Pyrenees Guide

In and around Baigorri (Saint Etienne de Baigorry) and within the valley of the source of the Nive. Like pilgrims of the Way of Saint James, we invite you to trek the highlands, lowlands, the wine lands of Irouleguy and the sylvan splendour of the forests of Iraty and Hayra, in the hope of finding fulfillment

Our villages are, indeed, in the highlands and the hinterlands; nevertheless all the joys of the sea are only thirty minutes away on the Basque Coast. Whether you seek sport, adventure, culture, celebration or simply peace and tranquility, we are certain that you will always remember and always return to Basque Country.

Throughout history, the Basque Country, and notably Garazi (Cize) was an important passage in the crossing of the Pyreenes. The ancient summet road was used by the Romans, the Visigoths, the Franks, the pilgrims of Way of Saint James, merchants and Napoleon’s armies. The Roman’s presence is exemplifyed by the remnants of the Roman camp at Saint Jean Le Vieux (Imus Pyrenaeus), an ancient control post on the Bordeaux-Astorga route. Another example being the tower of Urkulu in the confines of Lower-Navarre and Navarre.

The Franks left no material traces of their passage. Nevertheless, history was indelibly marked when, at Roncevaux and Garazi in 778, the Basques attacked Roland and the rearguard of Charlemagnes army. Vestiges of the Middle Ages are bountiful on Jacob’s way. Amongst these, one finds hospices (Ospitalea), numerous crossroad crosses (Renaissance) such as Galtzetaburu or Sarrasquette and especially Saint-Jean-Pied de Port, a town which came into its own at the end of the 12th century.

On the road to Urkulu, the remains of Château Pignon, are found. This defensive Castle built by the Spanish during the conquest of Navarre in 1512 and destructed by the Spanish during the Napoleonic wars, served in the surveillance of the road traversing the Pyreenes.

The very same purpose was attributed to the redoutes of Belle Ezponda at Saint Jean le Vieux or Kurutxamendi at Saint Jean Pied de Port, each of which were commanded by the armies of the revolution and Napoleon (from whence the name : “Napoléons route”. The route still takes the mountain passes and lends itself to the seasonal passage to summer pastures for livestock and to the movement of hunters and hikers alike.