LE PAS DE ROLAND
A 3 km walk through a legendary passageway, allowing you to regenerate in this generous and authentic natural setting.
This narrow passage, carved out of the rock in the gully of the Laxia, has a legendary image. Roland was Charlemagne's nephew. In August 778, as part of the rearguard of his army at war against the Saracens (actually Basques), he set off on horseback towards the pass that would enable him to drive them back into Spain. At the height of Itxassou, he rides along the Gave, but comes up against an impassable rock. That's when he grabs his ever-present sword, brandishes it and cuts a path for the soldiers. Durandal has saved them, and they can continue. Roland leaves his footprint on the rock. Unfortunately, braving the danger bravely and without escort, he was killed on the pass known as Col de Roncevaux, on August 12, 778 (the legendary hero is featured in the chanson de geste, La chanson de Roland). In any case, the superb scenery is well worth the effort of discovering this steep ascent, a narrow defile through which sometimes only one car can pass... So why not decide to do it on foot from Itxassou, or by bike, preferably with electric assistance! An unmissable walk of almost 3 km. A little further on, in around twenty minutes by car, you'll reach the Col des Veaux (a venta) on the border with Spain. Both bucolic and instructive, and ideal for regenerating in such a generous and authentic natural setting, this is a little corner of paradise accessible to all, close to the typical villages of Itxassou, Bidarray and Cambo-les-Bains.
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Members' reviews on LE PAS DE ROLAND
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Ce garer en amont car la route est très étroite et se garer n'est pas facile du tout.
Le rocher est une curiosité à voir
Le cadre est magnifique , la promenade très agréable .
Découvert sous un temps pluvieux , mais sous le soleil , ce doit être magique .
La ballade (très facile) longe une rivière jusqu'au fameux rocher percé, en contrebas de la route.
La visite permet d'allier promenade en plein air et petite leçon d'histoire pour les enfants!
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Vous pourrez également admirer le vol des vautours.
Mieux vaut laisser sa voiture sur les parkings avant d'effectuer la montée (les 64 sont prioritaires !lol!).