The 20 things to do in the French Basque Country

Are you burning your desire to go to the Basque Country? Don’t wait! Discover the 20 essential things to do to visit the French Basque Country!

To relax in a beautiful setting, do not look too far! The French Basque Country is an ideal holiday destination for the richness of its environment. It offers both a beautiful coastline, wild landscapes bathed by the sun and the vertiginous mountains of Pyrenees-Atlantiques .

From the province of Labourd to Béarn, the Basque Country proudly bears its cultural blending. Indeed, this vast region is located at the gates of Spain. She shares her land with her since the Pyrenees Treaty in 1659. But still today, its traditions and history persist. Tourism is in full swing, especially among surf lovers and party enthusiasts in the soul. If you are part of these categories or you simply want to discover this region of the south, rejoice! To visit the French Basque Country, Wanderlix has prepared for you a selection of the must-sees not to be missed!

1. Bayonne

Holder of the “City of Art and History” label, Bayonne seduced for various reasons. The city walls and the Citadel are masterpieces signed by Vauban. Its narrow streets, shaded houses and chocolate workshops give it a picturesque face and a historical dimension.

Indeed, the rich heritage of the city leaves dreamy. From the Cathedral of Saint Mary to the Château-Vieux, it is 2,000 years of history that comes before us.

But Bayonne also speaks of her for her specialties. The chocolate days in May and the Easter Ham Fair celebrate its flagship products.

2. Biarritz

Let's go back to the Basque coast. At the heart of the Gulf of Gascogne, Biarritz is a world-leading land of surfers. And for cause, its beaches, protected from the swell, produce generous and powerful waves.

But this charming seaside resort also attracts for its varied tourist sites. In the city centre, its Cité de l’Océan and its aquarium will take you to the seabed. And if luck smiles, why don't you take a ride at the Barrière Casino!

3. Saint-Jean-de-Luz

With its fishing port and numerous artisanal shops, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a serenity paradise not to be missed to visit the French Basque Country.

Here, no question of borrowing the car to move. The streets are mostly pedestrian. So you can walk freely along the old armor building, colourful shops and music kiosk. Do not hesitate to take the coffee by the water and taste the macarons, mochous and kanougas of the area.

4. Surfing

You will understand, the Basque coast is very well known in the surf circle. Indeed, it is the favorite sport of the Basque Country.

Between Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart or Hendaye, surfers meet each year on the beaches of the coast to enjoy the waves and tubes of the Atlantic Sea. Championships are also held on the many spots in the region, where professionals are training and confronting themselves at major meetings.

5. Anglet

In the south of the Adour estuary, the coastal town of Anglet extends over 5 km of fine sandy beaches. Another popular spot in surfers, it hosts the World Surf League in August, where it appears as a stage of the circuit.

For couples looking for romance, the Côte d’Argent segment, named the “Bed of Love”, will take you to the shoreline to offer a spectacular view of the Atlantic Sea. Venture yourself in his cave, which still attracts in love and curious today.

6. Hendaye

Last city before the Spain , Hendaye is a seaside resort that can be accessed by borrowing the Basque cornice. Third marina Aquitaine , this commune offers many nautical activities in its two water bodies: Txingudi Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The holidaymakers will also be able to visit the former Casino Croisière and walk in its shops, shops and cafes.

7. The Rhune

Take us a little off the coast to discover the summits of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. From the top of its 905 m, the Rhune massif offers a complete panorama of the Basque Country, the Landes and the Atlantic Ocean.

Hiking is the perfect activity to explore its reliefs. The wildlife there varies from the Manech sheep to the "pottok" or small horse in Basque. But for an authentic and unpleasant experience, borrow the collection cremail train from Sare. Let yourself be guided on its railway that cross the French and Spanish coasts and the Pyrenees chain.

8. Les Grottes d’Isturitz et d’Oxocelhaya

In Basse-Navarre, the caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya are a must for visiting the French Basque Country.

Notice to the ferus of history and speleology. These sites are vestiges of prehistory. Parietal art paramedics the walls of the two caves. There are also engravings, plates and clay constructions dating from the Paleolithic era.

9. The villa Arnaga

Built by Edmond Rostand In Cambo-les-Bains, Villa Arnaga is located south of Bayonne. Inspired by Basque farms with white and red facades, the house and its park were the home of many artists such as Cyrano de Bergerac or Jules Massennet.

The entire estate is classified as "Historical Monument" and welcomes every year 90,000 visitors. All come to admire its set of gardens over 15 hectares, the magnificent 20m theatrical fresco designed by Jean Veber and the many wooded rooms of the villa.

10. Itxassou

A certain authenticity emanates from the village of Itxassou. This commune at the foot of the Urzumu Mountains, Mondarrain and Artzamendi is known for its cherry production. It is also the object of an annual celebration in June that attracts thousands of travelers.

The rural setting is also splendid. Its landscape of green plains, rocky facades and mountains give the village a very unique fantastic side.

11. Espelette

In the province of Labourd, take a tour of this former feudal village!

Espelette is a commune of New Aquitaine known for its Basque houses with red and white facades. Its winding streets will allow you to walk in the shade of its scarlet and flowery balconies.

But the village’s star remains well-sure its emblematic product, Espelette’s piment. This spice has spread throughout the region and is used in many local specialties.

12. The Holzarte Bridge

For the bravest or to cure your fear of the vacuum, cross the Holzarte gateway during a forest hike ( see the trace ).

In the commune of Larrau, this wooded monkey bridge overlooks the gorges of Olhadubi at 180m high. A spectacular panorama awaits you from the top of the platform on the wild canyon.

13. Kakuetta's throats

More to the west of the bridge, the gorges of Kakuetta, located between Sainte-Engrâce and Larrau, are a natural site not to be missed to visit the French Basque Country.

For lovers of speleology, visit the gorges on landscaped platforms along the dizzying canyon walls. The walk will then take you to the cave of Lake Kakuetta to admire its gigantic stalactites and stalagmites.

14. The Basque cornice

For about ten kilometers, the Basque cornice or "road of the cornice" is a protected natural space.

This rocky coast, at the crossroads of Ciboure, Urrugne and Hendaye, is composed of cut cliffs, noisy landes, coves and agricultural spaces.

With magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, the coastal path will offer you excellent family or romantic hikes.

15. Urtubie Castle

Built on the ruins of a former feudal site, the castle of Urtubie is an authentic charming hotel in the French Basque Country. Since 1974, he has been registered in the inventory of “historical monuments”.

The walls of the building tell six centuries of Basque History, from the Middle Ages to the crazy years. Designed and decorated, each room bears witness to the finesse of baroque architecture. Visitors can also visit the castle gardens. On 6 hectares, admire its flower beds and the exhibitions of Orangerie.

16. Guéthary

Former Baleinier port, this commune of the French Basque Country is a must not miss.

The village has urbanized, becoming a charming seaside resort. With its neo-basque architectural style, it is very popular with tourists but preserves its Maraich heritage. He also welcomed many artists such as Saint John Perse or Debussy.

17. The Basque villages

The French Basque Country is also a region that seduces for its picturesque villages . Indeed, several of its towns deserve a glance:

• Sare: At the foot of the Axuria and Rhune mountains, this village maintains its sporting and festive traditions. Take his houses in doves or venture into his cave;
• Ainhoa: Founded in the 13th century, the commune of Ainhoa is a bastide that deserves a look. With its typical Basque dwellings, with red, white or green facades, the nail of the show remains its church with four-storey square bell tower;
• Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port : At the foot of the Cize Pass, this tourist place is a high point of the Catholic pilgrimage. Indeed, the village is a important step towards Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle ;
• Bastide-Clairence: This town is a 14th century sea bastide. With its central square with arcades, white half-timbered houses and many craft workshops, it will add a picturesque touch to your stay.

18. The specialties of the French Basque Country

After taking a tour of the must-see destinations of the French Basque Country, take a break and enjoy it to taste local specialties. The region is full of savoury and sweet treats to make your taste buds travel:

• The basquaise chicken: A whole chicken, tomatoes and peppers, a little white wine and here is a typical dish of the region to enjoy with family;
• The Basque pie: Ideal for an aperitif at dusk, the basque tart is composed of peppers, raw ham and Espelette pepper;
• The koka: A caramel cream way Basque Country, with ease;
• The Basque cherry pie: a dried cake also baked with pastry cream, dessert is more often garnished with black cherry jam.

19. The Basque ball

The Basque ball is the emblematic sport of the region.

The ball is the name given to the ball that varies according to the game and the instrument with which you play. The sport consists of sending, stealing or following a bounce, the ball to the main wall, named fronton, so that it falls on the playground called “cancha”.

20. Les férias du Pays Basque français

To return to the introduction of this guide, the French Basque Country is also a place of predilection for fetuses and culture lovers.

First of all, we can talk about ferias Basques without beginning with Bayonne. The city gathers two monumental celebrations during the year: the city’s parties in red and white and the ham fair.

But the region also knows other major gatherings, such as the Espelette Pepper Festival or the Basque Country Week, dedicated to its inhabitants.

Our workshop in the Basque Country

Espelette’s chili pepper, hard to pass next to this fruit with a bright red color during your walks in the Basque Country, isn’t it? So why don’t you be seduced by a workshop at the edge of an agroforestry farm? After an initiation to agroforestry 4h next to Stéphane, then an initiation to the production of Espelette's chili pepper, you will leave with a pot of ground pepper and a bag of flour from the farm. You will also enjoy a good farm snack, all for 75€ per person.

How to go to the French Basque Country?

To reach the French Basque Country, several means of transport are available:

• By car: The A10, A63 and A83 motorways will take you to the area. The journey will last about 8h from Paris, 2h30 from Bordeaux and 5h30 from Montpellier;
• By train: The TGV stations in the French Basque Country are located in Bayonne, Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, for a 5h30 journey from Paris, 2h from Bordeaux and 2h30 from Toulouse;
• By plane: To get to the airport by air, Biarritz/Basque Country Airport is best served. To find the most suitable flight offer for your expectations, use a flight comparison like Ulysses.

Where to stay in the French Basque Country?

Despite its limited geography, the French Basque Country offers a wide variety of accommodations for your stay.

As mentioned in the list of must-sees, you can stay on the coast by staying in a hotel or a hotel Airbnb to Anglet , Biarritz , Guéthary or Saint-Jean-de-Luz .

But if you want to stay in the city centre or in a picturesque corner, opt for a logis in Bayonne or Cambo-les-Bains using a Compare hotels for more information.

With your surfboard or hiking stick in hand, you will now be incollable on the must-sees to visit the French Basque Country!