Horseback riding in the Pyrenees: Basque Country mountains and Atlantic beaches – 2026
- Duration: 8 days – 7 nights – 6 days on horseback
- Level: Minimum Galop 3
- Possibility to bring your own horse: No
- Non-riding companions allowed: No
An exceptional horseback riding trip that will take you from the Pyrenees mountains to the Atlantic beaches, discovering the Basque Country and the Landes, between France and Spain, following in the footsteps of smugglers.
Offered by numerous French and European equestrian agencies, this week-long horseback riding trip combines four days in the mountains and two days on the Landes coast of the Atlantic. English may be spoken during the stay.
Located along the Atlantic coast, split between France and Spain, the Basque Country offers you a stunning combination of lush forests, verdant hills and slopes, windy beaches and rocky cliffs plunging into the Atlantic Ocean.
A horse trek with a bird-eye view over the stunning scenery is very handy to discover this area proudly perched on the coastline, sporadically embellished with traditional fishing villages. Consider this trek as a 4-day getaway from civilization. If not, where else could you bump into herds of wild horses grazing freely in the high mountain pastures. Named “Potokka”, a breed of pony or horse native exclusively to the Basque Country, these proud animals in the wild are fiercely safeguarded by a brave stallion.
Features
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights / 6 days on horseback,
4 days in the mountains and 2 days on the Landes ocean beaches.
Optional: 4 days in the Basque Country
Participant age range: 17 to 77 years old.
Maximum weight allowed: 85 kg.
Equestrian level required: you must have good control of your mount at all three gaits outdoors, i.e. gallop 3 level in France or intermediate in other countries, experience of trail riding and good physical condition in order to be able to stay in the saddle for 6 to 7 hours some days.
Progress: 30 to 35 km/day
Group size: Maximum 9 people.
Minimum departure: 4 riders or 3 riders with a supplement of €200 per person.
Supervision and safety: Our treks are led by expert mountain guides. With their extensive knowledge of the region, they will ensure your complete safety regardless of the weather conditions.
Program
Get to know the nation remaining true to their identity, their rich culture, delicious cuisine and you will forever be in love with them.
From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the former capital of Lower Navarre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Erratzu , going around the Aldudes Valley via the peaks, we will travel both on the route of Saint James of Compostela and from pass to pass in the footsteps of the smugglers of the Quint region, to discover the Bay of Biscay in the background.
With a daily mileage, exceeding 30-35 km in 6-7 hours, be ready for an exciting and yet a challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and much confidence. While moving on varying terrains there will occur few rugged sections difficult to ride on, so that we ask our equestrians to dismount from their horse and to cover such spans of route on-foot with the horse by the bridle. For the rest of the trek, you can feel free to canter or to trot at your will, as our horses are fit, willing and sure-footed.
When in Rome do as the Romans do. When in the Basque country, after a lavish meal in an unfettered atmosphere have a short siesta. You will be served local specialties generously cooked by the owners of 2* accommodations that we come across the route. Feel blessed!
Then, in the second part of our stay, we will return to the Landes Atlantic Coast to free our horses to even larger spaces, and end our stay on the Mimizanbeach at sunset.
Sunday – Arrival in the Basque Country
Transfer from Bordeaux airport or the equestrian gîte in Mimizan to Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry. Check-in at the hotel then on to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the former capital of Lower Navarre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic stop on the Way of St. James.
On the way, we stop in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a picturesque town strategically located on Santiago de Compostella, a famous pilgrim route. Worth visiting by walking, its cobbled streets with the main artery running from the 15th century Porte St-Jacques to the Porte d’Espagne offer a handful of shops selling anything you might have ever dreamed to buy and traditional restaurants with decent pilgrim menus. One of such will be chosen as a dinner place, in the historic heart of the city, at the foot of the ramparts.
Overnight stay in a bed and breakfast or hotel.
Monday – First gallops towards the summits
St Etienne De Baïgorry – East Summit of Banca
After a briefing at breakfast, we discovered the horses and equipment.
Horseback riding through Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, an authentic village at the gateway to the Aldudes Valley. Ascent towards the valley's peaks, passing at the foot ofOilarandoï and its small chapel. Stop at the Col d'Adartza for lunch amidst the vultures, with views of the Iparla ridges and the morning's route.
In the afternoon, the goal was Munhoa at 1023 meters altitude, offering the first 360° panorama with a commanding view over Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port all the way to the ocean. Exhilarating gallops across the summer pastures, sometimes amidst the Pottok ponies, to progress towards the peaks of Banca. A memorable arrival at Espila.
Transfer to the hotel in Banca.
Tuesday – Roncevaux Ridge and Pass
East Summit of Banca – Roncevaux Pass – Urepel.
A horseback ride to the Euntzaroko Pass between France and Spain, then on to the summit ofArgaray at 1228 meters, offering the first 360° panorama of the day. Narrow ridge trails with a few crossings on foot where horses and riders find their own way. Observation of stallions, mares with foals, and young foals in the summer pastures. Breathtaking view of the Roncevaux Pass, a place steeped in history linked to Roland, Charlemagne's nephew. Passage over the Lindus Pass, a favorite spot for wood pigeon hunters. Discovery of the Gallo-Roman military redoubt offering a second 360° panorama, an exceptional site for birdwatching. These paths were used by Visigoths, Franks, Saracens, pilgrims of Saint James, Napoleon's armies, and smugglers.
Lunch and a short nap in the clouds.
Descent through Spain towards the valley, crossing the Pays de Quint with its characteristic Upper Navarrese style houses. Arrival in Urepel. Transfer to the hotel in Banca.
Wednesday – Aldudes Valley
Urepel – Les Aldudes – Harguibel – West Summit of Banca
Departure for a short and relaxing stage. Tasting meal in Aldudes, discovery of the Basque pig educational trail. Hams, sausages, pork products, cheeses from the valley and some local artisanal and farm sweets await you.
Back in the saddle to discover more high-altitude landscapes overlooking the deep valley and the ridge route of the previous day. Riding between France and Spain, sometimes crossing from one side to the other, through the heart of a pristine, untouched forest. Unforgettable adventures on horseback in these remote mountains.
Arrival at the cayolar, transfer to the hotel in Banca.
Thursday – Final summits and departure for the Landes
West summit of Banca – Ispéguy Pass – Erratzu (Spain)
Departure from the shepherd's hut on horseback for the Elhorrieta pass. Discover the cromlechs, prehistoric tombs dating from the Bronze Age, located in protected areas of exceptional natural beauty. Passage through Elorregikoo kaskoa, the last 360° panorama in the Basque Country on this equestrian route. Observe herds of wild Shetland ponies roaming freely in the summer pastures. Arrival at the Ispéguy pass, offering a stunning panoramic view.
Lunch in a venta, a local restaurant offering traditional Spanish cuisine with royal paella on the menu.
A horseback riding trip down into Spain to discover the Basque Country with its Spanish flair. The equestrian journey ends in the mountains, passing through Erratzu with its distinctive architecture. The horses are then loaded onto a cart for the return trip to the Atlantic Coast. Transfer to Mimizan, dinner at the equestrian guesthouse.
Friday and Saturday – Landes hike
Two days of horseback riding on soft ground and galloping through the largest pine forest in Europe. From Lesperon to Contis and then Bias, discover the gems of the Landes , venturing off the beaten track from the high moorland to the coastal heath. Explore the wild and unspoiled areas of the Landes forest with its ponds and marshes, and discover traditional architecture. Enjoy long gallops through maritime pines and the characteristic vegetation.
Progressing towards the wild, deserted and endless beaches of the Atlantic. Privileged moments on horseback amidst wide open spaces to clear your head, breathe in the sea air and enjoy long gallops on the white sand of the Aquitaine coast.
The horseback riding trip ended Saturday evening at sunset on the beach, a magical moment on horseback facing the ocean.
Sunday – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Bordeaux train station or airport in the morning to arrive before 1 p.m., depending on the first takeoff or departure time by train.
Dates 2026 – 2027
From April to September (this tour can be arranged on any date for a group of 8 people, subject to availability)
- May 9-16, 2027
- May 23-30
- June 6th to 13th
- June 20-27
- September 6-13, 2026
- September 20th to 27th
- October 4th to 11th
Prices
| Period | Mid-season (May-June-September-October) | High season (July) |
|---|---|---|
| Horse rider rate in a shared room | €1769/person. | €1799/person. |
| Single room supplement | €240/person. | €240/person. |
| Double or Twin Room Supplement | €120/person. | €120/person. |
GROUP PROMOTION: 30% discount for the 6thrider in a group
The price includes
The price does not include
Payment method
BANK TRANSFER: Upon confirmation of your booking request, we will send you our IBAN so that you can pay the deposit and then the balance (for stays of 3 days and more) or the total amount (for stays of less than 2 days) by bank transfer.
For residents of non-EU countries unable to make the bank transfer, please contact us for PayPal payment options.
Reservation request
Accommodation
Accommodation is in charming guesthouses or 2-star hotels, depending on the stage of the journey. One night will be spent in a mountain lodge in a shared room.
Shared rooms are for 3 to 5 people.
First night – Charming house Amestoia or Hotel Manechenea in St Etienne de Baïgorry
Nights 2, 3, and 4 at the Erregina Family Hotel in Banca. The horses remain at the Espila mountain farm.
5th, 6th and 7th nights – Charming cottage, equestrian center, Marina
Meal
Lunch and dinner are prepared by the guesthouses or hotels that accommodate the riders. For our picnics, we always prioritize local products.
Access
Equestrian center, 55 route de Baleste, 40200 MIMIZAN, France.
How to get there?
From Bordeaux airport or train station.
Departure from Mimizan around 12:30 pm on Sunday, then from Bordeaux at 2:00 pm, stopping either at the train station or the airport. Arrival in Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry is on Sunday evening.
Equipment
Riding gear to bring
- Riding trousers and tops
- Helmet, protective vest (mandatory for motocross)
- Ankle boots and chaps (avoid boots)
- Riding crop (optional but recommended)
- Gourd
Personal belongings to bring
- Regular clothing for the duration of your stay: underwear, socks, t-shirts and polo shirts, a sweater or fleece (the evenings are cool!)
- For the pool: pool towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
Equipment provided on site
- Bed linen and bath towel
Have a question? Send us a message
By phone: +33 5 58 09 34 25 or +33 6 81 27 15 01
Françoise Dandrieux –
Even better than the description! Exciting emotions, a caring, reassuring, and encouraging instructor, adorable horses, well-balanced and with excellent mountain hooves. Magical moments, and a fantastic atmosphere for our group.
Michel Girard Mille –
Damien Laignel, June 18, 2018.
Annette & Michel,
Between treks, I hope you'll take the time to read this email.
You sell such a dream that I wonder if you might be magicians.
This hike was extraordinary for me (and without exaggerating, not just for me).
You may not have the perspective or the time to realize it, but it's truly fantastic, unreal. A human and chivalrous adventure that far surpasses our everyday lives. It can become addictive!
As Mireille said, it's etched in my memory forever. I'm taking this opportunity to say thank you because it rhymes.
I'm still immersed in it…
Simply thank you.
Pascal Wèbre –
The welcome and atmosphere were fantastic, not to mention the breathtaking scenery. A bonus was the gallop on the beach at sunset…
I highly recommend this ride.
Virginie –
My head still full of memories and smiles, I want to warmly thank all three of you, Michel, Anne, and Yohan. I had another fantastic week thanks to you.
Your professionalism and friendliness made these moments unforgettable. We were swept away by your horses, always so valiant and energetic, equally at home on the mountain rocks and the endless beaches.
This route, sometimes unmarked but always safe, led us to discover superb spots, surreal light, and a whole host of unusual animal encounters…
The human connections were just as wonderful, with warm welcomes and comfortable accommodations. As for the delicious food and wines served to us, we savored them daily with just as much joy, always with a smile on our faces.
Finally, a last thank you to all the members of my group, who made all these moments, interspersed with laughter and warmth, even more intense.
I can't wait for the next one!
Justine and Nicolas –
This week was a true adventure, even an epic journey. Thanks to a close-knit and charming team, we discovered the Basque Country in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Accompanied by very agile and sure-footed horses, we traversed the Pyrenean passes with great ease, venturing off the beaten track to discover unusual landscapes and atmospheres. Our trek was punctuated by wonderful encounters, tastings, and fits of laughter… and each evening we enjoyed a delicious meal in welcoming and cozy places. Returning to the Landes allowed us to also enjoy this beautiful area, where a good gallop on the beach brought this timeless week to a close.
A huge thank you to Michel, Anne, Yohan, and Anaïs for all these wonderful moments, and as Virginie said, a big thank you also to the members of our group for contributing to this fantastic atmosphere.
See you very soon!
Bresson Laure –
I highly recommend it! All of Michel's treks are incredibly charming, and his horses are exceptional—independent and sure-footed. The Basque Country is the most spectacular, with breathtaking landscapes. You'll encounter many animals roaming freely; it's an experience you simply must have! In addition, the accommodations are very comfortable, the welcome is warm, and the food is excellent.