Destination Basque Country! Our advice on places to visit and activities

Seaside holidays on the Basque coast

Stay by the sea in the Basque Country near the Atlantic Ocean, is a great opportunity to get away from it all. Between paradisiacal beaches, walks and visits of the must-see seaside resorts, The Basque coast offers a multitude of discoveries.
The Basque coast has an exceptional natural setting, with magnificent panoramas to be enjoyed on many walks. Holidays on the French Basque coast are also a surfer’s paradise and are ideal for exercising by practising a wide range of water sports, such as windsurfing, surfing and paddle boarding… It is also undoubtedly to be able to enjoy the beauty of the sunsets on the beach near the Spanish border.

Holidays in the Basque Country: for whom?

The Pays basque is a beautiful and varied region in the southwest of France, between the Pyrénées and the Golfe de Gascogne. This region is known for its stunning scenery, unique culture and delicious food. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, the Basque Country has something to offer everyone.

Family holidays in the Basque Country

Do you dream of visiting the Basque Country with your family? You’re right. This region is home to incredible landscapes and numerous activities to satisfy all members of the family.

There are many reasons to visit the Basque Country with your family. The first is probably the landscape. This region is home to some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in all of Europe. From the green hills and valleys of the Basque countryside to the dramatic cliffs and the Basque coastline, there is something for everyone!

Another good reason to visit the Basque Country with your family is the variety of activities on offer. Whether you are looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, you will find it here. You can enjoy many outdoor activities, such as hiking (at La Rhune, Jaizkibel, Mondarrain, etc.), climbing, mountain biking and canoeing. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are many cultural activities to enjoy, such as visiting museums (Basque Museum in Bayonne) and art galleries or a walk through one of the many charming villages. We are available at the reception to share the good addresses with you!

A couple’s stay on the Basque coast

There are many reasons why a couple would choose to stay in the Basque Country. The first reason is the beauty of the landscape. What could be more romantic than watching the sunset with your loved ones in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe between the mountains and the ocean?

Secondly, the gastronomy of the Basque Country is one of the best in the world. The region is renowned for its delicious seafood, as well as traditional dishes such as pintxos (small bites). So you can enjoy great meals for two.

Holidays in the Basque Country for seniors

Seniors on holiday, everything you need for an idyllic stay on the Basque coast :

There are many activities available for seniors in the Basque Country. Sports such as golf, tennis, sailing and hiking are available.

Comfortable accommodations in quiet and pleasant surroundings near the sea, mountains or forest, you are bound to find something to suit you.

Discover Basque culture with a guided tour of Bidart, the Bassilour Mill, nature walks or a trip to the market.

Being in the Basque Country The Basque Country also has many health benefits, with clean air and water, and a generally healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for a place to recharge your batteries, the Basque Country is definitely worth a visit!

The Basque Country for young people

Children will find plenty to keep them occupied in the Basque Country for a busy holiday:

Sports activities are available for the younger ones with short walks (e.g. Mondarrain), water sports (surfing, swimming, jet skiing etc.). There are also many playgrounds and sports facilities in the Basque Country where children can have fun and stay active. We will be happy to advise you on the most suitable places for your children.

For young adults, the festive life in the Basque Country is very present. Bars, discos, village festivals, the Bayonne festival, you’ll have the choice!

Discover the Basque Country, its coast and its lands

4 good reasons to visit the Basque Country :

  • Very diverse architectural heritage
  • Strong folklore and cultural traditions
  • Basque gastronomy that will satisfy all gourmets
  • All the assets of the Basque Country to satisfy your thirst for discoverye

San Sebastian: On the way to Donostia! Transport by bus and Topo (the Basque train) from the campsite. Discover a bustling city that has attracted the greatest names such as Ernest Emingway and Balenciaga. The day starts with a guided tour of the old town, its narrow streets and tapas bars, then heads for the Concha Bay and its promenade to finish on top of Monte Igeldo. 30 per person (excluding food and drink)

Witches’ walk: En route to Zugarramurdi, the village of witches. In convoy with your own cars to the caves of Sare from where the hike starts; you leave for a 1.5 hour walk through the beautiful Basque countryside to the witches’ cave in Zugarramurdi. Visit the site and the village, then return via the same path to the caves of Sare to collect your vehicles. A walk that will transport you to the 18th century! Free outing (allow 4.50 per person for the entrance to the cave)

Where is the Basque Country?

The Basque Country corresponds to the western part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
To the south is the Spanish Basque Country. Hendaye is one of the French towns closest to the border with the Iberian neighbour.
The seaside town is also a convenient starting point for a trip to Spanish destinations such as Irun or San Sebastian.
Biarritz, Anglet, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure, Bidart, Urrugne or Guéthary…

Geography of the Basque Country

Located in the extreme south-west of France, the Basque Country is part of a large cultural and historical region that also includes the Spanish part to the south. This territory, renowned for its cultural richness, stretches south of the Adour river, between the Atlantic coast, the Pyrenees and Béarn, and is made up of three ancient provinces: Labourd, which includes well-known port towns from Bayonne to Hendaye; Basse-Navarre, with its capital Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port; and Soule, with its mountainous landscapes around Mauléon.

The Basque Coast is known for its long sandy beaches, especially on the Landes coast. However, the landscape becomes particularly steep from Biarritz onwards, where the scenery consists mainly of a mosaic of cliffs up to fifty metres high, as far as Hendaye.

The Basque mountains form the western part of the Pyrenees with less steep peaks, culminating in the peak of Orphy in Soule (2,017 metres above sea level).

The Basque Country, on the southern side of the border, includes charming coastal destinations popular with Spanish and French tourists. There are beautiful seaside resorts with endless beaches, as well as dynamic and modern cities such as Bilbao and San Sebastian, while the hinterland is made up of more remote areas.

Many holidaymakers take the time to travel through the Basque mountains in this region. This is an opportunity for them to “touch the heart” of the Basque Country, and therefore to get to know its customs and legends, as well as its gastronomy, and the men and women who bring the territory to life on a daily basis – inhabitants with a strong yet generous character.
While the coastal destinations attract many visitors, even outside the summer period, tourism is more “confidential” in the hinterland.

Focus on Basque culture and traditions

The Basque Country is a land of traditions. This can be seen in the traditional songs that often punctuate family gatherings and that are also honoured by Basque choirs. It is also evident in the various musical instruments and traditional dances that enliven the region’s various cultural events.
The Basque Country also expresses its identity through its sports, including Basque pelota and Basque strength. Gastronomy is also one of the cultural riches of the region, where you can enjoy the famous Basque cake, but also Basque toast, Basque chicken, potato tortilla or Basque soufflé with piquillos…

Walks and hikes in the Basque Country

  • The coastal path is one of the most beautiful walks in the Basque Country. The route offers breathtaking views:
    – Sainte-Madeleine Chapel, in Bidart
    – Saint-Joseph chapel, in Bidart
    – Port of Guéthary
    – Pointe Sainte-Barbe, in Saint-Jean-de-Luz
    – Basque Corniche
    – Abbadia estate and castle, Hendaye
    – Beach of Hendaye
  • The ascent of the Rhune also allows you to enjoy a breathtaking view, between sea and mountains
  • The Ibardin pass and the Xoldokogaina lake allow you to enjoy beautiful views of the typical village of Urrugne, the Landes coast and the mountains of the Rhune, Ursuia, and the Three Crowns…