Discover the charms of Larrau, Pyrénées Atlantiques, Aquitaine

After passing the big summer pastures of souletine mountain, one immersion in the Ibarrondoa basin under the peak Orhi. Then down in the great forest, passing under the precipices of Bizkarze. Arrived at the bridge of Orgate, return by the Chalet Pedro (Bar-restaurant), the Lake Cize (bars / plates) and its large beautiful plateau. To then back to the starting, always up ... but with an electric bike.

In a very beautiful environment, this itinerary is a real initiation to hiking for a very easy route in a district of Larrau. Starting from the village, the track takes us above the Holzarte gorges for a great setting with its vertiginous walls topped by large grassy faces. The Pixta waterfall appears in the middle of this mountainous universe and it is easy to see the extent of the large pastures of the Alps. Passing through the Jauregiberri pass, the old farm road is often replaced by a track. A small path, too short however, offers a good training for future escapades. The last part of the route is the most beautiful with an old path under the woods and a photogenic arrival in the village.

Following the last storm at the beginning of March, some 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. Reaching the crests of the Irati forest by bike is not an easy task. On the Larrau side, the ascent of the Bagargui pass begins with a deceptive descent, because afterwards, you will have to tackle 5 km of extreme difficulty, especially if the heat gets in the way. The average gradient is 9.5, then 12, 13, 12.5 and 11%, making this pass a major challenge for even the most experienced cyclists. At the top, the wide view of the ridges, frequented by migratory birds, will reward the brave finishers.

To connect at your own pace, the beaches of the Basque Country to the "lord" Aubisque or even further, a royal road is offered to you... the road of the passes allows you to link the challenges. You are on the second stage of the crossing, things get more complicated with passes whose names sound familiar to Tour de France lovers. The Pierre St-Martin, Marie-Blanque and the Aubisque Lord are on the menu. Everything is played out in the Pyrenees, they say!

From the west, the Pyrenees rise abruptly at the level of the Haute-Soule. The Orhy peak is the first of a long series of giants. This situation gives it a remarkable panorama. It also gives to its ascent, which takes place along a sharp and dry ridge, a really mountainous character. This peak is however easily accessible since the creation of the road of the port of Larrau.

If you like large-scale mountain bike tours requiring endurance and technique, you're in for a treat, with the added bonus of breathtaking scenery! Head for Col Bagargi and Chalets d'Irati for a remarkable loop through mountain pastures and beech forests, said to be the largest in Europe. The inaugural part of the loop soon reaches the crests of the Pic des Escaliers, where, in the early morning light, the pastoral landscapes are awe-inspiring. To fully appreciate this loop, which takes in the Soule and Lower Navarre regions, you'll need to make sure the weather is just right. Up here, flock paths, unsuspected for their cyclability at these altitudes, allow you to ride between heaven and earth; let's salute the ewes for the quality of the ride on these suspended monotracks.

Following the last storm at the beginning of March, some 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. The hardest pass in the Basque Country, both in length and in percentage, 15 km at 8.4% with a record over 4 km: 12% average! in a bucolic setting that takes us from a village and farm world to the thick forest and on to the high mountain meadows below the Orhy peak.

Following the last storm at the beginning of March, some 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. The Orgambidesca pass is one of the great sites for observing the migration of goshawks (Columba palumbus), this migratory bird which hunters love... and that ornithologists defend and observe. If you are lucky and come to Orgambidesca at the right time of year, you may see some

This hike is a real book with many cultural aspects. The districts of barns, then the beautiful forest of beech trees with slender trunks accompany us to the Saint-Joseph chapel. Built in 1656 by the monks of the village of Larrau, its first vocation was to welcome shepherds and pilgrims on an ancient route to Santiago de Compostela. Destroyed during the revolution, it was rebuilt and restored afterwards. As you leave the forest, the pastoral world is immediately present under the gaze of the Orhi peak. Thousands of animals roam the mountain around the cayolars, the shepherds' huts with a very precise system of life. The Kasernagaina ridge is the highlight of this hike with a first class view of Soule. A real staircase separates a high country of summer pastures and the surrounding villages.

This hike is a real book with many cultural aspects. The districts of barns, then the beautiful forest of beech trees with slender trunks accompany us to the Saint-Joseph chapel. Built in 1656 by the monks of the village of Larrau, its first vocation was to welcome shepherds and pilgrims on an ancient route to Santiago de Compostela. Destroyed during the revolution, it was rebuilt and restored afterwards. As you leave the forest, the pastoral world is immediately present under the gaze of the Orhi peak. Thousands of animals roam the mountain around the cayolars, the shepherds' huts with a very precise system of life. The Kasernagaina ridge is the highlight of this hike with a first class view of Soule. A real staircase separates a high country of summer pastures and the surrounding villages.

In the wester Pyrenean mountains, at the foot of the Pic d'Orhy, the hotel restaurant Etchémaïté in Larrau welcomes you to the verdant green countryside of the Basque province of Soule - a land of emotion.

The Trott'Iraty team welcomes you all year long in the heart of the Iraty forest to make you spend a unique moment of change of scenery. Come and take advantage of this new activity and leave with a head full of memories. Different itineraries are proposed to you, adapted to your level and your desires. You will leave in this adventure in full safety with a qualified and passionate guide! Groups accepted on request.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pleasant gîte in a typical house also offering 5 guest rooms, in the heart of a small mountain village and close to the active farm Fully equipped (TV, dishwasher, microwave, freezer...) and composed of two bedrooms (2 single beds and 1 double bed), you will enjoy an ideal location to discover the mountains and gorges of the upper valley with family or friends. Possibility to rent sheets. Wood provided by the owner for the fireplace.

12th-century Romanesque church, last vestige of the commandery that once belonged to Roncesvalles. Listed as a Historic Monument. The church?s bell tower is atypical and very different from the style found in Soule: here we have a wall-belfry topped by a square bell tower surrounded by four small towers. Burnt down in 1570 and then rebuilt, the church has retained its Romanesque architecture only at the back.

Nestled at the foot of the Pic d'Orhy, facing the surprising black cliffs of the Xakhertia massif, you will find in the village of Larrau, in an old renovated stable, the cheese dairy of Johañe and Amandine. It is with pleasure that they will make you taste their cheese "HEGOA" from their black-headed manex sheep that they are particularly fond of. If you wish, they will explain to you how their mountain farm works. You will also have the opportunity to see the maturing cellar and all their cheeses without setting foot in it...surprise!

Located in the commune of Larrau, the Holzarte footbridge overlooks the 180 m high Olhadubi gorge. It is one of the most spectacular and popular natural sites in the western Pyrenees. Access is from the Logibar inn (2 km before the village). It's an hour's walk through undergrowth. It is also possible to hike around the gorge (4-5 h). Please note: this is a difficult hike for sporty, experienced walkers, and is not recommended for children! Good walking shoes are essential. Shuttle service from Tardets: line 60, Monday to Sunday in July and August.

The Organbidexka pass is located in the Basque Country in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, at an altitude of 1283 metres. In the heart of the Iraty forest, the largest beech forest in Europe, it offers a breathtaking view of the Haute-Soule and the eastern piedmont of the Basque Country Environmental association for the observation of bird migration and the biology of species conservation.

A magical spruce-fir hedgehog: it is one of the largest forests in Western Europe, with 17,000 hectares between the two slopes. In autumn, the views are spectacular thanks to its yellow and ochre colours. The beech is the dominant tree. Although it is a forest exploited for its wood, its degree of maturity remains very high, (the good degree of maturity of a forest indicates that all generations of trees, from young to senescent, are represented there. It is a factor of richness in biodiversity) with a great diversity of environments which includes, in addition to tree formations, wetlands such as peat bogs, mountain meadows (summer pastures). The Iraty forest has an excellent representation of the exceptional diversity of flowers in the Pyrenees.

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.

In the heart of the limestone mountains of Haute-Soule and Barétous, between the Basque Country and Béarn, the Grotte de la Verna is an exceptional geological site, with extraordinary volumes at the heart of the Pierre Saint-Martin chasm. The Grotte de la Verna is the largest illuminated underground chamber in the world, accessible to all. The extraordinary human adventure of underground exploration, the discovery of La Verna and the Pierre Saint-Martin chasm, will be the main theme of your visit. Various types of tour (tourist and sporting) are available, guided by speleologists. Visits must be booked online only. Access is by shuttle bus, on foot and, exceptionally, by private vehicle. Bring warm clothing (fleece + jacket) (ambient temperature 5° all year round) and closed shoes.

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.

Ahusky, in the Arbailles mountains, is a traditional pastoral village. Its inn is a renowned ambassador for the region. From May to September, you'll come across many herds of sheep, cows and horses on the karst heights that give the site its distinctive relief. Don't miss the annual shepherds' festival, held on the third Sunday in August.

Etchemaïté is more than just a name, it's an imprint that has marked this authentic Basque house for three generations. It's in Larrau, at the foot of the Pic d'Orhy, that we perpetuate the tradition of hospitality and quality that has made the house's reputation. Pierre Etchemaïté and his team will introduce you to a gourmet cuisine that highlights the richness of local produce. Specialities: barbecued pig stuffing, lamb declension, baked apple...

Located at the starting point of the path leading to the famous footbridge of Holzarte, in Larrau, the Auberge de Logibar offers you its typical and gastronomic specialities such as home-made duck confit, Basque burger, entrecote de pays and plates combined with a wide choice of local ingredients In the dining room, or on the large terrace, after your hike, various sandwiches, pastries, waffles, pancakes, ice creams are offered. The Auberge de Logibar is also a gîte d'étape.

In the heart of the largest beech forest in Western Europe, right in the middle of the Souletine mountains, the Restaurant d'Iraty welcomes you to the rhythm of the seasons... Located at an altitude of 1327m, close to the Spanish border, the Iraty forest is a complete change of scenery. The bar is open all day, every day of the year. A snack bar is also available.

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.

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).

The Auberge d'Ahusquy is a mountain inn located in Aussurucq, on the Ahuski plateau, near the famous fountain. From the terrace you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. The restaurant serves quality, traditional cuisine based on local products such as local lamb. The cook's speciality is aubergine fritters.

We invite you to enjoy authentic family cuisine in the tradition of the Basque Country, while enjoying a unique view of the Iraty forest. Hikers of the GR10, day hikers or visitors coming to enjoy the mountains, Isabelle and Francis welcome you with pleasure. Nature and gastronomy in perfect harmony: trout, eels, ceps, goshawks in season, beef ribs...

Shepherd's kayolar transformed into a restaurant. For this reason, we have a small capacity for the interior room: 30 seats. The restaurant has a shaded outdoor terrace near the Sourcay stream Ideal place for children as there is no car passage. The Kayolar is located in an exceptional natural place, you will meet animals such as cows and horses. Calm and nature are the key words. A very good welcome will be reserved for you. Groups: contact us.

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."

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.

Pretty gîte fitted out in an old sheepfold, completely renovated, 500 m from Larrau, a small mountain village. Ground floor: fitted kitchen (microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer.), dining area. Living room (fireplace, DVD player), storeroom, wc. And. 2 bedrooms (2 single beds. 1 bed 160), landing (1 single bed). Shower room. Wc. Gas heating and aerothermic included. Parking, 2 terraces, large enclosed garden with trees, garden furniture, barbecue. Fixed price for cleaning at 40 euros. Animal deposit: 100 €. Larrau is a small village in the Haute Soule close to the Iraty forest and many walks. Gîte 4/5 pers.

In the wester Pyrenean mountains, at the foot of the Pic d'Orhy, the hotel restaurant Etchémaïté in Larrau welcomes you to the verdant green countryside of the Basque province of Soule - a land of emotion.

Beautiful gîte fitted in an old barn renovated with taste and originality, close to the owner's farm. Unique and panoramic view of the XAQUERTIA mountain. Parking, courtyard and unfenced land. Ground floor: Equipped kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, induction hob), living room with view, sitting room (fireplace), cellar (washing machine, freezer), wc. First floor. 1 bedroom (2 single beds) with shower room/wc. 1 bedroom (1 double bed) with bathroom/wc and direct access to the terrace. Landing with relaxation area. Electric heating in addition. The gîte is located 1 km by road or footpath from Larrau, a small village in Haute Soule near the Iraty forest, starting point for many hikes: Holzarte footbridge, Kakueta gorges, Iraty forest...

Traditional house with beautiful volumes, located in the heart of the village of Larrau, in the Basque valley of Soule. Nearby, for mountain lovers: Pic d'Orhy, Holtzarte bridge, Iraty forest, Verna cave and Arbailles forest.

2 ch. (2 double beds) and 1 family room (2 double beds) located in the summer of the owner's house. Typical XVIIth century renovated house, in the heart of the village. Living room with fireplace and TV. Garden and terrace. Former stop on a path leading to Compostela, on a working farm. In a pretty little village at the foot of the Pic d'Orhi and the Iraty forest. Numerous hikes, Holzarte and Kakueta gorges. Tariff 4 pers. 72 €.

The Despouey accommodation is an old charming family hotel located in the heart of the village of Larrau, at 630 m altitude. It is composed of 4 completely renovated rooms, whose price does not include breakfast. A restaurant is 100 m from the accommodation. Nearby there are many marked walks to explore the province of Soule and discover the treasures of the seventh province of the Basque Country.

Situated in the commune of Larrau, on the GR10 route, the Logibar gîte d'étape is ideally placed to take advantage of the many hiking trails in the area: Holzarte gorges, Pic d'Orhi.. The establishment has a capacity of 20 people (dormitories 2, 4 and 6 people and equipped kitchen). On site, you can also enjoy the bar-restaurant with a large terrace.

Whether you dream of escape, nature, a change of scenery or rest, the Chalets d'Iraty will be your ideal destination all year round. In the heart of the Basque Country, between 1300 and 1500 metres above sea level, you will stay in one of the 40 wooden chalets in the heart of the Iraty forest, with no facing buildings. You will have the privilege of staying in a transhumance area where you will be able to see horses, sheep and other animals in the wild. A change of scenery is guaranteed in an environment where nature changes colours with the seasons: hiking, fishing; pastoralism in spring; horseback riding, mountain biking and tennis in summer; mushroom picking, observation of migratory birds in autumn, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Chalets for families and groups; hiking stopover gîte on the GR10; restaurant and its grocery store; camping with bungalows.

An equipment, adapted to groups of 29 people, is proposed to carry out there, with its supervision, theme stays at 1300 m altitude at the Bagargi pass: snow classes, classes discovery of the environment (pastoral and forest), seminars, observation of migratory birds, various training courses. On the ground floor: 1 equipped kitchen, 1 freezer, 1 refrigerator, 1 dishwasher, 1 fireplace, 1 dining room, 1 sanitary unit (showers, WC, washbasins), 2 rooms of 4 places (2×2 superimposed) On the 1st floor: 4 rooms of 4 places (2×2 superimposed), 3 rooms of 2 places, 1 sanitary unit (showers, WC, washbasins).