Le Puy Camino - Aire sur l'Adour to the Pyrenees

On arrival make your way to your hotel in either Aire or Barcelonne. Aire sur l'Adour is separated into two parts, with the lower section by the river and dominated by the cathedral of St Jean Baptiste, and the high town or Mas d'Aire which is dominated by the Eglise de Sainte Quitterie. Neighbouring Barcelonne is located on the banks of the Adour river and is known for its AOC Saint-Mont wine and rich architectural and historical heritage. The remainder of the day is free to explore before dinner at your hotel.

You'll wander through lush green countryside with hamlets and ancient buildings such as medieval chapels and wash-houses (“lavoirs”). The snow-capped Pyrenees come into view as you enter the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department. Pass the magnificent 11th century Church of Miramont Sensacq, formerly dedicated to St James. Overnight Miramont-Sensacq. Distance: 20km/12.5mi, +416m/1364ft, -253m/830ft

Today the trail continues through the beautiful Béarn region. With the Pyrenees to the south, you'll cross rolling hills, pass the town of Arzacq Arraziguet, a bastide town built in the 11th century with two main squares and two “lavoirs, and many villages such as Louvigny. Distance 26km/16mi, +481m/1578ft, -437m/1433ft

Today your walk takes you to Larreule with its Benedictine Monastery and then Uzan, where you can visit the beautiful rural church of Sainte Quitterie and a stone fountain. From Pomps you continue to Arthez-de-Béarn, with its distinctive Basque architecture. Stay tonight in Arthez-de-Béarn. Distance 19km/11.8mi, +230m/755ft, -271m/890ft

For this stage, the route passes through woods, churches and chapels before reaching the small village of Maslacq. Later the trail passes a sanctuary and former monastery, La Sauvelade. Distance: 20.5km/12.8mi, +361m/1184ft, -390m/1280ft

The undulating trail takes you through quiet rural scenes to reach the town of Navarrenx, the first in France to be fortified with Italian style ramparts. Another great day's walk through the last of the Béarnais countyside on this route, crossing small streams and ascending fields and wooded trails. En route you pass a pâté producer (Jean Haget) and the Mongaston Castle, before reaching the small village of Lichos, the birthplace of Saint-Grat, Bishop of Oloron. You have now crossed over into the Basque region of France. Overnight in Aroue-Ithorots-Olhaïby. Please note our usual accommodation has a private shower however the other facilities are shared. Distance 30km/18.6mi, +431m/1414ft, -552m/1811ft Option: if the full distance to Aroue is too long, you can split today and stay overnight in Navarrenx. This must be requested at time of booking and a supplement applies. Distance to Navarrenx: 11km/6.88mi and from Navarrenx to Aroue: 19.50km/12.2mi.

The walk today takes you via the Eglise d'Olhaiby along rural trails to Saint Palais, a cultural town which plays host to colourful festivals and markets. Here the street signs are in the Basque language which is typical of the region. This is also the entry point into the Lower Navarre, formerly the Kingdom of Navarre. There are a number of sights to visit including a museum containing historic pilgrim relics and a statue of St James the pilgrim. Be aware: the usual accommodation is a little off the GR65 (approx 4.5km north, included in today's distance). Note: dinner is not included tonight if your stay is on a Fri, Sat or Sun evening. Distance 26km/16.2mi, +370m/1213ft, -577m/1893ft

During your walk today you will pass the Stelle de Gibraltar, where all the Camino routes from France meet. Continue across rolling countryside before reaching the chapel of Soyarce where you will get amazing views over the Pyrenees. Next you will reach the village of Ostabat-Asme, today a small village but an important stop for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Dependent on availability, at times we use a hotel in Larceveau, 2km further along the trail. Distance 11km/6.8mi, +380m/1246ft, -397m/1302ft

Your last walking day! The trail leads you through the Basque countryside and along the D933, through the valley and on old paths either side of the road. En route you pass the sights of pilgrims' hospitals and the Croix de Galzetaburia at the crossing of Roman roads to mark the entry of secondary routes onto the Via Podiensis. Passing the villages of Mongelos and Bussanarits you reach Donazaharre with its church of St Pierre. Soon you'll enter the pretty pilgrimage town of St Jean Pied de Port via the Porte Saint-Jacques. At the foothills of the Pyrenees, it is a small border town but always busy with pilgrims, and traditionally an important point on the Camino. The routes from Paris, Vézelay and Le Puy-en-Velay meet at Saint-Jean, the last stop before the mountain crossing into Spain. Distance 22.5km/14mi, +397m/1302ft, -387m/1270ft (or 20km from Larceveau)

Trip concludes after breakfast in St Jean Pied de Port. With its ornate Basque style houses, wealth of sights to visit (Citadelle, Prison des Eveques, museums and churches, the various Portes (doors) and bridges over the river Nive), it is well worth spending extra time here to appreciate the historic significance of the town and celebrate the end of your walk. If you'd like to continue your Camino into Spain, please ask our team. We offer the Full Spanish Camino and also individual stages.