Distance
180 km
Duration
9–10 days
Difficulty
ModerateStart Point
Biarritz or Bayonne
About This Route
Start your Lourdes pilgrimage at the Atlantic coast, walking from the resort town of Biarritz or the Basque city of Bayonne through the dramatic Basque interior. This relatively short but scenically stunning route passes through villages like Cambo-les-Bains, Mauléon and Navarrenx before descending into the Pyrenean foothills and reaching Lourdes. An excellent 10-day standalone pilgrimage with superb food, culture and landscapes.
Route Stages
Biarritz → Bayonne
8 kmCoastal walk; the fortified city of Bayonne is a pilgrimage staging post
Bayonne → Cambo-les-Bains
24 kmEnter the Basque foothills; thermal spa town
Cambo → Mauléon
45 kmBeautiful Basque valleys; traditional farmhouses
Mauléon → Navarrenx
40 kmBéarn region; medieval fortified town of Navarrenx
Navarrenx → Lourdes
65 km3-day final stretch; arrival at the Sanctuary via the Gave valley
Route Highlights
★Biarritz ocean views
★Bayonne old town and cathedral
★Basque pelota and village life
★Fortified medieval town of Navarrenx
Pilgrim Tips
- 💡Excellent pintxos (Basque tapas) bars in Bayonne and Cambo for post-walking refuelling
- 💡The Basque section has some steep climbs between valleys, poles recommended
- 💡This route receives pilgrims year-round; autumn is particularly beautiful with golden foliage
Want a guided package on this route?
We offer guided pilgrimage packages for most routes, with accommodation, luggage transfer and an English-speaking leader.
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