The Bonshommes Trail

An authentic odyssey in the heart of the Pyrenees

Before you set off:

Type of route

Bike

310 kilometres

of adventure

5 days / stages

of happiness

Season

All year round

General presentation

This five-day cycle-touring route follows the quiet back roads of Navarre, the French Pyrenees and Aragon between Pamplona and Jaca. Five days of pedalling from medieval castles to centuries-old monasteries, discovering authentic villages and tucking into the incredible Pyrenean cuisine. Between high peaks, rocky gorges and gentle valleys, this ride shows you the Pyrenees in all their diversity.

Stage descriptions:

Freedom first: this route can be tailored to your wishes, with the option of selecting specific stages.

Day one
This first stage takes you from Pamplona to Javier through rolling countryside, entirely on beautifully surfaced roads. Cereal fields, vineyards and golden-stone villages dot the landscape. The castle and town of Javier welcome you for the evening.

Day two
A more mountainous stage awaits today. Between wooded slopes and rocky gorges, you pedal through undulating terrain. Arriving in Burgui marks your entry into the Navarrese Pyrenees. The scenery keeps shifting all the way to Roncal, where the mountains open out into broad meadows and authentic stone farmhouses. The final stretch to Isaba brings you right up close to the summits.

Day three
From Isaba, the cycle path climbs through a Pyrenean landscape of beech forests that open onto spectacular panoramas. After crossing the Franco-Spanish border, you enjoy a fine descent to Aramits. Green meadows and old farmsteads gradually give way to the streets of the historic town of Oloron-Sainte-Marie.

Day four
This fourth stage, between Oloron-Sainte-Marie and Formigal, captures the very essence of the Pyrenees. It’s a tough one, but the rewards are immense. You start between vineyards and meadows, gradually climbing towards the heart of the mountains. The mountain passes come one after another, each paired with magnificent panoramas of wild peaks and valleys. Once across the Spanish border, you enjoy a glorious descent before tackling the final ascent to Formigal. The high-mountain landscape that greets you at the top is a fitting reward for all your efforts.

Day five
The day opens with a descent to Sallent de Gállego. You pedal through the mountains, passing El Pueyo de Jaca and Hoz de Jaca in turn, then carry on to Jaca — a town steeped in history and ringed by stunning scenery. This is the end of your journey — chapeau!

Points of interest

1

Cathedral of Santa María la Real

The Gothic cathedral of Pamplona, Santa María la Real stands out for its imposing façade, its cloister and its rich religious history, nestled in the heart of the old town.

Photo : © Mina Sohn

2

Monastery of Leyre

The Monastery of Leyre, historic heart of the Kingdom of Navarre, famed for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture and its impressive Gregorian chants

Photo : © Helio Digital

3

Castle of Javier

Self-guided or audio-guided tour

An emblematic site of Navarre, the Castle of Javier offers self-guided or audio-guided tours. They allow you to explore its medieval history, architecture and the life of Saint Francis Xavier

4

Tour and tasting of Roncal cheeses

At Ekia in Isaba, enjoy a tasting of artisanal cheeses from the Roncal Valley. The experience combines discovering traditional production methods with the authentic flavours of the region.

5

Cathedral of Sainte-Marie d'Oloron

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie d’Oloron stands out for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture, its historic cloister and its artistic richness, bearing witness to centuries of religious heritage in the region.

Photo : © AFCC JJ Gelbart

6

La Pâtisserie Artigarrède

The Pâtisserie Artigarrède in Oloron-Sainte-Marie offers artisanal Basque cakes and Béarnais macarons, blending tradition with creativity. These regional specialities provide an authentic gastronomic experience.

Photo : © Pierre Alex

7

Formigal: Ski resort and unspoilt nature

A historic ski resort in the Pyrenees, Formigal combines slopes for all levels with unspoilt nature. It offers adventures, spectacular landscapes and outdoor experiences all year round.

8

Sallent de Gállego: Picturesque village

This picturesque Pyrenean village stands out for its cobbled lanes, traditional architecture and striking natural setting. A warm atmosphere reigns, an authentic reflection of Aragonese rural life.

9

Hoz de Jaca: Viewpoint over Lake Búbal

Hoz de Jaca, a true panoramic balcony overlooking Lake Búbal, offers spectacular views over the valley, the surrounding mountains and the Pyrenean countryside in all its splendour.

10

Jaca: Tour of the 16th-century fortress

Jaca offers a walking tour of its 16th-century fortress, unique for its star shape. The visit combines military history, Renaissance architecture and panoramic views over the historic centre.

By air

Pampelune (PNA) – liaisons nationales (Madrid).

Biarritz (BIQ) – vols internationaux européens.

Bilbao (BIO) – principal hub international du nord de l’Espagne.

Toulouse (TLS) – grand aéroport international du sud de la France.

Saragosse (ZAZ) – connexions nationales et quelques lignes européennes.

By train

Pampelune : connexion AVE (grande vitesse) via Saragosse–Madrid–Barcelone.

Oloron-Sainte-Marie : train régional depuis Pau.

Jaca : liaison ferroviaire régionale depuis Saragosse.

By car

Autoroutes AP-15 et A-21 (Navarre–Jaca).

Autoroute A-64 (France, axe Toulouse–Bayonne).

Col du Somport : tunnel international reliant l’Espagne et la France.

Pamplona

Fêtes de San Fermín à Pampelune (juillet)

Messes grégoriennes au Monastère de Leyre (toute l’année)

 

Oloron and Biescas

Marché traditionnel : hebdomadaire

Jaca

Semaine Culturelle : août

Roncal

Foire du fromage de Roncal : été

Fêtes médiévales de Sos del Rey Católico : août

Apart from the main cities on this route, the other destinations remain off the beaten track . While the busiest period runs from June to September in Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Pamplona, the rest of the itinerary is free from mass tourism , offering welcome tranquillity even in high season.

Travel better, all year round

Travelling better means choosing tourism that is more respectful of the land and the people who bring it to life. Through these routes, the project invites you to slow down, to immerse yourself in the landscapes, to meet the locals and to value traditional know-how, while adopting responsible and sustainable practices.

Meeting points with North-South getaways

Mas la Coromina.

The Flavour Trail

Jour 4 : Camping Asolazé. Situé au cœur de la Vallée de Roncal, entouré de paysages montagneux.

Jours 5 et 6 : Camping Ezcaba. Situé dans une zone montagneuse de grande beauté à cinq minutes de Pampelune.

Jour 7 : Camping Baztan. Dans la Vallée de Baztan entourée de nature et de villages précieux.

Jour 8 : Camping Pyrénées Nature. Situé au pied des Pyrénées entouré de nature, dans un environnement relaxant et agréable.

Abbaye St-Martin du Canigou

The Cultural Crossing

Étape 3 : PAYS BASQUE NORD : Saint-Jean-de-Luz – Urdax

Étape 4 : VALLÉE DU BAZTÁN : Urdax – Pampelune

Étape 5 : PAMPELUNE

Étape 6 : Roncevaux : Pampelune – Roncevaux

Étape 7 : VALLÉE DE SALAZAR : Roncevaux – Ochagavía

Étape 8 : VALLÉE DE RONCAL : Ochagavía – Irati – Isaba

Étape 9 : BELAGUA : Isaba – Oloron-Sainte-Marie

 

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The Pyrenees:
High Summits Edition

Hendaye-Perpignan

Semaine 1

  • Pamplona
  • Abodi
  • Jaca
  • Lumbier