Parc National des Pyrenees

Stretching 100km along the Spanish border from Pic de Laraille near Lescun and on east into the Midi Pyrenees, the Pyrenees National Park was created in 1967 to protect part of the spectacular mountain landscape of the high Pyrenees from the damaging effects of modern tourism.

Hunting, dogs and vehicles are banned, leaving a wonderful wilderness to all manner of endangered species including griffon vultures, ermines, Isard (similar to chamois) and eagle owls. (The native Pyrenean brown bear, which some believe is now extinct, is the subject of a controversial re-introduction programme).

Transport links from foothill towns are mainly north-south along valleys. Cross the park laterally on part of the GR10 long distance walking trail from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean which includes the length of the park.

Hikers in June and July will be treated to a magnificent array of wild flowers such as white aspodels, purple Pyrenean irises and giant yellow gentians. Look out too for rare butterflies including the Gavarnie Blue.

Information centres - maisons du parc - at Etsaut and Laruns give details on a variety of walks, fauna and flora and warden controlled refuges inside the park. Remember to dress sensibly and check on weather conditions before setting out.  

Basque Coastline

30km from the Spanish border the coastline of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques changes dramatically from the long flat dune-fringed beaches of neighbouring Landes to high rocky cliffs with fantastic unspoilt coastal views.

Biarritz in the north still has its surfing beaches but the panoramic views begin from the ‘Promenades’ in the heart of town above steep cliffs and the Rock of the Virgin, linked to the mainland by a precarious footbridge.

Follow the winding coastal road south to lively St-Jean-de-Luz, France’s premier anchovy and tuna fishing port, set on the coast’s only bay where 3 jetties protect sandy beaches from Atlantic breakers.

Travel on past the defensive fort of Socoa, to the massive beach at Hendaye - last town before the Spanish border - where the cliffs are at their most spectacular and the road closely follows the cliff edge.

Visit Chateau d’Abbadie, built by Irish born nineteenth century explorer Antoine d’Abbadie on a headland at Hendaye. This amazing folly containing Irish, French, Basque, Arabian and Ethiopian elements, reflecting Abbadie’s travels.

Guided tours throughout the year .Incidentally, the superb beach at Hendaye is very popular with the Spanish who believe it rivals that of San Sebastian.

Gorges de Kakouetta and Ehugarre

These 2 spectacular gorges can be discovered close to St Engrace - a group of shepherd’s hamlets - deep in the wild Basque mountains.

Kakouetta, the most well known, comprises 2km of almost vertical walls rising to 350m, often only a few metres apart. The air can be chilly due to lack of light, and misty from many tiny waterfalls. Wrap up well and wear sensible shoes as the path can be slippery and even crosses a metal catwalk at times.

Those daring to walk behind the 20m high waterfall at the gorge’s end will be rewarded with stunning stalactites and stalagmites in La Grotte (cave) du Lac and a welcome picnic area from which to admire the view. Gorges Ehugarre is far less well known, following a sheperds’ route to the pastures of Pic Lakhoura. Be prepared for a 5 hour round trip

Foret d’Iraty

A nature lover’s paradise in all seasons and one of the largest beech forests in Europe, the Iraty Forest begins as a steep climb up a winding road (D301) around the heads of gorges filled with beech tress and rocky outcrops offering fabulous views back to the Nive Valley.

Drivers should watch out for hairpin bends and animals such as cows on the road! The Iraty Plateau has cross country skiing on the pic d’Hory (2107m) and pic des Escaliers (1472m) in winter. Follow the hiking and walking trails in spring and summer or go mountain biking. Autumn is the time to collect mushrooms and visit the Col d’Orgambidesca to watch migrating birds fly south.