7 Days of Cycle tourism through the Eurovelo 1 Bike Route
THE ATLANTIC COAST ROUTE
Bayonne - Pamplona - Logroño
style gravel - slow
- Self-guided Package 7 stages / 8 nights -
The proposal that we make here is for 7 stages, if your legs ask for less or more we will adapt the rhythms and the days to them. In any case, we will mainly cycle through greenways, paths adapted for cycling - sometimes asphalted and sometimes not - and some inevitable stretch of road with very little traffic.
The day after finishing the route, after the rest in La Rioja, our Taxibike will take you back to the starting point in Biarritz / Bayonne. And if you have rented our bikes, at the hotel in Logroño you forget about them.
Eurovelo is a network of 15 cycle routes that cross Europe from North to South (odd numbers) and from West to East (even numbers). The project is in full development so if someone decides to venture on one of its routes it is advisable to make sure of its current situation on the official website of the route
The Pyrenees that occupy us is crossed by 3 of the different Eurovelos. The number 8 crosses
them through La Junquera, in the Eastern Pyrenees, on their way between Cadiz and Cyprus; It's called the Mediterranean Route. The 3 - Trondheim (Norway) - Santiago de Compostela - is the Pilgrims Route, and enters Navarre through the Pyrenees by the Mountain pass of Ibañeta, in the vicinity of the neuralgic point of the Way of St. James known as Orreaga-Roncesvalles. Our proposal is developed on the Eurovelo 1. It is the westernmost of all of them and joins in 8,186 kilometers the North Cape in Norway with Sagres in Portugal. Its track, following mainly the coastline, encloses the logic of its name, ATLANTIC COAST ROUTE
The Eurovelos are in constant process of creation and improvement. In the section that occupies us we have allowed some "permissions" with respect to the official layout of the route. Obviously we do not do this to make it worse, the essential reason for making changes is to include in its layout some sections of new itineraries more adapted to cyclotourism than those of its alternative in the official route. In some cases we have consciously deviated simply by including in the tour some privileged places that the official route ignores for its urgent need to "continue moving forward".
The result is 345 kilometers of different greenways, riverside walks, an important section of the Way of St. James, the final section of La Vélodyssée French and some inevitable stretches of secondary roads with fortunately very little traffic. 345 kilometers that link the elitist Basque Coast of Bayonne, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz with the dazzling brightness of La Rioja vineyards and its designer winneries. In between, the Navarre of closed and wild valleys first and widest and friendliest after, that introduces Eurovelo 1 inland after so many kilometers of coastline. From epicenter of all this, Pamplona, the ancient Roman Pompaelo and even more ancient Iruña Basque, still with the memory of all its past emerging through the remains of its historic center and its people.
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The Route
This sequence of 7 stages that you see here below is the one corresponding to the concrete proposal of days and end of stage points here proposed. It is really just an example of the different possibilities. If you need another rhythm, either faster or slower, or if you simply want to decide your accommodation points, the sequence of stages will obviously be different.
You can choose the stage ends in the towns that appear in the map above.
Standar Option
Distance: 345 km Unevenness: 4.830 m
Stage 1: Bayonne - Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Distance: 31 km Unevenness: 480 m
Stage 2: Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Doneztebe
Distance: 64 km Unevenness: 880 m
Stage 3: Doneztebe - Irurtzun
Distance: 54 km Unevenness: 950 m
Stage 4: Irurtzun - Pamplona
Distance: 29 km Unevenness: 270 m
Stage 5: Pamplona - Estella
Distance: 49 km Unevenness: 900 m
Stage 6: Estella - Logroño
Distance: 65 km Unevenness: 720 m
Stage 7: Logroño - Elciego - Logroño
Distance: 53 km Unevenness: 630 m
Multimedia and/or description of the route
Scenes from Eurovelo 1 between Bayonne and Logroño
La Vélodyssée at Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the mountains of the Basque Country begin to be defined.
We leave Biarritz - La Vélodyssée -
Txingudi Bay in Hendaye
Bike path above the water, La Vélodyssée reaches its end in Behobia
Greenway of the Bidasoa, we continue next to the water but we move away from the sea.
Forest tunnel on the same Greenway
In Ederbidea, "The beautiful way", the term "Greenways" materializes.
The Greenway of the Plazaola through the heart of the Basque Country - Ederbidea -
We continue in the Plazaola, now crossing the Dos Hermanas gorge, we enter the Pamplona Basin
Riveside walk parallel to the Arga, Pamplona
Leaving Pamplona, the Way of St. James is the reference to follow.
Uterga. We are in the Navarra Media.
The Way of St. James leaves Obanos
A usual image on the route
Medieval bridge over the Arga in Puente La Reina, an icon of the "Camino de Santiago" in Navarra.
Street crossed by the route in Puente La Reina
Greenway of the Basque-Navarro Railway. We left behind Zufía and the mountain of Montejurra
Scenes on the route, family reunion in the Acedo tunnel.
Tierra Estella. Greenway about to open.
Greenway of the Basque-Navarro Railway, the old stations come up every now and then.
Scenes of the Way
With Zuñiga ends Navarra, La Sierra de Loquiz stops making us company.
Last kilometers through the Basque-Navarro Railway. Montaña Alavesa makes its presence.
In the Alto de Meano appears the scenario of the following kilometers of our Eurovelo, La Rioja and its limits, La Sierra de La Demanda to the South and the Sierra de Cantabria to the North.
Rioja vineyards with its perpetual horizon in the shape of Sierra de Cantabria.
Guardaviñas, characteristic construction that appears regularly among the vineyards.
Days of harvest in the vineyards of Marqués de Riscal, the spectacular winery redesigned by Frank Gehry in Elciego.
Unforgettable end of route along the banks of the Ebro. In the background you can finally guess Logroño.
Up
The Hotels - Day by day
1st night: Bayonne - Hotel Loreak
The base of PIRINEOS PUNTO BIKE where we will receive you and deliver the necessary information to avoid getting lost on the route is this 3-star Hotel-Restaurant located 2 kilometers from the center of the city of Bayonne.
2nd night: Saint-Jean-de-Luz - Hotel Les Goelands
3rd night: Elgorriaga - Balneario Elgorriaga
Our PUNTO BIKEfor this day goes up to the LUXURY category. The stay in a spa hidden among the mountains of Baztan/Bidasoa will be difficult to forget.
4th night: Irurtzun - Hotel Plazaola
In Irurtzun, between the Sierras de Urbasa and Aralar, we stayed in this three-star hotel.
5th night: Pamplona - Hotel Villava
The base of PIRINEOS PUNTO BIKE in Iruñea / Pamplona is located in the HOTEL VILLAVA, a comfortable 3-star establishment located in the town of Villava, with Bikefriendly category and perfectly prepared for our cycling activity. The hotel is in a privileged situation for the practice of our sport, at the foot of Mount Ezkaba and on the road to the Pyrenees.
6th night: Estella / Lizarra - Hotel Yerri
Our PUNTO BIKE in Tierra Estella is this 2 star hotel located a few meters from the historic center of "La Ciudad del Ega".
An establishment accustomed to dealing with cyclists due to the large number of events linked to 2 wheels that take place in the city.
7th and 8th night: Logroño - Hotel FG Logroño -
We have chosen this hotel located on the banks of the Ebro just at the point where our route enters the city for our stay in Logroño. In addition to its unbeatable location, their quality is unquestionable, we are talking about a four star service "camouflaged" in one of three.
To the usual services of a hotel of these features we add that we have free access to the relaxation of the hotel zone, which consists of a jacuzzi, sauna and gym.
Non-Sports Activities
Visit to Bodegas Franco-Españolas, one of the great wineries in La Rioja. With almost 125 years of history is still a reference when talking about the world of winemaking.
Its privileged location, on the banks of the Ebro River, allows us to reach it without the need of a vehicle, simply on a pleasant walk across the Puente de Hierro from the old quarter of the city.
During the visit, we will visit a winery founded in 1890 thanks to the golden age that Rioja experienced in the 19th Century, when the French, whose vineyards were agonising under the attack of the phylloxera plague, came to the region in search of replacement vineyards.
Guided Visit and Wine tasting with 3 different wines and appetizer
Visit duration: 90 m. approximately
Possible languages for the visit: English, Spanish or French
- HIGHLIGHT - TONDELUNA - FUENTES del VINO
Gastronomic Experience
For the arrival to Logroño we have proposed a "meeting" with the Riojan gastronomy by Luisa Barrachina and the well-known Riojan chef Francis Paniego (3 Michelin stars).
Tondeluna is a modern, informal and fun place that has prepared a menu with the name of one of the great Bike Tours of La Rioja; FUENTES del VINO. And since we also come cycling, this same menu, which is the one that appears in the photographs, will also be used to introduce us to some of the secrets of modern Riojan gastronomy.
- OPTIONAL HIGHLIGHT - Gastronomic Experience in Pamplona
If you decide to add to your route a Gastronomic Experience in Pamplona you will have to choose between all these options ... it's really not easy.
Gastronomic Experience
Vanguardism and Imagination Koldo Rodero
1 Michelin Star, 2 Repsol Suns.
Authentic cuisine with very careful product, family atmosphere with history, close and creative.
In short, cuisine characterized by the affection for the creation of new flavors that are born of the traditional products of the land Navarre and the avant-gardism and imagination of its authors. Result? A different kitchen.
Gastronomic Experience
High cuisine in the heart of Pamplona.
1 Michelin Star, 2 Repsol Suns.
To the delicacy, finesse and cult to the traditional flavor of a season cook like Pilar Idoate, one of the essential pillars of restaurant Europa, joins the young cook from Guipuzcoa Arkaitz Muguruza, bringing new technique and creative ideas in line with what is cooked in the world.
It is difficult to achieve a greater balance between the gastronomic roots Navarras, a magnificent raw material and a refined technique. And if we speak of drinks, careful letter, directed by a professional sommelier of wines and spirits.
Gastronomic Experience
Symbiosis between grilling and raw material.
2 Repsol Suns
Bidea 2, a place of reference in Navarra gastronomy, in which the ember plays a predominant role.
The formula for the success of this establishment lies in the intrinsic quality of each and every one of the raw materials that are offered, plus a service and customer service at the height of a great restaurant. This sum succeeds to aupar today the Asador Bidea 2 among the 100 best in Spain.
Professor in the grilling courses for Basque Culinary Center, GREGORIO TOLOSA leads the Asador Bidea 2, where the raw material and a careful technique reach the highest levels in the Navarra gastronomy.
Gastronomic Experience
Enekorri, festival of flavors and sensations.
1 Repsol Sun.
Enekorri opened its doors more than thirty years ago and is one of the gastronomic references of Pamplona.
Touches of author respectful with the flavors of the raw material coming from the rich regional pantry..
Seasonal products command. There is no more chemistry than this, which is no small thing.
Example of constant innovation and updating. Presiding over the plate; Raw material worked with exquisite and exquisite touches in which the imagination is not lacking.
Gastronomic place of reference where we will also enjoy a very unique establishment.
Gastronomic Experience
Author´s cuisine, creative and traditional.
2 Repsol Suns
The Alhambra Restaurant is one of the representatives of the haute cuisine of Pamplona for its own merits, both for its history and good know-how..
Opened in 1985, it has become a must-have when it comes to the cuisine of Navarre. A renovated classic, a professional brigade, intimate lighting and maximum privacy between the tables. Traditional elaborate cuisine.
Javier Díaz, responsible for his cookers, interprets with his own technique and style the culinary tradition of the land. It is surprising the elaboration and combination of ingredients, secret of the good taste that keeps the Alhambra Restaurant as one of the best in the Navarrese capital. Iñaki Idoate and his sister Esther, of deep-rooted host family, supported by a good team, maintains a constant evolution.
Suggestive letter that changes every season, demand on quality products, and an elaboration in which no flavors or qualities are lost. Alhambra.
TARIFFS
1.312 € Price per person for groups of 2 or 3 people
1.132 € Price per person for groups of 4 or 5 people
1.020 € Price per person for groups of 6 or more people
Rates for the whole year, subject to availability.
The prices may vary when the dates coincide with the Easter holidays or with the Patron Festivities of any of the places of accommodation.
INCLUDED
- 8 nights accommodation in half board
- Thermal 70 minute tour in the Balneario de Elgorriaga during the stay in it
Transport of luggage between hotels
1 bag or package of a maximum of 20 kg per person
If not needed, the cost of this service will be deducted from the proposal- Gastronomic Experience in TONDELUNA or LA GALERÍA restaurant in Logroño
Taxibike shuttle for the transfer of the participants and their bicycles from Logroño to Bayonne at the end or at the beginning of the route
If not needed, the cost of this service will be deducted from the proposal- Tracks of the route in GPX format for mobile phones or GPS devices and printed map with each day routes options
- Link to services that may be necessary along the route
- Telephone assistance for incidents or consultations during the days of the contracted activity
NOT INCLUDED
- Beers or other consumptions outside the proposed menus in the dinners or during the stay in hotels
- Meals in restaurants at the time of the noon, unless it has been agreed previously to replace dinner with meals
- Any kind of sports material, helmets, shoes, etc
- Mechanical Assistance during the activity
If possible, we will try to help you in case of a breakdown, but in many situations this help can be very limited due to lack of specific spare parts or other circumstances. The cost of the service if it can be done is € 18 per hour + € 0.40 per kilometer. - travel or accidents insurance
- Anything not expressly indicated in the offer
OPTIONS
- Starting from Pamplona, make only the northern section Pamplona - Bayonne or the southern section Pamplona - Logroño of the route.
Tell us the number of days you have and your preferences regarding the places of accommodation, and we will send you a quote. - Airport/station pick up
We put you in contact with the transfer companies that provide these services. We do not include its cost in our proposal. - Bicycle rental
We put you in touch with a rental service in the nearest place to the route start point - Hire Asistance / Accident Insurance
and / or Trip Cancellation Insurance - Add Gastronomic Experience in Pamplona: 105 €
Select Restaurant in this list and indicate it in the application
- Rodero
- Europa
- Enekorri
- Alhambra
- Bidea 2
- Add a night in Bayonne / Biarritz at the end of the trip
- Single room supplement: 306 €
When the group consists of an even number of people, an even number of applications will also be necessary to access this supplement.
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