Biarritz to Saint Jean Pied de Port

I am currently relaxing away from the incredible heat (above 31 C) in our host's flat in Pau. But I have not updated for a while so I wanted to first say something about our trip from Biarritz to SJPdP. This was one of the best rides so far in the trip. Beautiful landscape with streams, and hills (steep), and many Basque villages to go through. One in particular that we wanted to stop at was Ainhoa. We stopped and rested and had some local pastries, called Gateau basque, and coffee.

Church in Ainhoa

We then travelled from Ainhoa through the hills to Saint Jean Pied de Port. This is a major pilgrimage town because it is on a historical route through the mountains. The old part of the city is walled and the b&b I arranged for our stay is within the old walls, with cobblestone roads, etc. After dinner we walked along the walls and looked through the arrow slits.

From SJPdP we rode to Pau. We have stayed a couple days now in a flat with four others. Our primary hostess just finished a 3 month bike tour through Europe with her brother and a friend. They have been great. Last night she showed me how to make chocolate mousse and duck. It was great after a very hard ride through the mountains (without bags) into the mountains. We did the The Col d'Aubisque (pictures to come).

Right now we are getting ready to leave Pau. We are taking the train to Lourdes and then a short ride to our hotel in Argeles-Gazost.