Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ainhoa is also a popular starting point for hikes into the hills. For a spectacular
village-and-valleys view, drive five minutes (or walk 90 sweaty minutes) up the steep dirt
road to the Chapelle de Notre-Dame d'Aranazau (“d'Aubepine” in French). Start in the
centralparkinglotdirectlyacrossthemainstreetfromthechurch,thenheadstraightuphill
into the clouds. Follow signs for
oratoire,
then count the giant white crosses leading the
way to the top. The chapel is occasionally closed, and cloudy days don't offer spectacular
views, but the ethereal experience is worth the steep detour for drivers.
• As you leave Ainhoa, you'll have to backtrack the way you came in to find the road to...
