Cycling day trip from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Get ready for a stunning ride from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Saint-Jean-de-Luz! Starting out from the medieval gateway to the French Pyrenees—a hotspot for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago—you’ll soon be winding through the Basque hills, tackling some serious climbing and soaking in those mountain views. This route racks up the elevation (over 1,700 m up, almost 2,000 m down), so get your legs ready for a challenge and make sure you’re comfortable on a mix of surfaces: about a third paved, the rest more rustic roads and paths.

You’ll pass through rolling countryside, quiet villages, and lush green valleys, almost always on tranquil, low-traffic roads—perfect for soaking up the scenery. The payoff? Dropping down into the charming coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its old town, sandy beach, and a well-deserved seaside meal. If you love a balance of challenge and beauty, this ride won’t disappoint!