Discover Alcay-alcabehety-sunharette's natural treasures

The valley of Ibar-eskuin (Alcay/Lacarry) is crowned by various peaks, some of which are very characteristic, such as Bostmendiak. These five small peaks stand out, with a small grassy hanging valley at their feet, which is very pleasant and attractive. From the top of one of these panoramic peaks, two orientation tables list the mountains of Haute-Soule and the nearby Bearn. However, one should not neglect the long climb through the forest, quite rough at times, which takes us to the heights. It is easy to imagine the shepherds of protohistory on the paths overlooking the various valleys, as evidenced by the mounds found here and there, these eminences of earth covering a burial.

One of the smallest villages in the Basque Country: Etchebar. Nestled in the Bostmendiak massif, the peace and quiet of this place is very pleasant to visit. Away from the crowds, the start is on an old path that takes us into the Erbexe forest. This was the valley followed by the mules loaded with iron ore to the Larrau forges at the end of the 19th century... Very old trees with imposing trunks adorn this forest, which is far from any exploitation, making the hike wilder. A climb, then we arrive at the Bizay peak in a secret corner of Soule. Further on, on one of the slopes of the Salhagañe peak, the panoramic view opens up on a large part of the valley and the nearby Béarn... Descent to the Espeldoia district and its discoidal stele.

One of the smallest villages in the Basque Country: Etchebar. Nestled in the Bostmendiak massif, the peace and quiet of this place is very pleasant to visit. Away from the crowds, the start is on an old path that takes us into the Erbexe forest. This was the valley followed by the mules loaded with iron ore to the Larrau forges at the end of the 19th century... Very old trees with imposing trunks adorn this forest, which is far from any exploitation, making the hike wilder. A climb, then we arrive at the Bizay peak in a secret corner of Soule. Further on, on one of the slopes of the Salhagañe peak, the panoramic view opens up on a large part of the valley and the nearby Béarn... Descent to the Espeldoia district and its discoidal stele.

This hike through the Oxibar pass offers a very interesting originality: it opens the doors to the karstic massif of Arbailles. The geology gives a particular tone to the landscape, which is at the same time secret, original, with a cultural dimension that draws its sources from protohistory. After crossing a small forest, the first open slopes offer a very nice view of the "Ibar Esküin" valley, Alcay, Lacarry and the high massifs of Soulet and Béarn. The nature of the soil already tells us about this type of limestone terrain and we arrive at a beautiful promontory where a few piles of stones are piled up: "Maide Korralea", a witness to the ancient history of Soulet After the Oxibar pass, on the way down, we can admire the old barn with its shingled roof, those old wooden tiles.

Not far from Tardets, from Atherey, this loop takes place in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The ascent to the Baratzalgue pass requires some effort which will be amply rewarded afterwards as the mountains of Haute Soule are revealed on the southern side. Further on, walking on the balcony path and then on the ridge of the Intxuriste mountain is a real pleasure with its panoramic views. The shepherds of protohistory passed through here, as witnessed by a few tumuli and a cromlech not far from here. The return, by an old path, allows to join the village in an easy way In spite of its rather low altitude, this loop makes it possible to walk on a beautiful route with a mountainous character in particular when the high chain is blocked.

Not far from Tardets, from Atherey, this loop takes place in the foothills of the Pyrenees. The ascent to the Baratzalgue pass requires some effort which will be amply rewarded afterwards as the mountains of Haute Soule are revealed on the southern side. Further on, walking on the balcony path and then on the ridge of the Intxuriste mountain is a real pleasure with its panoramic views. The shepherds of protohistory passed through here, as witnessed by a few tumuli and a cromlech not far from here. The return, by an old path, allows to join the village in an easy way In spite of its rather low altitude, this loop makes it possible to walk on a beautiful route with a mountainous character in particular when the high chain is blocked.

This is the story of a trail that was sinking into oblivion. One of the traces of transhumance abandoned in favor of modern, faster pastoral tracks to the estive. Time had left plenty of time for the ferns to camouflage it, and for the vagrant brambles to complicate access. The Col de Bezkoï trail, which has remained in the memory of mankind, finally aroused the curiosity of local bikers who wanted to breathe new life into this trail, to see its stones rolled away by mountain bike crampons and, who knows, in the future, trodden by hikers in all seasons. A major clean-up campaign later, this resurrected trail makes for a very attractive mountain bike loop on the slopes of Pic Zalhagaña, above Licq-Athérey. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR MOUNTAIN BIKERS

Following the last storm at the beginning of March, trees may have fallen on the hiking trails. We invite you to be vigilant during your outings. Due to the measures taken to fight against COVID19, our teams are currently not able to restore the trails. Thank you for your understanding. Climbing the col de la Pierre-Saint-Martin from Licq-Athérey is quite an undertaking. To pass from the deep valleys to the windy crests, the road is long and especially very difficult for the conquerors on two wheels. If the first part is rather contemplative, the portion between Sainte-Engrâce and the Soudet pass is formidable, since you gain 900 m of difference in altitude in 11 km, with long passages at more than 12%. A real challenge that could be classified as hors catégorie, rewarded by the views of the final stretch.

Undetectable from the valley, here's a little expedition for lovers of good old mountain biking. We start by slipping into the cool of the Susselgue valley, where the secret of the trip to come is well preserved. Then it's on to the 13 twists and turns of Anthole, where the landscape expands at every hairpin, revealing a few clues: beautiful beech forests to ride through, the Losko ridge within wheel's reach and the distant view as far as Mauléon. With 800 m of ascent in the legs, we thought we'd reached our goal when, below the Losko crest, an isolated earth crossing comes into view, giving us the full measure of the climb up the Anthole lacets, with a view from Mauléon to Béarn.

This stage crosses the entire Iraty massif, the largest beech forest in Europe. A long, gradual ascent on tracks and then a single track leads to the Iraty crests and the Escaliers peak. After a ridge trail, with its succession of paths on mountainsides and others in the middle of large grassy plateaus, the stage heads due west towards Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the capital of Basse-Navarre and a Mecca on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. But to get there, it's a succession of beautiful descents over the rounded mountains of the Cize.

Small house recently renovated, 5 kilometers from Tardets-Sorholus (all shops and services) in the Soule valley, at the foot of the Basque mountains. Nearby : hiking trails, Iraty and Arbailles forest, Verna caves, Kakuetta gorges and Holzarte suspension bridge. Close to the ski resorts of Iraty and Pierre St-Martin Swimming pool with games at 12 km, rivers and streams for fishing or swimming in summer. The sea (Basque coast) at 1 hour. Farm of discovery at the owner's, with sale of ewe's milk cheeses at 2 kms Rental from Saturday to Saturday.

105 m2 typical Souletine-style house located in the heart of the splendid hamlet of Sunhar, on the hillside, overlooking the valley of Gave le Saison river. Exceptional view of the Basque mountain.

Battitta and Maiana welcome you in the heart of La Soule in the old sheepfold, tastefully renovated. 4 spacious rooms with their shower room to rest from the many walks or bike rides you can make There is a hot salted water spring in the property. Don't forget to ask him to tell you the legend of the spring's elves... On a working farm.

House on the hillside overlooking the valley of the Gave le Saison river. View of the mountain, forest, meadows.

In the smallest province of the Basque Country, Soule, the bastide town of Tardets invites you to explore its hidden treasures. Guided tours are organized in July and August by the Tourist Office. Come and discover the traditional Tardets market, which will surprise you with its longevity. Today, you'll have the opportunity to enter the world of the producers and understand the path they have taken to obtain quality labels. Back at the reception desk, a tasting of local products will be offered. Reservations required.

50 m2 gîte in the heart of the Haute-Soule village of Haux. Detached house with private garden in a small condominium. Activities: Iraty Nordic center 35 minutes away, La Pierre Saint Martin ski resort (45 minutes), Issarbe Nordic center (45 minutes), hiking (Gorges d'Ehujarre, Holzarte footbridge, Iraty and numerous hiking trails nearby), Verna cave, canoeing/kayaking, fishing... Municipal swimming pool: 15 minutes 1h 30 from the Basque coast, 45 minutes from Saint-Jean-Pied de Port, 1h from the ventas of Arnéguy. Shops 7 km away: bakery, butcher's shop, grocery stores, mini-market, pharmacy, gas station, doctors.

Superb Souletin-style house located outside the village of Licq, 8 km South of Tardets, on the road of Larrau and Sainte Engrâce. Close to a stream, in the heart of a small vale, this location is perfect for nature and seclusion enthusiasts.

4-room semi-detached house on 2 floors, (70m²), situated in peaceful countryside with mountain views, 8km from centre of Tardets and shops. Grd floor: sitting/living room with stove, fitted kitchen with freezer and dishwasher. 1st floor: 1 room with twin beds (+cot and baby equipment), 2 rooms with double bed, shower room, WC, washing machine. TV, payphone, courtyard, terrace with garden furniture, barbecue, garden, parking space.

Souletine house, fully equipped, renovated, on a large closed ground. Terrace with magnificent panorama on the village and the surrounding mountain, at 3 km from Tardets where all the shops and services are located. Capacity 6 persons. The Biscay house is ideally located for hiking (IGN maps available), fishing in the Gave, discovering Soule (the smallest province of the Basque Country), its gastronomy and its white water sports. Native of the country, we will be happy to share our knowledge with you if you wish.

Away from the madding crowd ! Close to main transport networks, the Auberge de l'Etable offers a countryside setting on the border between the Basque Country and Béarn, in the heart of the village of Montory. Convivial atmosphere rich in tradition and history, a unique, functional and adaptable place.

Bosmendieta overlooks the village of Lacarry and basse Soule on one side, and the small village of Larrau, nestled in the heart of Haute Soule, on the other. It is one of five small, long mountains at an altitude of 996 meters. Accessible by car and/or on foot, it's the ideal place to enjoy the valley's peaks. An orientation table helps you get your bearings. It's easy to imagine protohistoric shepherds on the paths overlooking the various valleys, as evidenced by the mounds found here and there, eminences of earth covering a burial site.

It is in a farm built in 1629, in the heart of the Basque Country, that Gilles and Sophie Butturini decided to set up their artisanal jam factory. After having run a pastry shop and bakery in Biarritz for a few years, during which time their jams were increasingly successful, they decided to set up their business in the village of Sibas, in the family home They propose you a visit of the laboratory by telling you about their manufacture of various jams in the old way Tasting and sale.

Master butcher in Licq-Athérey, Beñat selects and cooks the best products from the Basque Country and Béarn to offer you its specialities in preserves: pâté, blood sausage, sausage, pigeon salmis, veal axoa, piperade, game, Bayonne ham Gozagari.... The quality of its products is recognized up to Paris: 10 times medalist at the Concours Général Agricole since 2012 including 4 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze medals.

In the smallest province of the Basque Country, Soule, the bastide town of Tardets invites you to explore its hidden treasures. Guided tours are organized in July and August by the Tourist Office. Come and discover the traditional Tardets market, which will surprise you with its longevity. Today, you'll have the opportunity to enter the world of the producers and understand the path they have taken to obtain quality labels. Back at the reception desk, a tasting of local products will be offered. Reservations required.

The bastide town of Tardets was founded in 1299. The nearby watercourses create an original triangular square, lined with arcades. Colorful facades are separated by alleyways, and passageways lead down to the river. The houses date from the 17th-19th centuries. Château Daguerre, which housed the town hall and municipal school for several decades, boasts an attractive classical façade. The pediment was erected on the site of the park. Every year, Haute-Soule organizes a carnival at the end of winter, village fêtes and a cheese fair in August.

The Tardets municipal library is located in the extension of the market square. On-site reading and book lending are open to all, all year round, by subscription, so that culture is accessible to all.

After 18 months of passionate work carried out with the support of Claude Labat, the team of local designers « Kakots » give us « Herauskorritxe », an artistic and contemporary facility based on a rich emotional scenography dedicated to the Basque mythology. The layout of the space and the scenario provide a stroll that lasts approximately 45 minutes and is divided in five thematics modules declining the main aspects of the Basque mythology. Videos, things to see and to listen, drawings are all media at the service of the emotions of the visitor.

Between Barétous and Montagne Basque, the view embraces the whole Pyrenees chain up to the Pic du Midi de Bigorre. This is one of the reasons why visits are frequent here: tourism, schools, professional groups? The Agia house has long been open to discovery. But as much as by the landscape, this is due to the very high quality of the products offered by Jean-Arnaud, his wife and their son for the last ten years.

Château belonging to the Comte de Tréville, Captain in the King’s Musketeers. Built between 1660 to 1663 and designed by Mansart. Visit the Chateau and gardens

The Forêt des Arbailles is a forest massif in the Basque Country, covering some 4,535 hectares in the provinces of Soule and Basse-Navarre. Although the Arbailles forest is now relatively accessible thanks to a number of trails, it is still a largely untamed natural area where off-trail activities can be dangerous due to the numerous chasms.

In Lacarry, at the end of the Ibar Eskun valley, 7 km from Tardets, the hostel "Chez Primus" will make you discover the flavours of the traditional local cuisine. To discover absolutely their famous dessert, the "Pignoulet" (a delicious recipe of reversed cream). Panoramic room with a splendid view of Bostmendieta and the surrounding nature.

In the hollow of a green valley, in the small village of Camou, famous for its hot springs (frequented, it is said, by the laminiak, small goblins of the Basque Country), Battitt and Maiana Aguer, welcome you in their family farm inn, epicenter of the village since generations. You will enjoy simple and hearty dishes made with farm products. Only on reservation outside the summer period.

The Hotel Restaurant of the Bridge of Abense, also called Uhaltia in Basque, is part of the history of Abense de Haut, a small typical village of the Soule. Here everything breathes authenticity and conviviality, from the warm welcome Maylis gives you on your arrival and throughout your stay to the authentic local cuisine prepared by Olivier A pleasant setting with terrace, garden, and view of the mountains. A calm sometimes disturbed by a flock of sheep passing by... the charm of the Souletine countryside.

Alfitxa, "Chez Alfitch", the prototype of the local country inn. In the village of Licq, on the road to Holzarte and Kakuetta at the entrance to the famous Bridge of laminak, the café "Alfitch" offers , with ease, a daily menu that celebrates the most authentic local cuisine: Garbure , trout, eels, trout fillet, ham, sausage, piperade, omelette and cheese. Not to mention, if you still have a little hungry, the famous Pignolet (egg custard).

On the famous arcaded square of the bastide town of Tardets, Patrick Abadie invites you to discover his delicious local cuisine, handed down from generation to generation. Some of his specialities: the priest's omelette (the restaurant's speciality since 1972), duo of Bayonne ham and home-made foie gras, home-made foie gras and terrine, Basque cake Fresh local products and home-made pastries Awarded the title of master restorer in October 2016.

Piellenia is a house dating from 1678, restored and transformed into a hotel-bar-restaurant with all the comforts of home, decorated in traditional Basque style. The hotel-restaurant Piellenia is located in the heart of the Basque Country, on the square of Tardets-Sorholus, in the province of Soule. A family atmosphere and traditional cuisine will enhance your stay. Our specialities: garbure, duo of half-cooked and pan-fried foie gras with caramel sauce and Jurançon, truitelles and piquillos with garlic, piperade, veal axoa with Souletine sauce, wine from Irouleguy and Navarre.

The Baratzegi restaurant (the restaurant of the Hotel de la Poste) welcomes you in a modern setting with the colors of Soule in the heart of the Basque Country. The restaurant offers you a quality cuisine, generous, made with products selected from local producers. Let yourself be charmed by the flavors of the country, for a gourmet break, a business meal, a family reunion, as a couple or as a family. Moments of pleasure and discovery to be savored in the warm and welcoming dining room or on the terrace in fine weather.

In the heart of the Haute-Soule mountains, not far from the famous kakueta gorges, the Xoko Huna restaurant is aptly named (the good corner, in Basque). Thierry offers traditional, exotic and local cuisine with daily menu and a la carte. Terrace with panoramic view. Quietly, in the hollow of a circus of hills, in a nest of greenery, the village of Haux offers you many possibilities of hikes... "A small inn in the Pyrenees, A path through the mountains to get there, A nice little dish by the fireplace, It's all there for the taking."

Auberge Bordaberria is a country inn located in Soule, at the exit of the village of Idaux-Mendy, on the road to Aussurucq. You can enjoy a regional, traditional cuisine. The chef's speciality is double fat. The atmosphere of the Auberge Bordaberria in Idaux-Mendy is friendly and sympathetic. Possibility to eat on the terrace.

Small house recently renovated, 5 kilometers from Tardets-Sorholus (all shops and services) in the Soule valley, at the foot of the Basque mountains. Nearby : hiking trails, Iraty and Arbailles forest, Verna caves, Kakuetta gorges and Holzarte suspension bridge. Close to the ski resorts of Iraty and Pierre St-Martin Swimming pool with games at 12 km, rivers and streams for fishing or swimming in summer. The sea (Basque coast) at 1 hour. Farm of discovery at the owner's, with sale of ewe's milk cheeses at 2 kms Rental from Saturday to Saturday.

Independent house away from the village, close to another gîte for 12 people managed by the same owner who lives on the spot. Unique panorama on the first foothills of the Pyrenees (Bostmendieta, pic des Escaliers). For nature and space lovers.

Small campsite on a farm situated on the edge of the Arbailles massif, below the Oxibar pass, on the road linking Camou-Cihigue to Alçay. The Sobieta farm is also a discovery farm with ewe's cheese making. Semi-shaded land at 500 m altitude with a view of the mountains. The pitches are flat and shady and sufficiently far apart to ensure everyone's comfort A large room and a courtyard are equipped to shelter you and keep you busy in case of bad weather Ecological solar panels produce hot water for the showers and washbasins Fridge-freezer at your disposal. Children's games: ping-pong, table football, volleyball...

Gîte of character, isolated and indep. above the village near the transhumance road, towards Ahusquy. View of the Pyrenees. Ground floor: fitted kitchen/bar (microwave, dishwasher). Living/dining room (fireplace), bathroom. Wc. Laundry. TV coul. Tel. living room. And. 2 bedrooms. (2 double beds. 1 single bed.). Sofa bed in alcove. Extra gas fireplace. Enclosed land. Garden furniture. Barbecue. Wood for fireplace provided on request in supplement. Poss. loc. sheets, towels. Trout fishing 1 km. Marked out hiking trails nearby. BABY ON BOARD.

In a bucolic setting, Louise welcomes you in her three spacious and bright rooms. Lodging ideally located to take full advantage of the charm of the nearby Basque mountains, with their high pastures, caves, gorges (Holzarte and Kakuetta) and breeding farms of the Ahusquy plateaus. You will also enjoy the terrace and the garden. For your comfort, a microwave, mini-oven and refrigerator are at your disposal. Internet access available.

Soule type of new home located above the village of Lacarry, 7 km from Tardets-Sorholus (all shops and services), in the province of Soule (Basque mountains). Built entirely by local craftsmen (from the village mostly) this beautiful hillside home overlooking the valley of Ibar eskuin and offers a remarkable view on the top of Bostmendieta, in the south.

Recently renovated terracedhouse, 52m², behind an inn situated in the village of Lacarry, at the foot of the Basque mountains. Marked hiking trails nearby, splendid view of the mountains. Tardets (shops) 8km away. Mauléon - 20km. Basque Coast 1hr 30mins

Make a stop in this small chalet with an absolutely incredible view that really deserves the detour! On the road to Ahusquy which joins the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port valley, drive up 5 km of mountain road and park on the flat ground in front of your cottage. From the south-east terrace, the panorama in front of you is breathtaking: the Basque mountains reveal their most beautiful landscapes of greenery and preserved nature. The calm and serenity of the place will disconnect you. This small house perched high up in the mountains will delight hiking enthusiasts.

Individual house in the village, at the foot of the Souletine mountain. Remarkable surroundings. Several hiking trails nearby. Village inn 100 m away.