Discover Hosta, Pyrénées Atlantiques, Aquitaine: Nature and Heritage

After the last steps in the Bidouze valley, the Piedmont Way starts again to attack the mountain on the heights of Ibarrole. Most of the difference in height is swallowed up in one piece, leaving the body available to enjoy the crossing of the slopes of Orgamendy. The panorama becomes grandiose as you cross the Col de Gamia pass, offering an aerial view of the Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port valley, at the crossroads of the jackfruit routes.

Starting from the plateau of Iraty Cize, this itinerary takes the hiker to discover part of the beautiful Iraty forest. After an ascent in a forest atmosphere, the summit of Okabe reveals a clear view on a very large part of the Basque Country and the Bearn mountains. It will be possible to discover its necropolis of numerous cromlechs, witnesses of the ancient occupation of the Basque mountains. The second part of the loop continues in a wild undergrowth of beech trees before passing near the peat bogs of the Zurzai pass. A long and peaceful forest crossing finally leads back to the Cize plateau where flocks of sheep, cows and horses graze. Here you can also have a drink in Etxola, where a visit to an exhibition is a must.

The Bretons have their stone alignments. We Pyreneans have the cromlechs! These are stone circles that served as burial sites for our important ancestors. A bit like a VIP tomb, if you prefer... This tradition raises several impressive facts: you will notice that the cromlech sites always have a beautiful panorama, and moreover, ask yourself how men, without machines, were able to lift and install these stones. The cromlechs thus keep a part of mystery. Have fun finding as many as you can: there are 26 on the Occabé site!

Situated between the provinces of Lower Navarre and Soule, the secret massif of Arbailles offers many assets for curious hikers. It is a limestone massif renowned for its karst relief, which is ideal for caving. Located in the northern part of the massif, the Beltxu route, in addition to its beautiful panorama, offers an ambitious and varied hike. The view is very far-reaching and will reward any extra effort.

This peaceful itinerary in the undergrowth offers the hiker the possibility to discover a rich natural heritage. The fauna and flora of this route are very rich, with notably the presence of the white-backed woodpecker, the Alpine rose, very beautiful specimens of beech trees and a great variety of ferns. In addition to these naturalist curiosities, information panels on Basque mythology line the route. Finally, the arrival at the sources of the Bidouze and its resurgence in a porch which digs into the cliff will delight young and old.

Starting from the very pretty little village of Bunus, this hike far from the beaten track allows you to discover a pastoral mountain offering an original panorama on the valleys of Larceveau and the sources of the Bidouze. The village of Bunus has the particularity of being "cut" in two by the road D918. The town hall is therefore quite far from the church area, the starting point of this route. Visit the porch of the church under which you will be able to observe 3 ancient tombs.

Between the valleys of the Laurhibar and the Estérenguibel, Buluntza is an easy and aesthetic itinerary that goes between two passes. A pleasant track, on the slope overlooking the Laurhibar, allows us to admire this valley and the western part of the Arbailles massif. The Buluntza pass and its dolmen are reached after a short climb. From this pass, the view extends to the Estérenguibel side with the Iraty forest, the Okabe, Errozate and Urkulu peaks in the background. The loop ends by following a ridge line with a gentle relief, after walking through a chaos of sandstone blocks.

A pass in three parts: a good warm up over 10 km almost flat in the middle of a bucolic of a bucolic setting of typical Basque farms and meadows; then a 1st series of then a first series of hairpin bends with wooded slopes often higher than 12%; and after the two middle passes of the climb offering beautiful open panoramas; a second series of hairpin bends often at 8/10% in the beech forest with a balcony finish!

Ahüzki, known by its famous fountain, is also a high place of pastoralism in Soule. This very beautiful hike allows you to discover a very original environment with multiple facets. It is the karstic massif of Arbailles, a humanized middle mountain. Everything is there: the natural heritage with surprising geological curiosities, a very rich fauna and flora, but also the close relationship between man and the environment, with the pastures and the numerous herds in summer. The itinerary passes by several cayolars and offers striking views of the Basque mountains.

Very beautiful itinerary with a superb panorama of the Basque Country and many points of interest such as pastoralism, the Iraty forest and archaeology with the cromlechs of the Pic d'Occabè. This route is reserved for well-trained hikers, as it is long and the gradient is significant.

15 km from St Jean Pied de Port, the gîte is close to the owners' farm. They will share the passion of their profession. For nature lovers, it is a privileged place to stay. This lodging offers simple comfort including a bedroom (1 bed in 140) and a sofa type BZ. Discovery of picturesque villages, nature activities, local gastronomy, a whole program for a successful holiday!

7 km from St Jean Pied de Port, the rental is 20 minutes from the Iraty forest. From this rural village, follow the route of St Jacques de Compostelle. In October, discover dove hunting at the Col de Gamia. The apartment, above a year-round rental, is independent. In a renovated old house, the owners have chosen noble and modern materials for this 4-bedroom apartment. The fully-equipped kitchen opens onto a living room for convivial meals with friends or family. Satellite internet access available at an additional cost.

6 kms from St Jean Pied de Port, in the heart of the village, this detached house at the foot of the Basque mountains offers rest and tranquility to its tenants in a quality environment. The rental is close to the owners' organic farm, offering milk, yoghurt, polenta and corn flour. You can easily explore the Basque country, close to the area's natural and cultural sites. It's the ideal starting point for hiking and nature activities.

Affiliated to the Accueil Paysan network and on a farm, the Etxekonia farm is located in a quiet environment, in the heart of the Basque mountains. At 7 km from St Jean Pied de Port, the accommodation is close to nature activities : fishing, hiking and visits of the region. Pilgrims are welcome on the GR65. The house offers four rooms (three doubles and one triple) on the ground floor and second floor, with a shared bathroom. For the catering formula (tables d'hôtes and snacks for hikers), discover and enjoy the products of the farm: poultry breeding, preserved pork, cheese, jams, eggs and vegetables from the garden.

In Larceveau, at the end of the road, in a bucolic setting, the Oyhanartia house. Chantal and Christian welcome you to their Navarrese farmhouse surrounded by meadows, bordered by woods and rivers. At the crossroads of the Way of St Jacques de Compostelle, you will set off to discover Lower Navarre, the neighbouring Soule and the Béarn steps. You will find peace and quiet, and in case of rain, you can relax by the fireplace in the library, before enjoying the evening farm products served at the table d'hôtes.

Larceveau is a village located at the entrance of the beautiful Oztibarre valley, at the crossroads between the Osquich pass, Saint-Jean Pied de Port and Saint-Palais Michèle and Christophe welcome you in their restored gite, ideally located to visit the region. The gîte is attached to the owners' house and can accommodate 6 to 8 people. Beautiful view on the village and the mountain, quiet environment. We are farmers and it is with pleasure that we will make you visit the farm (breeding of dairy sheep, farmyard, horses).

Relax in our brand-new studio (ecological wood construction in 2023), unique, quiet and with views of the Pyrenees and countryside, 7 km from St Jean-Pied-de-Port, towards St Palais. This studio is an ideal base for exploring the Basque country on foot (GR 65, GR 655), by bike (Vélodyssée, Scandibérique, Route des cols), by motorcycle or by car. Ideally located on the Iraty forest road, 56 km from the Basque Coast and 14 km from Spain. Two electric car rechargers are available, as is a garage for bikes and motorcycles.

Relax in our brand-new studio (ecological wood construction in 2023), unique, quiet and with views of the Pyrenees and countryside, 7 km from St Jean-Pied-de-Port, towards St Palais. This studio is an ideal base for exploring the Basque country on foot (GR 65, GR 655), by bike (Vélodyssée, Scandibérique, Route des cols), by motorcycle or by car. Ideally located on the Iraty forest road, 56 km from the Basque Coast and 14 km from Spain. Two electric car rechargers are available, as is a garage for bikes and motorcycles.

Relax in our brand-new studio (ecological wood construction in 2023), unique, quiet and with views of the Pyrenees and countryside, 7 km from St Jean-Pied-de-Port, towards St Palais. This studio is an ideal base for exploring the Basque country on foot (GR 65, GR 655), by bike (Vélodyssée, Scandibérique, Route des cols), by motorcycle or by car. Ideally located on the Iraty forest road, 56 km from the Basque Coast and 14 km from Spain. Two electric car rechargers are available, as is a garage for bikes and motorcycles.

In a peaceful setting, with footpaths for hiking close by, 500 m from the village and the Harrieta lake (for fishing), 3 km from the shops, 4 km from St Jean Pied de Port, 20 km from the forest and ski resort of Iraty (cross country skiing) and 12 km from the Spanish border.

On the south-western slopes of the Pic du Belchou, in Hosta, between Basse-Navarre and Soule, Pascale raises organic trees and berries. As the seasons go by, she also harvests the wild fruits of the mountains, and transforms them into jams and delicacies right here in her home. Pascale welcomes individuals and groups to visit her orchard and taste (and explain) her jams. She shares with her customers her know-how and her commitment to organic, self-sufficient farming that respects nature. Slowing down, adopting the rhythm of the seasons, acting and thinking in the same movement.

Eztigar is on the road to Mauléon and the Osquich Pass, just outside the village of Saint-Just Ibarre. Founded in 1996, Eztigar has succeeded in safeguarding the varieties of cider apples and reviving the production of the traditional and ancestral drink of the Basque Country, 70% organic production. Local varieties of apples are grown there: Anisa, Eri sagarra, Mimuxiri and Ando Anotxa. During the visits in autonomy in the young orchard, accompanied by small goats, you will discover the history of Eztigar, the values and the approach of Eztigar.

15 minutes from Saint Jean Pied de Port, on the road to the Iraty forest, the Etxepareborda farm is located at the foot of the Béhorleguy peak. Valérie and Jean Beñat, the 4th generation of farmers, welcome you on the spot to explain their trade and their know-how: they perpetuate the manufacture of an authentic cheese by combining tradition and modernity. Come and take the time to taste the Ardi Gasna made from their flock of Manech black-headed ewes. We also breed blonde Aquitaine sheep. Our ewes and cows graze in summer from June to the end of September at an altitude of 1000m on the Aphanice plateau.

8 km from Saint Jean Pied de Port, in the heart of the Basque mountains, the Gaec Etchamendy is located on the road to the Iraty Forest. We breed manex ewes with red heads and transform the milk from our farm into tomme Ossau Iraty and blue. We invite you to come and discover our profession, our know-how and our passion through guided tours: explanations about the transformation, visit of the maturing cellar and the cheese dairy. A tasting of quality cheese will be proposed at the end of this visit.

At 7 km from Saint Jean Pied de Port, on the road to the Iraty forest, come and discover the Iraty fish farm which has been perpetuating a family history since 1956, of a traditional trout farm in the heart of the valley. You will find there the famous small trouts, the white or salmon trouts as well as the trout fillets. We propose visits of the fish farm: free visit for the individuals and commented visit on reservation for the groups.

On the way to Santiago de Compostela, 10 km from Saint Jean Pied de Port, in the heart of the village of Gamarthe, you will find our farm and especially our sheep cheese EKIOLA, AOP Ossau-Iraty and Bleu/Blanc/Coeur. But also our ewe's camembert, our yoghurts and our soft ewe's milk cheese. As transhumant shepherds in summer, we take our ewes on summer pastures to the mountains of Iraty. The authenticity of the cheese is anchored in tradition and is guaranteed by the Ossau-Iraty PDO. Thanks to a demanding and constant policy of quality research of our products, we have highlighted the importance of omega 3 and understood their benefits. Since 2000, we have been committed to the Blue/White/Heart approach, which promotes a diet rich in omega 3.

We offer you a gourmet walk in the mountains with transhumant cheese shepherds. Gilles settled as a "landless shepherd" in 2001, with Manech Tête Noire ewes. Lydia followed him in his adventure with Blonde d'Aquitaine cows. The animals spend the winter on the plain, then, at the beginning of May, they go up to the mountain pastures near the Béhorléguy peak. Until the end of June, the shepherd milks the sheep and makes the cheese in the morning and evening. A visit to the kayolar Ipaskoa will be an opportunity to discover the life of the shepherds. You may even see them gathering the flock with their dogs! You will taste their products: cheese, of course, but also cold cuts etc. You can also find these farm products to take away or...cooked, at the shepherds' stage* in Lecumberry, Larrañeta snack bar open all year round.

In Hosta, the Urruty farmhouse - inn is located in a mountain setting at the foot of the peak of Belchou. Jeannette breeds cattle and wild boar and offers home-made and local products at her table. The soup is made with vegetables from the garden, wild boar pâtés and stews, sheep's cheese and desserts are homemade, and the piglets come from the farm Elizaldia in Gamarthe. The wild boars, bred outdoors in a mountain park, are intended for stalking, licensed hunters can rent the park to train and train their hounds. Meals on reservation.

In the heart of the Basque mountains, enjoy traditional, family-style cuisine! Bruno and his team offer you traditional, refined cuisine based on local, seasonal produce on the heights of Gamia The large-capacity dining room (240 covers), with its panoramic view over the valley and surrounding Pyrenees, and its terrace, are at your disposal for weddings, christenings, communions, business lunches and family meals (by reservation). Our chef will propose a range of formulas to suit your requirements. The restaurant is accessible to the disabled. Catering and takeaways available at certain times of year.

Briseteia, located in the village of Saint-Just-Ibarre in front of the church and the town hall, between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Mauléon-Licharre is a nice surprise. The village is also located on the GR 78, the Piedmont route of the Compostela roads and the presence of the restaurant and bar is a welcome break. In life as in the kitchen, Laura and Mathieu work as a duo. Their cuisine, at the crossroads between tradition and contemporary cuisine, gives pride of place to local products from the Basque Country and the South West (you will find information about the producers on the map). The menu is renewed very often according to the season and the products... Everything is homemade, including desserts.

For a long time, the Larrañeta house in Lecumberry has been the essential stop for the shepherds of Iraty and Béhorléguy who felt at home in this inn-grocery. Gilles and Lydia, landless shepherds since 2001, took over and opened "l'étape des bergers" in 2021. The old grocery store has been converted to sell their farm products and why not reopen the bar with its counter carved in tribute to pastoralism? No question of leaving customers hungry. Lydia is in the kitchen and offers you plates of cold cuts, meats from their farms, fries and cheese of course! Hikers, bikers and motorcyclists can also make their choice in the store to compose their snack. The herds are in summer near the peak of Béhorléguy from May to October. Do not hesitate to discover the life of the shepherds at the kayolar Ipaskoa.

From farm to plate! On the road to Iraty, in Lecumberry, Ferme Auberge Ibarnia offers you tasty, generous cuisine prepared with meat from their farm (lamb chops and leg of lamb, beef and veal, cochonnailles, burgers, stews...). At this inn, you'll appreciate the simplicity, conviviality and mountain hospitality of this family of passionate breeders.

Our à la carte menu features specialties such as hake with chorizo, fresh pan-seared calamari, grilled suckling lamb chops and lamb sweetbreads with porcini mushrooms. The autumn menu features roast pigeon or pigeon salmis. Ewe's milk cheese with cherry jam and homemade pastries round off the meal. The wines of Irouleguy and Jurançon will make you appreciate our cuisine even more, and you'll be one of those who come back again and again: gastronomic pleasure and natural pleasure, festive pleasure...

The Espelletenia restaurant offers you a gourmet, balanced and entirely home-made cuisine. In connection with farmers working in organic agriculture and with local breeds, we make our menu evolve over the months to adapt to the seasonality of the productions. We offer you an authentic culinary experience with local flavors while supporting our territory and local agriculture. You will find a menu of the day and some suggestions at lunchtime during the week and an à la carte menu from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. As well as a selection of local and foreign wines.

At the top of the Col d'Osquich, between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Mauléon, this restaurant boasts an exceptional panorama.

In the village of Saint-Jean-Le-Vieux, 3km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, we offer you a friendly, traditional restaurant. You'll be able to sample our specialties made with local produce: small Iraty trout, piquillos stuffed with cod, local ham, cheese from our shepherds, Basque cakes, etc... Meals and breakfasts can be taken on the terrace, depending on the season, at your convenience. The restaurant is also open to all. In the former cowshed, a dining room seating 150 is available for banquets, weddings and communions. We also cater for groups with tailor-made menus.

In the heart of the Basque mountains, just 10 minutes from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the Pecoitz restaurant offers traditional cuisine. On sunny days, you can enjoy our shaded, peaceful terrace with mountain views. Our recently renovated dining room is air-conditioned and colorful, with large bay windows overlooking nature. Ideal for a meal for two, or for group or family meals. And to refresh you at any time of day, the shaded terrace is at your disposal. Discover our regional specialties: duck foie gras, porcini omelette, cod piquillo, pig's trotter, suckling lamb, roast pigeon according to the season, Basque cake, cocolait "real whole milk flan". Our specialty: pigeon salmis. Listed in the Guide du Routard and Relais Motard (motorcycle garage).

Pretty typical sheepfold, independent, 2 km away on the heights of the village, offering a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. South exposure. On the road to the Pic de Belchou (panoramic). Family farm of the owners nearby. Visiting poss. (milking ewes and cows, hens and rabbits). Ground floor Living room including equipped kitchenette (induction hobs, m-waves), dining area, lounge area facing fireplace/insert. Shower room (Italian shower), wc, storeroom (freezer). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2pers.). And. 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.). Mezz. CLic-clac. Beds made on arrival. Electric heating in suppl. wood included. Land, terrace, garden furniture, barbecue.

The Arcatchia gîte is ideal for nature lovers, in the heart of the mountains of the Basque Country in Hosta, for a comfortable stay with family or friends. Julie and Régis have carefully restored this old farmhouse nestled in the heart of the Basque Pyrenees facing the Arbailles massif. This massif gave the name to this gîte which will be ideal for walkers, nature lovers or for stays with friends or family. You will appreciate the interior comfort of 3 bedrooms and 1 dormitory, all with private bathroom and toilet facilities. An outside area with garden furniture will allow you to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. Hiking, sport, fishing, relaxation are at the rendezvous in this fantastic setting.

Julie and Régis have restored this former independent farmhouse, opposite their home. It is nestled in the heart of the Basque Pyrenees, facing the Arbailles massif, and is ideal for hikers. Ground floor: entrance (wood stove), equipped kitchen (induction hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer), living room (TV, DVD player, library). Shower room with toilet (Italian shower) First floor. Small living room, 4 bedrooms with private bathrooms Sleeping accommodation and sanitary facilities: 1 bed 140, 4 beds 90 and 2 bunk beds 90, 5 toilets, 5 showers. 2nd floor: living room of 90 m² with wood stove and play area for children. Heating included. Bathroom linen and sheets included in weekly formula Outside area with garden furniture. Barbecue. Nice view.

Independent gîte in an old sheepfold located in a quiet area a few steps from the small village of Hosta. View on the surrounding mountains. Ground floor: Equipped kitchen area (dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer), living room, sitting area (fireplace, colour TV). W.c. Storeroom (washing machine). And. 2 bedrooms. (1 double bed. 2 single beds.). Water closet. Wc. Electric heating in suppl. wood included. Terrace, garden furniture, barbecue, enclosed garden. Sheets provided. Poss. visit of the owners' farm: sheep, cattle, horses, rabbits... In summer, visit of the Kayolar and the herds in pasture. BABY ON BOARD.

The gite is located 6 km from St Jean Pied de Port in a rural village. On the way to Compostela, you will walk in the footsteps of the pilgrims. You will discover nature on the hiking trails starting from the gite. This gite, functional, offers you 3 rooms (2 beds in 140 and 2 beds in 90+ convertible 2 persons). With young children, you will appreciate the baby equipment at your disposal. Treat yourself to gastronomic specialities at the Col de Gamia restaurant and the breathtaking view over the valley.

Detached house on the side of a hill near a wood. R.d.c. Kitchenette (fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher), living room, lounge area (fireplace, colour TV, Tel. TV living room), 1 bedroom. (1 double bed), shower room, wc. Laundry (washing machine). And. 2 bedrooms. (1 double bed, 2 single beds), bathroom. Wc. Games room (table football, mini ping pong, relaxation area). Mezz. (clic-clac). Electric heating included. Wood provided. Garage. Terrace. Barbecue. Garden furniture. Enclosed land. Beautiful view of the countryside. Ideal for resting. Poss. loc. sheets.

This hunting chalet welcomes you in the heart of the mountains of the Basque Country, for your nature holidays in a preserved environment. Situated at 500 meters of altitude and rather isolated, this rental is comfortable and spacious. Nature lovers, fishing and hunting enthusiasts, hikers will find their happiness in this pied à terre. This independent chalet, includes 3 bedrooms (2 beds in 90, 3 beds in 140 and 2 convertible in 140). Its main asset is its vast enclosed garden of 2000 m² which offers an exceptional relaxation area.

Independent house on one level in the heart of the village of Ibarolle, 16km from St Jean-Pied-de-Port and 20km from St Palais. Access by a step. Kitchenette (fridge-freezer, microwave, induction cooker, oven, dishwasher), living room, 3 bedrooms (1 bed 160, 1 bed 140, 2 beds 90), shower room (washing machine), toilet Reversible heating and air conditioning included. Beds made on arrival, bathroom linen rental (5€/person). Baby equipment on request. Terrace with garden furniture and plancha Unheated swimming pool (6.5x4.2) open from mid-June to end of September (depending on weather conditions) secured by a curtain. Deck with garden furniture and deckchairs Large enclosed garden with fruit trees. Beautiful view on the countryside, ideal site for rest. Possibility to visit the owners' farm on request. Animal accepted with deposit.

Detached house in small village (church nearby). Ground floor: Equipped kitchenette (dishwasher, microwave), living room, sitting area (fireplace/insert, colour TV/video, tel.). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.), s.d.b. Wc. Storeroom (American fridge, washing machine). And. 2 bedrooms. (1 bed 120, 1 bed 2 pers.) with direct access to the terrace and garden, shower room/wc. Parking, terrace, garden furniture, barbecue. Above ground wooden swimming pool (1.33m X 4.40m). Poss. loc. sheets + towels. BABY ON BOARD.