Larrau (Basque: Larraine) is a small village and commune in the department Pyrénées-Atlantiques in the French Basque Country. It is located in the mountainous, high-altitude province of Soule (Zuberoa), the smallest of the seven Basque provinces.
The village is a popular base for hikers and nature lovers looking to explore some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pyrenees.
Understand
[edit]Larrau is one of the most remote and sparsely populated communes in the region. Its identity is deeply rooted in the pastoral traditions of Soule, with a strong Basque culture and its own distinct dialect. The economy relies on agriculture, particularly sheep farming, and a growing tourism sector focused on outdoor adventures.
The surrounding landscape is characterised by deep canyons (gorges), vast forests, and high peaks, including the iconic Pic d'Orhy.
Get in
[edit]Due to its remote, mountainous location, Larrau is only accessible by car – or by foot: GR 10 passes close. The main road is the winding D26, which connects it to nearby villages. Be prepared for narrow roads and hairpin turns, especially when approaching the trailheads for local attractions.
Get around
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A car is essential for reaching the starting points for hikes and other sights, which are often located several kilometres outside the village itself. The main activities are done on foot.
See
[edit]- Holzarté Suspension Bridge (Passerelle d'Holzarté) (accessed from a car park (Logibar) about a 45–60-min hike away.).
- Gorges d'Olhadubi (Olhadubi Canyon) (the canyon crossed by the Holzarté bridge.).
- Pic d'Orhy (Orhy Peak) (trailhead accessible from the Port de Larrau road.).
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- Logis Auberge de L'Espérance, Le Bourg, 64560 Larrau, ☏ +33 5 59 28 61 03. A hotel and restaurant in the village, serving as a good base for exploring the area.
- 1 Auberge Logibar, Quartier Logibar, D26, 64560 Larrau, ☏ +33 5 59 28 61 14. Altitude 375 m. Dormitory beds from €17, half board from €50. Check-in from 17:00. Bus 60 serves the location.
- 2 Gîte d'étape Chalets d'Iraty, D19, 64560 Larrau, ☏ +33 5 59 28 51 29. Key pickup and payment are handled at Col Héguichouria, 1 km before the site. There is a restaurant and bird observation post 500 m further on.
- 3 L'aire Naturelle de Camping. Natural campground with 50 pitches, located 3 km before the Chalets by the stream. Open June-October. Fresh bread available by reservation from 08:30.
- 4 Gîte d'étape Kaskoleta. Altitude 615 m. Offers 13 beds in 3 rooms plus a holiday apartment for 4. A scenic viewpoint with an information panel is 5 minutes away.
Connect
[edit]Go next
[edit]- Iraty Forest (Forêt d'Iraty) – One of the largest beech forests in Western Europe, straddling the border between France and Spain.
- Sainte-Engrâce – A nearby village known for the impressive Grotte de la Verna (one of the largest show caves in the world) and its beautiful Romanesque church.
- Spain – The Port de Larrau mountain pass leads into the Salazar Valley in the Spanish region of Navarre.