The best walks and hikes around Mendive

Perched atop the wind-swept Col de Bagargiak at an elevation of over 1,300 meters, Les Chalets d'Iraty is a charming mountain resort nestled right at the edge of the sprawling Iraty Forest. Operating as a cozy base for winter sports and a vibrant outdoor hub during the summer months, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for hikers on the GR10 or HRP. Trekkers can find well-equipped wooden chalets, dormitory-style rooms, a small grocery shop for essential resupplies, and a warm restaurant serving hearty local Basque dishes. It stands out as an inviting, comfortable oasis high in the Pyrenees where you can rest your legs, enjoy stunning mountain views, and recharge before tackling the next tough stage.

Lake Iraty (Lac d'Iraty) a Peaceful Mountain Reservoir. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Basque mountains, Lake Iraty (Lac d'Iraty) is a serene reservoir surrounded by the vast beech canopy of the Iraty Forest. The calm, clear waters mirror the rolling green hills, making it one of the most picturesque stops along the surrounding trails.

Beyond the relaxing beauty of its vast green landscapes, the Plateau d'Iraty-Cize offers fantastic facilities for hikers and travelers looking to unwind. On site, you will find a cozy local restaurant and a cheese dairy where you can sample regional specialties, as well as a dedicated bivouac area where you can pitch your tent. It is the perfect blend of natural tranquility, practical amenities, and affordable camping in the heart of the Pyrenees.

Right next to the rustic and unkempt Aterbea emergency shelter, you will find a separate building housing the public bathrooms and showers. In striking contrast to the shelter itself, this facility is remarkably clean, bright, and welcoming. Likely designed to serve the adjacent camper and van bivouac area, it is clearly very well-maintained, offering a surprisingly comfortable and refreshing pit stop for anyone passing through or setting up camp for the night.

The Aterbea, a basic gîte non gradé situated right alongside the road, is an extremely simple and unmaintained shelter. Inside, you will find only bare concrete slabs for beds, a crude wooden table, and a single chair, making for a rather dirty and uninviting space where cars often park directly in front of the entrance. Since it truly serves as a bare-bones emergency refuge, it is best reserved for severe weather when you need immediate protection from heavy rain or freezing cold. If conditions are decent, your best option is to cross the road and head slightly down toward the river, where you will find a far more pleasant area to pitch your tent. With plenty of fresh water nearby, this spot makes for a wonderfully peaceful bivouac that, while popular with camper vans, is also widely used and enjoyed by tent campers.

Chalet Pedro. This spot offers a wonderful contrast depending on what kind of experience you are looking for! The restaurant side transforms into an elegant local gathering place. You will see well-dressed French patrons arriving for a long, relaxed lunch under the pleasant shade of the foliage. If you are coming off the trail and looking for something quick and low-key, head over to the bar. If you ask politely, they will gladly serve you sandwiches, ice cream, and cold drinks. The owners don't speak much English, but they understand both French and Spanish well, so basic communication is easy enough! Conveniently, there are public restrooms available right outside the bar area.

Breathtaking view of the Iraty massif and its forest, the Orly peak, as well as the first Béarnais summits, Anie, Table des trois rois, Ansabère …

Pretty little lake located in the forest, at the edge of the road.