The 20 best outdoor activities to do in the French Basque Country

Going to Biarritz, Hendaye and Bayonne? Take a little air and relax with our selection of the 20 best outdoor activities to do in the French Basque Country!

South of the Adour, between Atlantic Coast, Pyrenees and Béarn , the Basque Country is a land of traditions with cross-cultural identity. Growing France and France Spain , it gathers at the same time coastal, dizzying mountains and beaten paths. In addition to the Basque pelote, this southern region is a real outdoor activity home in the heart of nature. Whether you're athletic or you're looking to make the most of your holiday, the Basque coast and its surroundings offer you great surprises! Here are the 20 best outdoor activities to do in the French Basque Country.

1. Surf

Surfing is the favorite sport in the Basque Country. The beaches of its coastline are known worldwide. Their sensational waves and the grandiose spectacle they offer make surfers dream forever.

With all the Basque beaches at your disposal, you will have the embarrassment of choice to slide on the wave. Here are the most famous sites:

• Biarritz : the historical capital of European surfing, the Biarritz spot satisfies all types of surfers for its diversity of waves;
• Anglet: the champions of the water slide are at the rendezvous on the beach of Anglet! Coming to face each year on its waters, a unique show is offered to spectators;
• Hendaye: naturally protected from strong swells, the beach of Hendaye is an ideal playground, with soft and filtered multi-pike waves;
• Bidart: its coastal village has everything to please and its premises are among the best surfers on the coast. The beach of Bidart is a popular area appreciated by surfers.

2. Paddle

The stand-up paddle, surf cousin, is one of the outdoor activities of the Basque Country not to miss!

In a fine mix of balance and relaxation in the open air, gently slide on the water and let you guide your board by the marine current. In addition to offering you a beautiful landscape, this sport is suitable for all ages. So you can enjoy the calm of the sea with family, provided that you can swim !

3. Sea Kayak

Isn’t this a perfect wedding? On the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, board alone or in duo in a Hawaiian kayak or canoe at the foot of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and explore the Basque coast.

Simple and easy, sea kayaking is also a public sporting activity and supervised in the day or sunset.

4. Jet ski

Add piquant to your aquatic expeditions by landing on a jet ski! On the back of your motorized mount, explore the Basque coast at all speeds.

From 16 years old, this activity is accessible to everyone: you will not need a boat permit. Guides will be pleased to brief you and coach you during your expedition at the front of the wild cliffs that stretch from Biarritz to Hendaye.

5. Dive

But maybe slipping on the water is not enough for you. Want to explore the underwater world of the coast? So try diving, one of the best outdoor activities to do in the Basque Country.

Many diving clubs are available to visit the depths of the Atlantic:

• Planet Ocean: located in Hendaye, the center offers various trainings, initiation to patents and apnea courses or “freediving”;
• USB Dive: In the heart of Biarritz, this association club is very well known in the diving world. Since its creation in 1961, it has seen many divers circulate in its waters;
• Blue Odyssey: In Socoa, in the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz-Ciboure, the diving school offers all kinds of training, explorations and courses of aquatic rescue.

6. Canoe Kayak

After exploring the deep seabed of the Basque Country, then explore the wild nature of its ecosystem!

A multitude of streams, rivers and live waters cross the region. Whether it’s the Gave d’Oloron at the edge of the Béarn or the river Nive joining Adour, it’s one of the best outdoor activities to discover the region freely while refreshing on the way!

7. Wakeboard

If you miss the water slide, then take a ride to Sames Lake!

Accessible from 8 years old, wakepark offers several disciplines to perfect during your stay. The kneeboard (sleeves), water-skiing and cable-rolled wakeboard will test your agility and reflexes for maximum adrenaline.

8. Rafting

Along the Nive, enjoy outdoor activities in the vivid waters of the Basque Country. To make river descents in inflatable boats, no need to be a professional. The rafting will allow you to discover the hidden landscapes of the region while making full of emotions.

With its playful approach, this activity is especially advisable to many holidaymakers because this sport is mainly practiced in groups, but it will be necessary for you to know how to swim .

9. Hydrospeed

At the crossroads of bobsleigh and rafting, hydrospeed is an unprecedented aquatic sport. Equipped with floats and palms, come and immerse yourself in the heart of the currents and rapids of the Nive.

This outdoor activity in the Basque Country is more physical than most of the sports we have cited but it does not require pre-training. If you like water, speed and waterfall, you now know how to spend your holidays!

10. Canyoning

In the middle of its preserved natural environment, immerse yourself in the narrow canyons of the Basque Country. Canyoning, cross-country sport walking, swimming and recalling, is the perfect cocktail to see the area under another day.

With jumps and slides in natural slides formed in the heart of ravines and gorges, full of strong sensations will piment your stay.

11. Spéléologie

In the company of a professional, visit the depths of the Basque basement, through the galleries of the caves and the most spectacular blows in the area.

• La Verna Cave: discovered in 1953, the cave has been open to the public since 2010;
• The cavities of Sare: present on the immense limestone site of Sare, this cavity network was the habitat of prehistoric men two million years ago;
• Les Grottes d’Isturitz et d’Oxocelhaya : In the foothills of the West Pyrenees, these two sites are prehistoric remains, where engravings, plates and clay constructions can be found.

12. Paragliding

Do you want to discover the region with an extra dose of adrenaline? Why not try the paragliding!

Climb to the top of the Pyrenees-Atlantic and realize everyone's dream, fly. Plan over the Basque landscape during a paragliding flight surrounded by enthusiasts who will share with you their love of sailing.

Whether you are beginners or confirmed, trainings will be made available to you to make the most of the activity according to your desires.

13. Helicopter

How long have you been dreaming of making your helicopter baptism? Don’t wait anymore, many companies in the region specialize in tourist and panoramic flights and baptisms.

With a high quality service and maximum safety, pilots will take you over the clouds, from morning to dusk, to discover the region from another angle.

14. Hiking

After all these emotions, relax and explore the lands of the Basque Country at your own pace! Hiking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the region, and because of this, it offers a wide range of beaten and marked trails that will allow you to explore its wild nature:

• The Holzarte Bridge: a dozen kilometres away, this hiking trail takes you to the heart of a green forest setting with streams and rivers. The highlight of the show is the homonymous gateway, a large bridge overlooking the gorges of Holzarte.
• The Rhune : this rendezvous at the top of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques will offer you a breathtaking view of the Basque Country in France and Spain.
• Chapel circuit in Aynhoa: In front of the Rhune, this superb course will allow you to take altitude and to observe the massif and the village of Ainhoa in its entirety.
• The coast of Biarritz: on the seafront, walk along the Miramar beach and the Plateau de l’Atalaye and discover the lighthouse of Biarritz, the Rock of the Virgin and the Beach of the Old Port.

15. Rackets

If you are staying in the Basque Country during the winter, why not try snowshoeing?

Indeed, in the heart of snow-covered forests or on the rocky reliefs of the Pyrenees-Atlantic, you can explore these landscapes immaculate with family and enter into communion with nature. In the forest of Iraty, on the plateau of Aneou or on the mountains of Issarbe, you will have the choice for your snowshoe expeditions.

16. ATV

Want to mix speed and hiking? Or maybe get away from the caps? What is more ideal than a mountain bike ride!

Discover the region smoothly and move freely. To rent a classic bike or its electric alternative, consult the tourist offices of the region or the rental shops like Les Roues de Lilou.

17. Quad

Advising adventurers, quad hikes are part of the outdoor activities of the Basque Country not to be missed. Between mountain and ocean, you will have the opportunity to get in touch with wildlife and cross technical fields in front of exceptional panoramas facing the Rhune and the Basque coast.

By groups of levels, monitors will be pleased to guide beginners and confirmed through the village of Bidart, the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the surroundings of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle.

18. Skate

You discovered surf and stand-up paddle. You will have understood it, the Basque Country is a very popular spot for surfers and lovers of slip. But did you know that the region also hosts many skaters?

If you feel like discovering this acrobatic sport, a multitude of famous skateparks are scattered throughout the Basque coast, especially in Mimizan and Saint Vincent de Tyrosse in Landes or Bayonne and Biarritz.

19. Accrobranche

In the Chiberta Forest, the Basque Country Sports Office opened its first acrobatic park in 2000. In a wooded area of 250 hectares, travellers will be able to indulge in the various attractions offered by the base. This unique playground offers a wide range of paths for every desire: monkey bridges, zip lines, jungle walkways, climbing nets, bridges and hanging rounds...

Little ones ( from 2 years ) to the greatest, each course is secured by a continuous and impossible line of life.

20. Viaferrata

Another adventure park, "Les vertiges de Bidarray" invites holidaymakers in a unique experience.

Combining hooks and via ferrata, this outdoor activity with high sensation will initiate you to mountain sport. Fly between rocky walls, trees and empty, ramps, scales and zip lines. Suitable for athletes as well as young people, this conviviality moment will close your stay.

You are now incollable on outdoor activities in the Basque Country. On land or at sea, Wanderlix wishes you a good stay!