We'll start with a visit to Espelette, world-famous for the chilli pepper used by chefs everywhere. The village lies on the border between the provinces of Labourd and Basse Navarre. This is not just a historical boundary, but also a geological one, as the landscape changes and we enter a mountainous area.

Nearby is the lovely village of Ainhoa, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, where your guide will introduce you to Basque culture and social organisation. The theme of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela will also be in the spotlight at this Bastide, created in the 13th century to settle the population and provide a stopover for pilgrims.

We'll then set off on an adventure along charming mountain paths, where every bend offers a new source of wonder. Pas de Roland is one of the pleasant surprises, with its rocky gorge and the tumultuous La Nive river running through it. The romantic landscape is the subject of many legends, but its name refers to a very real page in history when Charlemagnes' nephew folded to the Basque warriors. In this part of the tour, you can admire the inhabitants of our mountains: vultures, ewes and pottoks, Basque horses with prehistoric origins.

We'll reach St Jean Pied de Port, a magnificent 12th-century fortified town, capital of Lower Navarre and a key stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The steep pedestrian streets are perfect for a Lunch break in one of the many restaurants. Afterwards, take a stroll to discover the history of this bastide town and do some shopping.

We'll continue on to the village of Irouléguy, famous for its vineyards and estates. They were originally dedicated to the monks of the Spanish monastery of Roncesvalles and the pilgrims of Santiago de Compostela. Between history and tasting, this stopover will delight the curious and gourmets alike.

A few kilometres further on, we'll visit St Etienne de Baïgorry, a splendid village in lower Navarre, and admire the changing landscape and architecture of this province nestled in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Your guide will explain the history of Navarre, the Wars of Religion and, more locally, that of the Cagots.

We will end the day with a return trip to the coast..