The village of Larrau, the Olhadubi gorges and the Holzarte footbridge

Nestling below the Pic d'Orhy, the highest peak in the Basque Country, Larrau is without doubt one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Although very small in size and the starting point for many walks, it is nonetheless very interesting. With its slate roofs, steep streets and lush green hills, Larrau has a very soothing mountain atmosphere. Heritage lovers can admire the beautiful Romanesque church of Saint Jean-Baptiste, built in 1193 and listed as a historic monument in 2003. Price: audioguide €2 for 45 minutes (self-guided tour). A superb tour that gives you a real feel for the authenticity of Soule.

Larrau is still steeped in the tradition of pastoralism, the ancestral practice of taking livestock to higher ground in summer to free up the valley meadows and stock up on grass and hay for the winter. During these transhumances, which last from May/June to September, the shepherds and shepherdesses live with their herds in huts known in Soulain ** as "cayolar" or "olha"**. It is in these huts that they make their special tasting summer cheeses. To find out more about this activity, why not visit a mountain pasture? Shepherd Francis Pineau presents his skills and welcomes you from 9am to 1pm to his cayolar near the Holzarte gorges (accessible by car or a 2-hour walk away). For more information, call 06 70 63 77 11

If you're looking for good local cuisine in an idyllic setting, the Logis Hôtel Etchemaite not only offers charming rooms, but also a beautiful restaurant with a superb view of the surrounding mountains. The dishes are simple, good and affordable. We love the plate of local ewe's milk cheeses accompanied by red fruit jam.

The municipality is also home to one of the most extraordinary sites in the region: the Olhadubi Gorge, an impressive canyon carved out by the river Olhadoko Erreka, and crossed by the famous Holzarté Bridge, a 70-metre-long suspension bridge. From a height of 150 metres, from which you can only guess at the depths of the canyon, it offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding countryside and the astonishing sensation of hovering above the void. Those prone to vertigo are warned! The suspension bridge was built in 1920 to enable loggers to reach the forests on the other side quickly.

One thing's for sure, hiking enthusiasts are in for a treat! The start of the path leading to the footbridge is at L'auberge Logibar, on the D26, 14 km from Tardets. A car park is available. The route (very well signposted) leads up the Olhadoko Erreka river, which winds its way through the gorges, before climbing into the forest and taking you on an enchanting journey, bathed in the fresh scent of moss and the sound of waterfalls tumbling down the rock faces.

The panoramic view of the mountains that awaits you at the finish more than makes up for the physical effort. When, depending on the weather, the summits are shrouded in mist, the scenery changes from superb to magical. But beware: exceptional sites mean exceptional crowds! In summer, the trail is extremely busy, especially in the afternoon. To experience a moment of mystical communion with the forest, it's best to get up (very!) early and embark on a morning hike.