The Basque Country - Between Land and Sea

This loop tour starts and ends in Biarritz, following the French Basque coast south to the Spanish border before climbing into the Pyrenees foothills. Riders trace the Corniche Basque past Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, cross into Spain by river shuttle to the fortified town of Hondarribia, and enjoy a tapas evening there.

Inland, the route climbs past La Rhune, the region's highest point, through the villages of Sare and Ainhoa, then crosses the Pinodiéta pass to the chilli-pepper town of Espelette, with an option to stop at Lake Saint-Pée or follow Napoleon's old ridge road.

The final stage returns to the coast via a cycle path to Bayonne, finishing in Biarritz. This is a more compact version of Evazio's 7-day Basque Country tour, skipping the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port stage. Accommodation is in charming bed and breakfasts or 3 and 4-star hotels.

Highlights:

• Corniche Basque coastline via Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye
• River shuttle crossing to Hondarribia in Spain, with a tapas evening
• La Rhune summit area and the witch-village legends of Sare
• Ainhoa's half-timbered houses and the Pinodiéta pass
• Espelette, famous for its chilli pepper
• Finish along the Nive river and through Bayonne back to Biarritz

Surface and terrain:
Small country roads with several climbs, including a pass near La Rhune and the Pinodiéta pass. Hillier than Evazio's coastal Vélodyssée routes, with total ascent of roughly 1,380-1,780m over the 4 riding days.

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a hillier self-guided tour and some climbing, wanting a shorter version of the Basque Country loop.