Educational path

Pierre Oteiza talks about the Basque pork breeding from the maternity to the feed lots on the mountain.
Nearly extinct and declared as an endangered species in 1981 by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Basque pig has survived thanks to the perseverance and commitment of a handful of local breeders

By the maternity pen the donkeys are waiting for the children to take a ride on the educational path and discover the breeding of the Basque pig.
The path stars in front of Pierre Oteiza’s shop and then leads to the mountain foothills where you discover the Basque pig herds under the shade of the trees.

The southern wind made you feel like you can touch the griffon vultures, kites or buzzards.

Going up, you will see down below le young pig on the slopes resting under the shade or a chestnut tree or next to their wooden shack.

In order to preserve the pastures and respect the nature each pig wears a ring on the snout. It enables them to find without searching deep in the ground.

See how the Basque pig sleeps and rest peacefully in the under the sun or in the shadow of a chestnut and oak tree.

During 8 months the Basque pig eats acorn, chestnuts, grass, roots and cereals.

Amazing view on Orrega (Roncesvalles) and Eznazu, close neighbourhood of Les Aldudes where pastoralism is transmitted from generation to generation.

Follow the path that leads to a balcony that overlooks the Valley.

Walking on the patch you will discover the mountain flora; gorse, heather, fern.

A silent break of contemplation
The most beautiful places are usually the most quiet places.

Make sure you have a snack before taking the path! There are table and benches available for you to take a well deserve gourmet break.

Thanks to a ring on the snout the Basques pigs can groom the slopes without damaging the ground.

A few steps away you should find the fox hole.

The bath built by 13 shepherds in 1960 in order to treat the herd before tranhumance. It was the first « bath » in the Valley.

Among the hundred-years-old oak trees, you will find the old path bordered by stones used to connect the three villages of Banca, Urepel and Les Aldudes.