France – Pyrenees & Pays Basque

4 and 5 nights riding from place to place in the French Basque country and northern Spain. Available April to October with set dates for different routes. Suitable for intermediate riders and above.

Where is it?

Exploring the Basque country of the western Pyrenees in south-west France, and the Rioja, Navarra and Aragon regions of northern Spain.

What is it like?

We like to think of these rides as exciting opportunities to join your French guide, Emmanuel, on an exploration of the border country . Some rides are based around his home village of Sare in south-west France; others head across the border into Spain to explore the River Aragon, Sos del Rey and the Bardenas Desert in Navarra. The essence of the latter in particular, rather than a finely tuned hour-by-hour itinerary, is ‘map, compass and the spirit of adventure!’. Emmanuel is a bi-lingual professional riding guide who was brought up in the area and spent his youth exploring by horse. He instills confidence, and he and his wife Sylvie are delightful, interesting companions who bring together insiders’ knowledge, enthusiasm, a love of good local food and wine, nature, history, architecture and above all, well-loved, well-schooled horses.

Who does it suit?

Anyone who wants to get ‘under the skin’ of this part of France & Spain, who can put themselves in the hands of their guide and has a spirit of discovery. Don’t expect a detailed plan; expect good horses, interesting companions, good local food, good local wines and to really get to know the area you are in.

Why we love it

We love travel that lets you get to know where you go. It’s like visiting friends who know a really good local restaurant, the best view in town, what to order, what to see and where to go – and if they don’t know, Sylvie and Emmanuel are great company to find out with!

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
5-6 hours a day
Horses
Local cross breeds
Pace
Slow to moderate
Riding Ability
Intermediate and above
Weight Limit
95kg (15 stone)
Group Size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
2* & 3* village hotels, guesthouse & Chambres d’Hotes
2026 Dates
April to June and September, October, dates on request for groups of 4 to 8 riders
2026 Prices
Prices on request; 5 night trails from 1,700 Euros (approx £1,355) per person
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

Bardenas Desert, Navarra

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

Arrive Biarritz airport where you will be met (usually around 4pm) and driven about two and a half hours, to comfortable accommodation in the town of Figarol. Dinner and night.

Day 2

Breakfast and a short drive to meet the horses. After an introduction set off riding, entering the national park of Bardenas. The night is spent at an hacienda style house in the desert with wonderful views.

Day 3

Set off riding on an ancient transhumance route used by the cowboys of the Pyrenees, through the spectacular scenery of the "White Bardenas". The night is spent at Cubilar, in a shepherds hut. 

Day 4

Breakfast and set off on a ride exploring the desesrts & canyons. Dinner and night in Cubilar.

Day 5

Saddle up and ride back towards Figarol, crossing country with a variety of vegetation including stands of wonderful umbrella pines. Arrive Figarol in the late afternoon and drive back across the border to Sare. Dinner and night in Sare.

Day 6

Breakfast and then transfer to Biarritz airport.
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