Trails in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques

Between salty foam and sharp peaks

A playground where nature reigns

The 64 is the ideal place to vary your pleasures without changing departments. You can start with a seaside race along the Coastal Path, with the Atlantic waves crashing against the cliffs of the Basque Corniche. But don't be fooled, this is just an appetizer before tackling the main course: the Pyrenees mountain range. As you delve inland, you'll discover incredible biodiversity, where griffon vultures watch your strides from the sky and little Pottok horses look on with disdain. It's the very essence of nature running, raw and wild, where you may even glimpse the shadow of Empress Eugenie who made Biarritz her imperial retreat, transforming a fishing port into a chic seaside resort 🌊.

Steep climbs in sheep cheese country

Here, elevation isn't an option, it's a way of life. Whether you're on the slopes of La Rhune, the sacred mountain accessible by its famous cogwheel train, or in the Iraty forests, your quadriceps will get a serious workout. The terrain is technical, often wet, and requires the agility of a shepherd to avoid slips. A true mountain race awaits you, far from beaten paths. And for recovery, nothing beats a slice of Bayonne Ham or a piece of Ossau-Iraty. Did you know that good King Henry IV, born at the Pau castle, had his lips rubbed with garlic and Jurançon wine at birth? A local magic potion that perhaps explains the vigor of the people here 🍷.

Legends and challenges of the Southwest

In the footsteps of Basque-Béarnais giants

This land has forged champions with steel nerves, used to running in all weathers. It's impossible to talk about trail running here without mentioning Beñat Marmissolle, the local hero who conquered the Diagonal of Fools, or Jocelyne Pauly, the woman from Pau who devours kilometers like candies. They embody the resilience spirit unique to the department. To walk (or run) in their footsteps, quickly check the trail calendar as spots go as fast as Bayonne chocolates. You can try a run in a dense forest, where the scent of pine and humus will transport you into an adventure film, much like The Hunchback partly filmed in the region. Don't forget your beret for the finish line photo, it's the must-have accessory for style on the podium 🧢.

Five mythical events on Finishers

If you want to experience the electric atmosphere of local races, here's your to-do list. The Skyrhune in Ascain is an absolute legend: short, brutal, and with a Tour de France-like atmosphere at the top, it's the race in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to do once in your life. The Euskal Trail in Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry offers duo challenges to share both the pain and the joy in magnificent landscapes. The Course des Crêtes in Espelette is a must-see for its festive (and spicy!) atmosphere. For those who love technical challenges, the Senpereko Trail in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle is a must. Finally, the Trail du Barétous in Arette will plunge you into the heart of authentic Béarn. Each event is a celebration where sport meets tradition 🎇.

Ready to challenge the Rhune and the Ocean?

Whether you've come to beat your record or to discover why Espelette pepper is the local red gold, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques will welcome you with open arms. Here, there's no cheating: neither with effort nor with friendliness. So, lace up your best shoes, prepare your stomach for the post-race veal axoa, and come measure yourself against this exceptional terroir. It's time to choose your challenge, whether facing the waves or the peaks, and take your bib for an adventure with flavor. Come on, we're waiting for you at the starting line! 🏁

Do you want me to brief you on the local weather to know if you should take the K-way or sunscreen? ☀️🌧️