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The 18 things to do in the Pyrenees-Atlantic

Are you planning to explore the South West? Between ocean and mountains, discover the 18 must-see things in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques!

Between mountain and ocean, your heart swings? Go to discover the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, this department of the New Aquitaine That's his name. Located between the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy hiking and skiing as well as surfing and stuffing. The amateurs of beautiful French villages will not be left as the hinterland is full of them. Visiting the Pyrenees-Atlantiques is no rest!

Explore the majestic landscapes of the historical regions of Béarn and Netherlands . Discover a strong culture and tasty culinary specialties. Enjoy nature and a wide range of outdoor activities.

So, ready to let you try? We have selected for you the 18 essential things to do in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques.

1. Biarritz

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Thomas Dutour

Biarritz has been attracting travellers from all over the world for decades. It must be said that this elegant city is worth visiting in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, because it is a real gem on the ocean. It enjoys an exceptional situation, a rich cultural heritage and ideal conditions for surfing. We are pleased to stroll between the stalls of the Halles market, stroll around the Port of Fishermen and relax on the small beaches of the city. At sunset, the view of the surrounding mountains is simply amazing!

Are you looking for the best waves? Don't miss the legendary surf spot of the Côte des Basques, as well as those of the Grande Plage, Marbella or the Milady. The city regularly hosts surf festivals and competitions.

2. The beaches of the French Basque coast

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko

Are you wondering what to do in the Pyrenees-Atlantic? Enjoy the ocean and beautiful beaches that border the French Basque coast! From Anglet to Hendaye, on the Spanish border, the beaches of the Basque Country follow but do not resemble. Between small protected bays and large sandy areas, you will find the perfect place to put your towel, walk or surf.

  • Anglet: the Room of Love, the beach of the Ocean, the beach of the Corsairs, the Madragu;
  • Biarritz: the Grande Plage, the Côte des Basques, Marbella, Milady;
  • Bidart: the central beach, Ilbarritz, the beach of the Royal Pavilion;
  • Guéthary: Parliamentia, Cenitz;
  • Saint-Jean de Luz: La Grande Plage, la plage de Mayarco, Erromardie, Lafitenia ;
  • Ciboure ;
  • Socoa ;
  • Hendaye : La Grande Plage, la plage Deux Jumeaux...

3. The Rhune

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Barbara_C

After the beach, head to the mountain. After you've got your flip-flops for good sneakers, go to the Rhune, or Larrun Basque. Located in the Pyrenees chain, the Rhune massif is crossed by the Franco-Spanish border. At the top of Mount La Rhune you will enjoy a 360° view of the Basque Country, the ocean, the mountains and the Landes forest, when the sky is clear. By taking its paths, wait to meet sheep and pottokak (small horses in Basque).

It is also possible to reach the summit by taking the small train of the Rhune, at the departure of the commune of Sare. This authentic cremail train, dating from 1924, will take you there in about 35 minutes.

4. Pau and boulevard des Pyrénées

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sergey Dzyuba

The capital of Béarn located at the foot of the Pyrenees, Pau enjoys a pleasant setting and prestigious historical monuments. Living, young and dynamic, the city regularly hosts sporting and cultural events.

Passing to Pau? The famous boulevard des Pyrénées, completed in 1900, is a must. Long two kilometers, it connects the Château de la Ville to Parc Beaumont. This panoramic promenade offers its visitors a breathtaking view and must be visited in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. To get there, you can take a funicular from the Pau train station.

5. The Ossau valley and its lakes

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – PHILIPIMAGE

Visiting the Pyrenees-Atlantic is necessary by exploring its large valleys. The Ossau Valley offers an unparalleled playground for hiking enthusiasts in the middle of nature. The majestic Pic du Midi d’Ossau is set in the landscape of this nature reserve of the Pyrenees National Park. Ayous, Bious-Artigues, Anglas and Artouste are some of the most beautiful lakes in the Bearnese valley.

You can then practice canoe, refresh yourself after a long walk or plant your tent nearby to enjoy the view on waking. Guaranteed change!

6. Espelette

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Borisb17

If you do not know the village of Espelette, you must have already tasted its pepper. Blotti between the mountains and the greenery, the charming village of Espelette is indeed renowned for this emblematic spice of the Basque Country.

The suspended chili peppers decorate the white and red facades of this traditional village of the plow country. Enjoy your visit to Espelette and its market to taste Basque gastronomic specialities and discover local crafts!

7. Les Grottes d’Isturitz et d’Oxocelhaya

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Photo credit: Facebook – Grottes d’Isturitz et d’Oxocelhaya

Are you passionate about history and geology? This cultural and scientific site is worth a visit if you are looking for a visit to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques! Nestled in the foothills of the West Pyrenees, the caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya have been listed as Historical Monuments since 1953. Many objects dating from the Prehistory, such as tools and works of art, were discovered in these natural caves.

8. The most beautiful villages in France

Nearly 160 French rural municipalities with remarkable heritage are classified Plus Beaux Villages de France. The department of the Pyrenees-Atlantic counts one in Béarn Pyrenees, and four in the Basque Country.

And if you go on the road to these picturesque villages ?

  • The bastioned city of Navarrenx the many remains;
  • The typical Basque village ofAinhoa and its houses with doves;
  • La Bastide Clairence dedicated to crafts;
  • The medieval city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port ;
  • The old village of Sare surrounded by mountains.

9. Holzarte Bridge

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Loyo

It is one of the wonders of the Basque Country. Suspended 180 metres high, the Holzarte Bridge overlooks the spectacular natural site of Olhadubi Gorges. This monkey bridge is accessible after a hike of about an hour in the undergrowth, from Larrau.

To make the full round of the gorges, plan good shoes and about four hours walk in a green setting.

10. The Col d’Aubisque

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Hans Geel

The Aubisque pass is one of the must-sees to visit in the Atlantic Pyrenees. Does that name tell you something? Located at the edge of the Béarn and the Bigorre, this mountain pass is one of the mythical stages of the Tour de France cyclist.

Hiking? Explore its paths is one of the best ways to enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding summits!

Note: Aubisque pass is generally closed to traffic in winter, from December to May.

11. Bayonne

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Lamax

Go back to town to visit the historic Bayonne, at the confluence of the Nive and the Adour. At the heart of its ramparts, you will discover an old town with a disappointing charm, many monuments, alleys where it makes a good stroll and a vibrant atmosphere.

City of Art and History, Bayonne is also known for its famous festivals organized each summer. The capital of the Basque Country is imbued with local culture, making it a town of character!

12. The Talaia Coast Trail

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – visual-journey

Who said the hike was a mountain sport? The coastal path Talaia (street turn in Basque) spans 54 kilometers, between the towns of Bidart and San Sebastian, Spain. In France, the trail is divided into two parts. A first linking Bidart to Saint-Jean-de-Luz (13 km), and a second linking Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye (12 km).

The main asset of this trail is the great diversity of landscapes, in addition to its accessibility. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Basque Country to visit in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques.

Talaia is an invitation to travel in time, in harmony with nature. Open wide eyes to observe the silhouette of the Three Crowns, the surfers to the water, the Pointe de Sainte-Barbe, the small fishing ports or the estate of Abbadia and its castle on your way.

13. The Gorges de Kakuetta

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto Loyo

Imagine a lush nature, rocky and dizzy walls, in the middle of which a waterfall of more than 20 meters is coming. No you are not in Amazonia, but in the heart of one of the most wild and majestic sites in the department: the Gorges de Kakuetta. This canyon of two kilometers long, nestled in the Basque mountain, is a paradise for nature lovers.

This site with natural beauty has been built with walkways so that small and large explorers can go there. This is a fascinating place to add to your list of the most important things to visit in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques!

Note that the visit, paid, can only be done from March to November, when the waters are low.

14. Ski areas

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – oksmit

The Pyrenees-Atlantiques are not only visiting summer! More confidential than the ski resorts of the Alps, the small resorts of the Pyrenees are choice options in France to try out winter sports (ski, snowboard, snowshoes...). Are you planning to visit the Pyrenees Atlantic in winter? Here are the three ski resorts where you can enjoy one or more days of slip:

  • Artouste: the village of this atypical resort is located on the edge of Lake Fabrèges, facing the Pyrenees National Park and the Pic du Midi d’Ossau. The panorama is magnificent and the paths accessible at all levels. You will also find in this lively resort a freeride area and a snowpark;
  • Gourette: suitable for beginners; Gourette is often considered a family ski resort. Multiple activities are offered, as well as a snowpark;
  • La Pierre Saint-Martin : the natural environment of the resort and its 360° view are the main assets of this Pyrenees ski resort. The ski area of Pierre Saint-Martin is suitable tou·te·s for lovers of winter sports, from beginner to confirmed level. This station is also equipped with a freestyle space;

15. The vineyard of the Jurançon

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – zuccante

Visit the Jurançon vineyard, in the heart of Béarn, for a wine tasting of quality. On 1200 hectares, facing the Pyrenees chain, the Jurançon vineyard produces dry or mellow white wines.

The Jurançon, soft or dry, is an AOC wine. Meet the passionate women and men who hide behind these areas by taking the Jurançon Wine Route!

16. Oloron-Sainte-Marie

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Maekfoto

The authentic town of Olon-Sainte-Marie does not have one but three historical districts. She's the oldest city in Bearn. It stands out with its old buildings on the shores of Aspe’s gull. Following the heritage route offered by the city, you will discover at your own pace the different sites of interest of the ancient medieval city, as well as its history.

Classified as the City of Art and History, Oloron-Sainte-Marie is also an ideal starting point to go to the Pyrenees-Atlantique valleys, including the Ossau Valley.

17. Cirque de Lescun

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – pedrosala

Let us continue our discovery of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques in the Aspe Valley in Béarn, where Cirque de Lescun and its mountains are located at the dolomitic peaks. This high place of Pyreneeism is home to the preserved mountain village of Lescun, perched at 900 metres above sea level.

The view from the village is simply breathtaking. The kilometres of trails will make the joy of hikers from all levels. This is indeed a stage of GR 10.

18. The villa Arnaga in Cambo-les-Bains

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Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sasha64f

Are you still wondering what to do in the Pyrenees-Atlantic? The villa Arnaga surrounded by its extraordinary park, in Cambo-les-Bains in the Basque Country, is an exceptional place. Built by Edmond Rostand, at the beginning of the 20th century, the residence of Arnaga now houses a museum dedicated to the author of Cyrano de Bergerac. Inspired by the Basque farms, the villa takes local colors on the outside.

The interior decor is sumptuous. You should also fall under the charm of its French and English gardens, labeled Remarkable Gardens.

So, what are you going to discover during your next visit to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques?

How to get to the Pyrenees-Atlantic?

By plane

The main airports in the department are located in the towns of Biarritz, on the Basque coast, and Pau at the foot of the Pyrenees. Biarritz International Airport is connected to many French cities including Paris , Lille , Marseille , Lyon or Strasbourg . Note, however, that some lines are seasonal.

Pau Pyrenees Airport, approximately 1h15 from Biarritz, offers connections with Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Ajaccio .

Flight Compare Skyscanner you will be very useful to find the ticket that suits you.

By train

Among the best cities served by the train are Biarritz and Pau, but also Bayonne and Hendaye. The station TGV and TER de Bayonne is quickly accessible from Paris Montparnasse (4 hours), Toulouse (3h30), Bordeaux (2 hours) and Pau (1 hour). Paris Montparnasse Station is also connected to Biarritz (4h15), Pau (4h30) or Hendaye (4h45).

It is then possible to reach many cities of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques in TER (Cambo-les-Bains, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Oloron-Sainte-Marie...).

By car

Are you moving by car? The department is crossed by the highways A63 and A64 . Take between 7am and 8am to visit the Pyrenees-Atlantiques from Paris.

Where to stay in the Atlantic Pyrenees?

Camping, hotels, hostels, Airbnb... the offer of accommodation in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques is very diverse, especially on the Basque coast (Biarritz, Saint Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye...). However, prices can vary considerably depending on the destination you want to stay, but also the season. You doubt it, the coastal cities are very coveted in the summer, while the Pyrenees stations display "full" in winter.

Results? The accommodations fill it quickly and prices climb... If you are looking for an atypical and quiet accommodation, you should find your happiness in the hinterland.

To be sure to find your ideal accommodation at the best price, we recommend you to check out the different offers and to book in advance on a Compare hotels or site Airbnb .

So, what are you going to discover during your next visit to the Pyrenees-Atlantiques?

Alexander Parker

Alexander Parker

I'm Alexander Parker, an adventurer captivated by the world's beauty. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, brimming with breathtaking moments, from hiking through pristine wilderness to immersing myself in vibrant cultures. Each destination has its unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Let's embark on this incredible odyssey together, unveiling the world's hidden treasures and crafting cherished memories that define our shared journey.

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