Roncal-Erronkari Valley

The Roncal-Erronkari Valley is a mountain valley in eastern Navarre where the Ezka River flows from north to south between high ridges. Seven small villages sit scattered along the river and across the slopes, forming this joined rural territory that borders France and Aragon.

This valley took shape as shepherds and farmers settled to use the mountain pastures and river lands for raising livestock. Over centuries, the seven villages developed a shared system to manage community affairs and coordinate their shared resources.

The people here maintain strong Basque roots that show in how houses are built, the way locals dress during celebrations, and how they speak to each other. Place names and everyday words carry Basque origins and continue to shape daily life across the seven villages.

This area is easy to explore on foot, but be ready for steep mountain paths that need solid hiking boots for safe walking. The best time to visit is from May through September when weather is more stable and most trails are clear of deep snow.

This region is known for making Roncal cheese, a local sheep milk product with official protection that only comes from here. The cheese ages for months in cool cellars using methods passed down through generations of local producers.