10 must-see places for a stay in the Basque Country
The Basque Country, a Franco-Spanish territory between mountains and sea, is an exceptional destination for a change of scenery. The Basque coast in particular, which stretches between Bayonne and Hendaye, offers a diversity of landscapes to discover: wild coastlines, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees in the background. The territory also stands out for its culture, traditions and the richness of its cultural heritage, which build a strong identity, claimed by locals to the point of demanding if not independence, at least recognition of the Basque Country as a department in its own right. Let us discover the tourist wonders of this magnificent region!
The Basque Country, a Franco-Spanish territory between mountains and sea, is an exceptional destination for a change of scenery. The Basque coast in particular, which stretches between Bayonne and Hendaye, offers a diversity of landscapes to discover: wild coastlines, the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees in the background.
The territory also stands out for its culture, traditions and the richness of its cultural heritage, which build a strong identity, claimed by locals to the point of demanding if not independence, at least recognition of the Basque Country as a department in its own right. Let us discover the tourist wonders of this magnificent region!
#1 La Rhune
La Rhune is a summit located in the Pyrenees mountain range but rest assured, there is no need to reinvent yourself as an alpinist: it is accessible thanks to the Train de la Rhune, an authentic rack railway that is almost a century old. The more courageous can however hike to reach this summit and enjoy a superb panoramic view of all the treasures of the Basque Country. During your ascent, keep your eyes peeled: you may be lucky enough to spot endemic wildlife such as Manech sheep or “pottok” (Basque ponies).
#2 Surfing
It is no secret, the Basque coast has many spots for surfers: Biarritz, Hendaye or Anglet are ideal destinations for wave lovers, who gather there in large numbers each year to enjoy the tubes of the Atlantic Ocean. Why not try this sport? Many clubs offer introductions and you could, like Brice de Nice, dream of being among the greatest! If your preference leads you to watch the show rather than perform it, several championships are organised each year in the region: take a look at the programme and order a refreshing drink!
#3 Abbadia Castle – Hendaye
Residence of Antoine d’Abbadie d’Arrast – a scholar passionate about geography, astronomy and Eastern culture – this magnificent observatory-castle overlooks Hendaye Bay. Built between 1864 and 1884 by Viollet-Le-Duc, it is currently listed as a Historic Monument and as a House of the Illustrious. During your visit, you will discover rich scientific collections, archives and original furnishings representative of the 19th-century cultural heritage. Once outside, enjoy the castle park and its exceptional view of the ocean!
#4 Typical villages not to be missed
Regardless of the duration of your stay, you cannot miss four villages labelled “Plus beaux villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France):
- Ainhoa, a 12th-century street-bastion created to accommodate pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.
- Sare, a village at the foot of La Rhune featuring an unusual district, Lehenbiscay.
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where you will stroll through the Vauban-designed citadel and contemplate the Saint James Gate, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
- La Bastide-Clairence, a village full of heritage riches: the Jewish cemetery, the church with its courtyard paved with funeral slabs and the oldest trinquet (handball court).
In each of these villages, you can admire typical Basque houses, medieval bridges, Labourdin-style half-timbering and other facades with exposed coloured stones. A real change of scenery!
#5 Holzarté Footbridge – Larrau
Lovers of nature and strong sensations, the Holzarté footbridge awaits you in the heart of the Olhadubi gorges. This suspension bridge at 180 metres high offers a spectacular crossing, to be avoided by those with a fear of heights! You will reach it after an hour’s hike where you will follow the turbulent Olhadoko Erreka river and pass through a steep path crossing the forest: a very pleasant walk to do in fine weather.
#6 Coastal Path from Bidart to Hendaye
Put on your hiking shoes for a healthy walk of 25 km from Bidart to Hendaye, on a path that is undoubtedly the best way to discover the Basque coast. You will cross Ciboure, Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and can admire their breathtaking panoramas: mountain landscapes, beaches and jagged cliffs, heaths and coves of the Atlantic coast will take turns capturing your attention. A walk best planned at low tide!
#7 Bayonne
A city of art and history, Bayonne has some nice surprises in store for tourists. The richness of its cultural heritage is undeniable: ramparts and the Citadelle designed by Vauban, Sainte-Marie Cathedral, Château-Vieux and half-timbered houses. Its specialities also make the city an essential place in the region: its chocolate workshops and the festival celebrating it in May, as well as the ham fair at Easter, showcase its flagship products. Bayonne also has street art and you will discover a real open-air gallery! During the Points de View Festival but not only, you can contemplate monumental frescoes or plastic works hidden here and there throughout the city.
#8 Villa Arnaga – Cambo-les-Bains
Residence of poet and author Edmond Rostand, this villa will immerse you in the heart of his life, family, inspirations and famous works. Located south of Bayonne, it is inspired by Basque farms with white and red facades. You will love this listed Historic Monument with its gardens extending over more than 15 hectares, its 20-metre theatrical fresco by Jean Veber and the multiple wood-panelled rooms within the villa. Please note: reopening is scheduled for April 2023.
#9 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain
Located in Biscay, in the Spanish Basque Country, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a small island (whose name means “rock castle” in Basque) spectacular in the Gulf of Biscay belonging to the town of Bermeo. Located 40 minutes north of Bilbao, this protected natural space is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge that you can cross while admiring its raw beauty. Game of Thrones fans will not miss, in passing, recognising the fortress of Dragonstone island.
#10 Isturitz and Oxocelhaya Caves
To finish, discover an iconic prehistoric site that offers a real dive into the memory of Humanity. Unique caves in the Basque Country, located 30 minutes from Biarritz, the Isturitz site holds prehistoric objects dating back more than 40,000 years and Human presence is even attested over more than 80,000 years! The Oxocelhaya cave offers an incredible spectacle of concretions in vast cathedral-like rooms: constellations of shells, stalactites and stalagmites like you have never seen. You will have to wait for the annual opening in March 2023 to explore the 600 metres of galleries.
The wonders of the Basque Country are not told as well as they are lived. If locals are rather chauvinistic, it is perhaps to keep for themselves alone an incalculable number of breathtaking natural and cultural wonders, and we understand them! That said, a visit to this distinctive region seems essential to complete the escapades of every good tourist: it’s your turn to play!
