La Vallée d'Estéreçuby

Ezterenzubiko Ibarra

Not to be missed
Learn more about the valley
Eat well
Hiking
Agenda

The Valley of Estérençuby is part of the Pays de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. It includes the Saint-Michel and Estérençuby communes. Part of the Compostela route (GR65) and the GR10 hiking trail pass through the valley. You can admire the stunning panoramic view from the Orgambidé pass, or hike to the Harpéa Cave, with its unique shape.

Not to be missed

The Virgin of Biakorri

Birjina

(also known as the Virgin of Orsson) is an important point of passage for all pilgrims heading towards Roncesvalles in Spain, and Santiago de Compostela.

Harpéa Cave

Harpea

Is one of the major places to visit in the valley. Only accessible along a hiking trail, it is easily recognisable due to its triangular shape, a direct result of nature. It was a refuge for shepherds and their flocks in bad weather, and could shelter up to 1,200 sheep!

Thibault Cross

Located a few kilometres after the Virgin of Biakorri. Just before the Arnostéguy pass, it is often surrounded by ribbons. These are wishes left by the pilgrims in the hope that they come true.

Urkulu tower

Not far from the GR65, which crosses the Pyrenees, Urkulu tower is a must-visit spot. Accessible by hiking through the Arnostéguy pass, it bears witness to the Roman’s presence in the region. It was once a guard tower that allowed the empire to keep watch over the trade route connecting Bordeaux to Astorga.

Learn more about the valley

Saint Michel

The Compostela road passes through the village of Saint-Michel ("Eiheralarre" in Basque). The Huntto quarter is an inevitable stop for walkers. They can find places to eat and spend the night if they are not doing the stage in just one day. A few kilometres higher, the hamlet of Orisson is the final place along this stage where you can find a place to eat and sleep. Saint-Michel is also where you can find the remains of the Chateau Pignon redoubt, where one of the Spanish attacks on the French revolutionary army took place in 1793.

Estérençuby

Estérençuby (or "Ezterenzubi'' in Basque) is the final village in the valley. At the highest point of the village, the GR10 trail crosses the Phagalcette plateau. This stage connects Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Iraty forest. The village is known for being the source of the Nive river. However, although the river bed is to be found in both villages, the source is actually located in Spain. The famous Harpea Cave can be found in Estérençuby. Located near the Orgambidé pass, it’s accessible along a hiking trail. One of the possible itineraries is to take the car up through Orion forest, then park at the Orgambidé pass and walk to the cave.

vue grotte harpea et arrivee par le sentier du col orgambide - pays basque — OTPB

Eat well

Xoko Goxoa hotel-restaurant

Betty and Pasko welcome you to the Xoko Goxoa hotel-restaurant, in Saint-Michel. Here, you will be able to enjoy discovering local gourmet cuisine, inspired by local produce (seasonings, fish, meat, cheeses…) and accompanied by carefully selected wines (Irouléguy, Navarre, Rioja…). The vegetables come from Pasko’s garden!

Andreinia hotel-restaurant

Andreinia hotel-restaurant, in Estérençuby, is a family-run business whose reputation is upheld by Eric and Christel. Whether you choose to stay in the hotel, or one of their tree cabins, make sure to visit the restaurant. Try their specialities made from local produce: ham piperade, trout meunière...

Les Sources de la Nive hotel-restaurant

Les Sources de la Nive hotel-restaurant, in Estérençuby, has been owned by the same family for five generations. Ideally located at the foot of the mountain and on the banks of the river, it's the perfect spot for fishermen, hunters, hikers and nature lovers.