Pas de Roland

Itxassou

South of Itxassou, the Nive emerges from a defile between dark rocks. A rock there is pierced by a narrow passage, which the road follows. The Basques call it Atekagaitz, the ‘bad passage’. The French name comes from a legend: in 778, Roland, nephew of Charlemagne, rode back up towards the passes and found a rock across his path. With a stamp of its hoof, his horse opened the passage; another version has him cut the stone with his sword Durandal. Roland died shortly afterwards at Roncevaux. Paul Sébillot cited in 1904 this ‘botte’ of Roland marked on a rock between Louhossoa and Itxassou, among the marvellous footprints of the Carolingian heroes. The most sober explanation is a natural collapse of the rock, enlarged by people for a mule track. The site remains a family walk beside the water, beneath the vultures of the cliffs.

Tourisme 64 — itinéraire Atharri, le Pas de Roland ↗

Getting there: Park in the village of Itxassou (central car parks, pelota court, Ateka Sanoki car park). A tarmac road follows the Nive for about 3 km to the Pas de Roland, then to the hamlet of Laxia; less than 70 m of ascent, suitable for pushchairs. Free access. Pastoral area: close the gates behind you.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound