Best attractions and places to see around Montory, a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France, highlight its natural beauty and proximity to the French Basque Country and Pyrénées mountains. The region offers a variety of attractions, from impressive gorges and mountain passes to cultural sites. Montory serves as a gateway to diverse landscapes and historical points of interest in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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beautiful climb starting from the valley of Larrau. Count 21km but the bulk of the elevation gain starts in Saint Engrace
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The road is relatively quiet and slopes gently downhill.
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Located at an altitude of 630 meters, nestled in a green setting surrounded by gorges and peaks, the village of Sainte-Engrâce is a charming mountain village in the Basque Country. In addition to its 11th-century Romanesque church, don't miss the famous Kakuetta Gorges or the sublime Verna Cave.
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I would not recommend right now. They recently did a chip and seal so a LOT of loose gravel. I live in the area and even the road to Osse en Aspe.
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A very irregular climb, with even a descending passage, which gives the opportunity to recover after a few slightly steeper passages. But not really any big difficulty on this pass.
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Culminating at 1,540 meters above sea level, the Soudet pass is one of the first to be encountered from the Atlantic coast. The various climbs that lead to it are relatively long and maintain low average percentages despite a few passages around 10%.
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Very pretty section along the Gave de Larrau. The road meanders along the curves of the river flowing in the bottom of the valley.
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If you come from the south (Col du Soudet) you almost fly over it.
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Visitors particularly enjoy the expansive vistas from Panorama 360°, which offers views of peaks like Pierre Saint Martin and Pic d'Orhy. Another favorite is the scenic drive Along the Gave de Larrau, known for its quiet road and gentle slopes winding by the river. The region is also famous for its impressive natural gorges, such as the Gorges de Kakoetta and Gorges d'Holzarté, which are easily accessible from Montory.
Yes, the area features several notable mountain passes. The Soudet Pass, culminating at 1,540 meters, is known for its long climbs with low average percentages. Another is Labays Pass, which offers an irregular but scenic climb. These passes are popular for cycling and offer stunning mountain scenery.
The charming mountain village of Sainte-Engrâce is a must-see, featuring an 11th-century Romanesque church nestled over 600 meters above sea level. Beyond Montory, the region boasts historic towns like Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a significant stop on French pilgrim routes, and Navarrenx, a traditional fortified bastide town.
Absolutely. The village of Sainte-Engrâce is considered family-friendly, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Its proximity to the Kakuetta Gorges and the Verna Cave provides exciting exploration opportunities for families. The scenic drives and gentle trails in the valleys also offer pleasant outings for all ages.
Montory is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, with options like the 'Loop along the green of Arette' or the 'Ahusquy Inn – Tardets loop'. For running, there are trails such as 'At the summit of Erretzu' or the 'Col de Labays loop'. Explore more options for road cycling, running, and general cycling around Montory.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like Panorama 360°. Many appreciate the quiet and scenic roads, such as Along the Gave de Larrau, ideal for a peaceful experience. The unique charm of the Romanesque church in Sainte-Engrâce also receives high remarks for its surprising interior and mountain setting.
Yes, the region is renowned for its impressive natural formations. Near Sainte-Engrâce, you can explore the famous Kakuetta Gorges and the sublime Verna Cave, offering unique underground and canyon experiences.
The region around Montory is generally best enjoyed from spring through autumn for outdoor activities. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable for exploring the gorges, mountain passes, and trails. While some attractions are accessible year-round, winter can bring snow to higher elevations, impacting accessibility for certain routes and passes.
Yes, the extensive Forêt d'Iraty, located approximately 24 km from Montory, is a significant natural attraction known for its beauty and offers opportunities for forest walks and enjoying nature.
When cycling passes like Soudet Pass, be prepared for long climbs, though often with low average percentages. For Labays Pass, be aware that the climb can be irregular. Always check road conditions, as some areas might have loose gravel, especially after maintenance.
For a truly expansive view, head to Panorama 360° from the top of Erretzu. From here, you can see peaks like Pierre Saint Martin, Issarbe, Pic d'Orhy, and even the distant Pic d'Ossau.


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