Iraty and the gorges of Kakuetta

The Iraty Forest

The beautiful and mythical forest of Iraty covers over 20,000 hectares, approximately 2,500 hectars in France and the remaining 17,500 in Spain. An environment preserved and perfectly intact, greatly due to the previous inaccessibility of the region. As the remarkable flora and fauna have suffered little change, they provide a true look into the environmental history of the Basque lands.

Iraty follows tradition with pride

An immense herd of 15,000 sheep (brebis) along with their shepard head up to the mountains of Iraty in May for the rich summer grazing. The shepards stay in age old ‘cabanes,' which have endured since the prehistoric times. In November the herds are guided down the mountain sides to once again return to their homelands. Each year there is a presentation based upon the life and work of these extrodinary mountain shepards and their famed flocks. The Brebis cheese that is produced here, is of true quality as the craft is alive and well today.

On the way to Iraty, stop through the village of Saint engrace and the Gorges de Kakuetta

In the heart of the magnificent gorges, pass through mysterious trails, beautiful overhanging rocks, cliff sides and cavern tunnels. At the end of this magical walk, cross over to behold a mystical waterfall, emerald green and pure...a refreshing experience.

The nearby village of Larrau offers another way to the discover the gorges, a bit more daring, try the wooden bridge suspended a 150m above the river bed! Thrills gauranteed!