Discover Urt
Home to the writer Roland Barthes, Urt (“Ahurti” in Basque) is an ancient fishing village built in the Middle Ages on the banks of the Adour.
Between the Landes, Gascony and the Basque Country, Urt grew up on the river (fishing and shipbuilding), upstream from Bayonne.
You can cross the Adour on a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
All around Urt, there’s a rich heritage to discover, from the Château de Gramont to the Abbey of Arthous, not forgetting the typical villages through which the Camino de Santiago passes.
The seaside town of Biarritz
The pearl of the Basque Coast, Biarritz seduces with its fine sandy beaches, waves ideal for surfing and the elegant architecture of its Belle Époque town center. Biarritz is home to emblematic landmarks such as the Virgin Rock, the 19ᵉ century lighthouse, the imperial chapel and theArt Deco casino.
Between thalassotherapy, golf and tasty Basque gastronomy, Biarritz is the ideal destination to combine relaxation, sport and culture. Don’t miss the aquarium and its not-to-be-missed hammerhead sharks, and the incredible Cité de l’Océan, a fun-filled museum space at the cutting edge of the latest simulation and immersive tour technologies.
Espelette and its chilli pepper
A must for tourists to the Basque Country, the picturesque village of Espelette is world-famous for its pimentos, the region’s signature product.
Stroll along the streets lined with traditional red-shuttered houses: on their white facades, you’ll see garlands of chillies drying in the sun.
Visit the exhibits at the Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta, the Church of Saint-Etienne, and of course the Maison du Piment, with tastings on offer!
The beautiful town of
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
The jewel of the Basque coastline, Saint-Jean-de-Luz will charm you with its picturesque port, beautiful beaches and rich historical heritage. Visit the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, where the wedding of Louis XIV and Marie-Thérèse of Austria was celebrated in 1660!
Stroll through the shopping streets of the town center and savour local specialities at the tables of typical restaurants. On the coastal path, breathtaking views await walkers and hikers.
Discover Bayonne
A city of art and history, Bayonne is a must-see destination for discovering Basque history, culture and traditions.
Admire Sainte-Marie Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its majestic cloisters. As you stroll through the picturesque medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses, don’t miss the Musée Basque et de l’Histoire de Bayonne, France’s largest museum dedicated to Basque culture.
Discover the city’s chocolate-making tradition at the Musée du Chocolat.
At the end of July, the famous férias take place: join in the festivities!
Inland Basque Country
La Ferme des 4 Chênes campsite, close to Bayonne, is ideally located for discovering the inland Basque country, between the Pyrenees and the banks of the Adour river.
In the heart of a region of charm and authenticity, explore picturesque villages such as Espelette, famous for its chilli pepper, or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a mythical stopover on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.
In peaceful, verdant landscapes, enjoy local traditions, tasty gastronomy and lively markets. Plan your hikes, cultural visits and encounters with Basque artisans!
Discover
bayonne, beaches and things to do
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Bayonne
Read more: The must-see city of Bayonne -
Things to do in the Basque Country
Read more: The best things to do in the Basque Country -
The Beaches
Read more: The most beautiful beaches on the Basque Coast
