAD, WILD NATURE
BIARRITZ → SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ → BASQUE CORNICHE (APPROX. 50 MIN - 20 MILES)
How about a weekend on the road to escape the daily grind and broaden your horizons? On the agenda: spectacular cliffs, wild coves, and sunsets in a Basque atmosphere! This article is designed to give you tips on activities and places to visit. What we love about road trips is above all the freedom of the car combined with the comfort of home... Our goal is to give you the best information on the various points of interest along your route to the French border.
The first stop is Biarritz, a seaside resort popular for its many outdoor activities. Before getting in the van, you can visit the city's natural areas, which are full of wooded trails and paths where you can let off steam, go for a run, or take a stroll. It's the perfect way to recharge your batteries.
👉 THINGS TO DO
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The Côte des Basques. This is a real trail that runs along a path facing the ocean. Put on your running shoes and enjoy the freedom of the open air!
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Lac Marion Park. It's the perfect place for a stroll or a long run. Get your legs moving or simply enjoy a few quiet moments.
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The Lac de Mouriscot forest, which is to die for 😍 In the shade of the trees, peaceful waters reflect the expanse of ferns that line the shore.
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The Rocher de la Vierge, or the iconic rock in the Bay of Biscay
Next, head to Bayonne! To enjoy a few hours in the city, here are our recommendations :
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A short urban hike in the center : Place des Basques, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, Rue Port-Neuf, banks of the Nive River.
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A gourmet break. Take the opportunity to taste the famous Bayonne ham or Basque cakes!
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Château Vieux and Basque Museum
Shall we continue on this route? Taking the D912 coastal road, you will pass through the seaside villages of Bidart and Guéthary. Every place on your route has something interesting to offer!
In Bidart, there is a greenway cycle path and a coastal footpath. It is signposted for almost 54 km, connecting Guéthary and, further on, Saint Jean de Luz. If you are traveling with your family and some of your group want to stretch their legs along the coast on foot, the rest of the group can continue in the van. Everyone can go at their own pace and follow their own route. Pretty cool, right?
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can enjoy the port and the authentic atmosphere of the Basque country. For nature lovers and the adventurous, the ideal way to explore the area is on foot or by bike.
👉 OUR RECOMMENDED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
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The Larrun Alde center offers horseback riding, riding lessons, and pony rides for little ones.
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This trip is coming to an end.
Get back in your favorite van and head to Biarritz. After all, three days can be enough to disconnect from everyday life and get a breath of fresh air. We hope you discovered new landscapes and enjoyed the Basque Coast.
Reserve your van for your next road trip by clicking here Oihana Park in Urugne is the place to go for tree climbing. It's the largest acrobatic course in the Basque Country → accessible via the RD 810. -
Fancy a try at paramotoring? This activity is for thrill seekers. If you want to learn or take your first flight, this is the place to be. You'll fly over the Corniche and the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.Electric mountain biking on a route between the sea and the mountains, for a feast for the eyes. Located at the foot of the Rhune, Liluak VTT offers bike rentals for a magical ride ✨
An 11 km hike to Hendaye (about 3 hours). It will take you through iconic sites such as the Fort de Socoa and the Château d'Abbadia.
Port de Socoa → Asporotsttipi → Port d'Hendaye
👉 WHERE TO STAY ?
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Near Socoa
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Domaine d'Abbadia. You'll find quiet spots to spend a peaceful night.
DAY 2 : ON THE ROAD TO HENDAYE, TOWARDS THE AIAKO HARRIA NATURAL PARK
→ AIAKO HARRIA NATURAL PARK (30 MIN - 25 KM)
| 📍Step / Key Info | Detail |
| Departure | Hendaye (beach, French Basque city centre) |
| Key activities | - Visit the city centre and historical heritage. - Beach Pointe de Sokoburu. Surf or maximum relaxation on the fine sand - A walk along the Corniche towards Ciboure, between meadows and rocky landscapes. Colourful mountain panorama |
| Good adresses |
- The Txirimiri, an institution in Hendaye! This restaurant offers local and traditional Basque cuisine. 9, avenue des Mimosas
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| Recommended stop | Irun (Spanish border, old port) |
| Destination | Aiako Harria Natural Park (Gipuzkoa, Spanish Basque Country) |
| Description | Located very close to Donostia-San Sebastián, this natural park is of great diversity: Basins, rivers, and streams, as well as geological and historical remains, make up this space located on the border of Spain. There are 4 paths that crisscross the area. The hikes range from 2 to 6 hours of walking, and the panoramas extend 360°...just incredible 😍 |
| Distance | About 25 km |
| Travel time by van | Travel time by van 30 to 40 min |
| Key activities | Hike to the summit of Erroiarri (beautiful panorama over the ocean and the Pyrenees) Discovery of the Meazuri mines (mining heritage) |
| Spots to sleep | The mountains of the park are a perfect spot to spend the night, but you will need permission from the Natural Park. |
| Atmosphere of the day | Culture mixed with nature, green mountains, and the Atlantic Ocean |
After enjoying a beautiful afternoon among these granite mountains, head back down to Hondarribia, an old fortified town where you can eat delicious tapas and taste wonderful wines.
DAY 3 : VISIT CONCHA BAY
SAN SEBASTIAN → RETURN TO BIARRITZ
Last day of this road trip full of discoveries and rich in natural spaces! There's nothing like the city of San Sebastian with its bay to enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
👉 THINGS TO DO
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A stroll along the Paseo Nuevo takes you along La Concha to the Sägués area at the end of Zurriola Beach.
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In this magnificent setting, don't hesitate to explore the island of Santa Clara, in the middle of the bay. It has its own beach and a range of on-site amenities (bar, terrace, swimming pool, etc.) for a pleasant time.
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Stroll through the old town and sample local specialties such as pintxos, a kind of appetizer similar to tapas.
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Climb Mount Igueldo by funicular or on foot. Breathtaking view of the bay 😍
👉 WHERE TO EAT ?
Between tapas bars and typical restaurants, you have a wide choice of places to eat :
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Karrika Taberna, 31 de Agosto Kalea, 26
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Mendaur Berria, Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 8
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Orburu (many options for vegetarians/vegans), Calle Matia, 5
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Trikuharri Taberna Jatetxea, Matia Kalea, 35
This trip is coming to an end.
Get back in your favorite van and head to Biarritz. After all, three days can be enough to disconnect from everyday life and get a breath of fresh air. We hope you discovered new landscapes and enjoyed the Basque Coast.
Reserve your van for your next road trip by clicking here
