The Flyschs: between geological peculiarity and medieval legend

During your stay in Guipuzcoa, you absolutely must go between Zumaia and Deba, and admire the folded cliffs that emerge from the bottom of the ocean in a very special way! This is an exceptional and relatively rare geological phenomenon. So unique that a Geopark has been created to highlight and protect these remarkable cliffs.

the   Basque Country is a favorable territory for these formations, there are several sites where to observe the Flyschs. On the French side, if you go to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, you can see these geological folds between the tip of Sainte-Barbe and the Erromardie beach, but also at the Pile d'Assiettes, along the ledge leading to Hendaye. As for the Spanish side, from Zumaia to Deba there are many points of view to discover this rocky peculiarity.

Depending on the time available, your level of sport and endurance, it is possible for you to make a 16km hike, between Zumaia and Deba, and to enjoy dizzying and unusual points of view, or to make stops on certain places where you can contemplate them.

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What are Flyschs?

Of German origin, this word comes from the verb fliessen , which means to flow. By observing this phenomenon, you will quickly understand that this terminology is quite appropriate. The strata, whether visible or underwater, result from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits. This phenomenon is the result of the movement of at least two continental tectonic plates.

Zoom on the thin layers similar to a mineral millefeuille

Without going into too much technical detail, just know that these geological formations are mainly located on the ocean or in the Alps.

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From Zumaia to Deba by the coastal road

Meeting with the Flyschs

The coastal road, from Zumaia to Deba, has been very well thought out! If you are not great walkers, if you do not have the time you still want to enjoy this incredible landscape, areas allow you to park for a few moments to admire the Flyschs. They spring from the depths of the ocean and end in mineral lines more or less submerged depending on where you are (and the tide).

Zumaia, its beach, its dikes… and its flyschs!

The combination of these two caves and the fog almost gives the landscape an eerie air.

Find your way thanks to the orientation table and understand an exceptional natural environment

Take the time to contemplate the liveliness of the ocean and the flyschs

The legend of Deba's spinner

As you follow the coastal road along the Cantabrian Sea, do not miss the Deba area. Signs have been installed to share with visitors the legend of the Spinner.

Let yourself be told the legend of the spinner

Basque culture is rich in myths, legends and traditions. This one tells that in the Middle Ages, a woman lived with her daughter (Katalintxu), considered the most beautiful in the country. One day, during a walk on the beach, she met a young French man being mistreated by sailors. She saved him, brought him home, they fell in love during his convalescence.

Feelings change between the two young people, but bad news arises...

Gaston was ordered to return home to France, alone. The separated lovers were very sorry. They vowed to meet again, being patient until death if necessary. Katalintxu could not bear the separation, fell ill with grief. While his mother was at his bedside, a servant arrived to announce the young man's death in the war. The young girl died of her grief, 4 days later and her mother, so unhappy, began to serve the poor and the sick.  

"The Flysch route", a 16km hike

If you like hiking, don't hesitate any longer and follow the Route du Flysch! This 16 km walk , with a drop of about 800m , offers exotic and breathtaking panoramas. Sometimes we overlook the ocean, and a few minutes later we reach the coast to appreciate the varied landscapes, between mountains, greenery, cliffs and ocean waves.

The diversity of the environment invites you to take a few photo breaks or simply to enjoy these idyllic horizons, worthy of the most beautiful postcards, while breathing the fresh sea air.

Breathtaking panoramas and an incredible landscape

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150km long, the Biscayan coast is a real gem! Made up of pretty fishing villages (Orio, Bermeo, Elantxobe, Mundaka, etc.) and crossed by the legendary hiking trail leading to Santiago de Compostela, it offers you a variety of activities and tours. Its golden sand beaches are the delight of holidaymakers, eager for warmth and relaxation. The more athletic will set off to conquer the ocean by practicing surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming. 

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Article and photos prepared by Charline Prod'homme, La Plume Digitale

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