The 12 most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country

Do you know the Basque Country like your pocket? Go on to discover the 12 most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country!

By visiting the Basque Country, the most famous destinations come to us immediately: Biarritz, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, The Rhune etc... It's for him. surf , a holiday in the sun or simply to party, you can quickly tour the area.

But the three provinces of Labourd, Soule and Lower Navarre are lands that have preserved their multicultural heritage. So that travelling in the various communes of the territory can disturb the Franco-Spanish distinction like the Grand East with the Germany . To discover new places in the Basque region, we have prepared a guide to facilitate your trip. Here are the 12 most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country!

1. Sare

Located at the foot of the Rhune and Axuria massifs, this Basque commune is a “ the most beautiful villages of the Hexagon “. This can be accessed through the Rhune Cremail train.

Gorgeous red dove houses embellish the alleys of the town. The oratory, the Ortillopitz House and the old farmhouse of Labourg are beautiful examples of local architecture. For speleology lovers, its prehistoric cave will take you to its megalithic park and its many rocky cavities.

2. Ainhoa

Near Sare, Ainhoa invites travellers in a picturesque classic setting in the region.

This village seduces for its aversion of urbanization in favor of a traditional Basque architectural style. Take a walk by admiring its houses with red and white facades and stop in one of the shopping clusters to taste local gastronomy.

3. La Bastide-Clairence

From the 14th century, La Bastide-Clairence is one of the most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country for its royal origins. Indeed, the town was founded by King Louis 1st of Navarre.

Houses with red and green reliefs, a central arcade square, handicraft workshops, the Bastide-Clairence is also known for its church Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption. Its particularity lies in its interior decorated with three floors of wooded galleries.

4. Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

On the path of the pilgrimage to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle , this village is a must in the circuit.

At first glance, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port also features the classic Basque style. But the interest of visiting the site is also in its fortifications and medieval heritage. By taking the tour of the citadel, you can enjoy the splendid panorama of the city and the Nive of Béherobia.

5. Espelette

We can’t talk about Espelette without mentioning its iconic piment! On the Basque tartine or chicken and basquaise omelette, this aroma comes to bark most of the region’s specialities.

But of course, the village itself is also worth a visit. Its typical Basque houses, its garlands and its festivities, all these criteria make Espelette one of the most beautiful villages in the French Basque Country.

6. Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle

In the province of Labourg, this small town of about 6,200 inhabitants is just steps from the sea. It is a perfect destination for a quiet holiday and by the water.

With a multitude of activities and leisure activities, we recommend that you take a stroll along the lake and visit its church and the ecomusée de la pelote and the Xistera Pilotari.

7. Itxassou

Itxassou is a village in the plain of Urzumu, Mondarrain and Artzamendi. An ideal landmark for hiking in the middle of nature, the town will cross the bright waters of the Nive and the green valleys.

But to visit this beautiful village of the French Basque Country, it is also to discover its love for cherry. Its star fruit was a feast in June. "Errobiko festibala", another festival taking place in July, also celebrates the culture of the region.

8. Ustaritz

If you want to try the Basque ball, so do it in its capital!

The village of Ustaritz would have created this mythical sport. If it is not for the sake of having concrete evidence, the commune celebrates this activity with fervour. With its famous school, the Kapito-Harri, you can discover the Basque ball alongside professionals.

Lota Castle is also worth a visit. Classified at “Historical Monuments”, this is the cultural centre of the Basque Country.

9. Urrugne

Considered as a village, Urrugne actually exceeds 5,000 hectares. Located on the beautiful Basque cornice and on the border Spanish , this commune is the home of a very rich heritage.

For your cultural visits, take a tour of Urtubie Castle, Soccori Chapel or Saint Vincent’s Church.

10. Arcangues

At the border of Anglet, visit Arcangues and its beautiful hilly village. From its picturesque central square, the commune is alive. The points of interest are well-known in his town hall and school with “blue-arcangue” flaps, the forehead, the Achtal inn at the large shale tables and the church of Saint-Jean-Baptise of Uhabia and its singular nave.

11. Bidart

Between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, this seaside resort will bring you back to the Basque coast.

This beautiful village of the French Basque Country promotes tourism with its diverse array of water activities and leisure activities such as surfing, horseback riding, Basque ball or golf.

But Bidart still retains its authenticity, with its place of the Saviour Atchoaren market, the old mill of Bassilou and the pelotian fronton.

12. Ciboure

Finish our circuit in beauty with the picturesque town of Ciboure. This small seaside resort at the gates of Saint-Jean-de-Luz seduces travellers for its old stone or wood-paned houses, fishing port and local products such as ttoro .

Music enthusiasts can also visit the home of Mauritius Ravel . Indeed, Ciboure is the homeland of the composer.

By taking you away from major destinations in the French Basque Country, you will always discover rare beads that will plunge you into the timeless traditions of the region.