Discover the Iraty forest, the natural jewel of the Basque Country

Iraty is not only the name of a famous Basque cheese (Ossau-Iraty), it’s also a magnificent forest clinging to the Pyrenees mountains. Friendly hikers and nature lovers, let us guide you along the paths of the Iraty forest, the largest beech forest in Europe!

A journey to the roots of the Basque Country

Perched on the slopes of the Pyrenees, on either side of the Franco-Spanish border, the Iraty forest is the largest beech forest in Western Europe. Framed by the summit of Okabe and the Pic d’Orhi, the Iraty forest extends over some 17,000 ha between Soule (Larrau), Lower Navarre (Mendive) and Spanish Navarre. In the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, covered with beech and fir trees as far as the eye can see, this thousand-year-old forest massif in the Basque country is home to griffon vultures, deer and roe deer, but also, according to legend, a legendary wild man and fantastic creatures half fairy, half lute.

Hiking in the Iraty forest

Starting out from Larrau, a small mountain village nestled at the foot of the Pic d’Orhi, there are several hiking trails through the Iraty forest. Here are just a few of them.

The Pic des Escaliers via the Chalets d’Iraty: a beautiful loop from the Chalets d’Iraty to the summit of Arthanolatze and the Pic des Escaliers. Highlight of the hike: views of the Pyrenean chain, the Arbailles forest and the landscape stretching from Mauléon to Oloron.

• Start in Larrau, distance: 7.5 km, duration: 3h30.

From the Col d’Orgabidexka to the Iraty ski resort: a short, easy hike to the Organbidexka ridge, a bird migration mecca. The highlight of the hike is the panoramic view of the Pic d’Orhy, rising to 2,000 m (the highest peak in the Basque Country), the Pic d’Anie and the neighbouring peaks of Béarn.

• Start in Larrau, distance: 3 km, duration: 1h20.

Lac d’Iraty: from the chalets d’Iraty, this trail follows the GR10 down to Lac d’Iraty. An easy loop with a beautiful forest section. Highlight of the hike: the discovery of Lac d’Iraty and its dam, and the view of the ridges overlooking the valley.

• Departure from Chalets d’Iraty (Col de Bagargiak), distance: 11 km, duration: 3h30.

Meet the wild man of the Pyrenees

The Basajaun(Basa Jaun or Baxajaun, meaning “Lord of the forest” in Basque) is a legendary creature that lives in the Basque Pyrenees, particularly in the Iraty forest. A fast runner, he has the appearance of a wild, hairy man, and hides in the depths of the forest or in caves. The Iraty massif is also inhabited by laminak, the little goblins of Basque mythology, half fairies, half elves. Essentially nocturnal creatures, these spirits of nature often gather under stone bridges, beside fountains and rivers.

Did you know?

For a long time, the Iraty forest was one of the most remote and mysterious parts of the Basque Country, and one that was difficult to access and little exploited. In the 17th century, Cardinal Richelieu, anxious to supply the kingdom with wood for shipbuilding, began exploiting the forests of the Pyrenees. The Iraty forest was the first to be exploited. The trunks of these giant hardwoods were used to make masts for the ships of the Royal Navy.

Things to see and do near Iraty forest

The Holzarte footbridge: in the commune of Larrau, the vertiginous Holzarte footbridge overlooks the Olhadubi gorges, 180 metres above the void. A spectacular site accessible to all hikers, whether beginners or advanced.

Gorges de Kakuetta: near the village of Sainte-Engrâce, the Gorges de Kakuetta – nicknamed the “little Amazon” of upper Basque Soule – are among the wildest in Europe.

Looking for a campsite in the Basque country, near Larrau and the Iraty forest? The ideal starting point for discovering the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, our 4-star Le Biper Gorri campsite in Espelette welcomes you between ocean, mountain and forest. It’s the perfect place to soak up nature in the Basque Country!

photo@Coline Buch