The Basque Country is famous for its small charming villages, but most importantly for its magnificent natural sites. In this article, you will find my favorite places in this magnificent region.
Bayonne
Bayonne is the charming and dynamic capital city of the Basque Country.
It is built where the Nive and the Adour meet and is mapped by small canals.
Stroll through the narrow streets of old medieval Bayonne or walk along the beautiful Basque colored houses.
Visit its famous Gothic cathedral, recently renovated and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
If you go during the summer, you can enjoy the ferias (website in French): several days of outdoor partying!
😍 We love:
- Small cozy village.
- Medieval and modern.
- Culturally dynamic.
Anglet
In Anglet, you will discover the dynamism of a city as well as the joys of nature.
Located on the Basque coast, not only can you enjoy the beach and the ocean, but also the magnificent forest of Chiberta, which has been recovering since the 2020 fire.
Take a walk around the Lovers’ Cave at the Chamber of Love or visit the many art galleries in the city.
There is something to satisfy every curiosity.
😍 We love:
- Combination of city and nature.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Located at the water’s edge, near the Spanish border, this city offers access to the beach as well as an authentic fishing port.
Visit the colorful and warm city center, or walk to the heights of the city to discover the Sainte-Barbe hill.
From there, you will have a view of the Pointe de la Sainte-Barbe and its dyke, Socoa Fort, and on the other side the Pyrenees.
😍 We love:
- Port.
- Heights of the city with an incredible view.
Hendaye
Hendaye is home to many monuments (such as the Observatory-Castle of Abbadia), a pleasant town, a magnificent 3km long fine sandy beach (with its famous rocks: the twins), and a superb view of the Pyrenees.
Most of the seaside houses are listed for their architecture, such as in the rue des Citronniers or the Maison Rouge.
Take a detour via the Hendaye Corniche, the best preserved of all the corniches in the Basque Country.
This city is for sure a must-see on the Basque coast.
😍 We love:
- Architecture worth seeing.
- Monuments.
- Cliffs and ocean.
La Rhune
La Rhune is a small mountain that you can climb on foot or by riding a little train (which has been active since 1924).
From the top, you will have a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Pyrenees, the landscape of the Basque Country, and the landscape of Les Landes.
You will also have a chance to spot local wildlife, like red-headed sheep or pottocks (pronounced “potiok” which means “little horse” in Basque).
😍 We love:
- Pleasant hike and not too difficult, even with an incline!
- Magnificent view at the top.
Isturitz et Oxocelhaya Caves
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These caves are an emblematic site of prehistory. Like Lascaux, they are the cradle of humanity.
The two caves can be covered in a single visit. You will have the impression of being in a real underground village.
At the entrance, you also have a panoramic view of the preserved Arberoue Valley.
😍 We love:
- Cave village effect.
- We feel very small.
Kakuetta Gorge
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Renowned throughout Europe, these gorges bear the nickname “Basque Amazonia” for their lush vegetation.
They were dug by the Saint-Engrâce river and offer a magnificent playground for those who love rafting, canoeing, and climbing.
Eight hiking paths allow you to discover this canyon. Don’t miss it!
😍 We love:
- Breathtaking lush nature.
- Turquoise water.
Izadia Ecological Park
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This park is a protected area. Classified “Natura 2000,” it invites you to discover the dune cord and the lagoon on the Basque coast.
Since it is a preserved area, its flora and fauna are very rich.
Visits allow you to learn more about its salt meadows, its coastal lagoon, its marshes, and its wooded areas.
Other more specific visits take you to observe the birds and animals of the park.
😍 We love:
- Extremely beautiful site.
- There is a lot to learn.
Pas de Roland
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Named after the famous medieval hero Roland, this place is another magnificent gorge in the Basque Country!
Carved by the Nive, this landscape is breathtaking.
A riverside path runs along the cliffs. You are lulled by the lapping of the water as you pass under natural stone arches.
The most beautiful and relaxing walk!
😍 We love:
- Relaxing hike.
- Impressive rocky landscape.
Urkiola Natural Park
If you are looking for love, you must tread the lands of this natural park. The legend says that the sanctuary of Urkiola is a place of pilgrimage for single people. You just have to touch the stone at the entrance to the sanctuary for love to manifest.
So, in addition to incredible nature (limestone mountains on the Sierra de Aramotz), you will enjoy the good graces of Urkiola. Not bad, right?
Some trails are more difficult than others, with some requiring mountaineering skills.
Along the way, you can also visit two caves: the cave of Mari, a goddess of Basque mythology, or the cave of Baltzola.
😍 We love:
- Basque legends.
- Varied levels of hikes.
- Two caves to visit along the way.
Gorbeïa Natural Park
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This park is the largest nature reserve in the Basque Country, protected since 1994. It covers more than 20,000 hectares.
Due to its multitude of naturally carved rocks, this park is a paradise for hikers, mountaineers, and speleologists.
You can also enjoy it by bike or on horseback.
At the very top of Mount Gorbeia, at an altitude of 1482 m, there is a large cross, a lighthouse, and a breathtaking view of the Basque Country.
😍 We love:
- Multitude of ways to discover this place.
- Huge space.
- Beautiful nature.
Bardenas Reales Natural Park
You absolutely must visit this park.
It is a kind of desert that extends over 40,000 hectares, and is reminiscent of landscapes straight out of American westerns.
There are 700 km of marked trails that you can walk.
I advise you to take a guide to learn more about its other rock formations and the flora and fauna of this extraordinary place.
😍 We love:
- Rare geological specificity in France or Spain.
- Desert landscape from American westerns.
Holzarte Bridge
To cross this bridge, you must not fear heights!
This suspended bridge is 70 meters long and rises 150 meters above the Olhadubi Gorge: a magnificent canyon carved by the Olhadoko Erreka river.
😍 We love:
- Challenge your fear of heights.
- Visit a canyon from above.
Baztan and Bidasoa valleys
These valleys are on the Spanish side, but you can access them from France, via the village of Ainhoa.
These valleys are full of charming, traditional Basque villages.
You will also find wide open spaces with pastures and magnificent forests.
It’s really worth the detour.
😍 We love:
- Small charming villages.
- Wide open spaces.
- Straddling France and Spain.
Cenitz Hill
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This hill is a preserved area a few kilometers away from Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
A path allows you to reach its summit where you can observe the ocean and the surrounding villages.
The path continues on the other side of the hill, through the moor, and allows you to reach a foreshore.
It is an ideal place for fishing enthusiasts.
Be careful to watch the tides when you are down there though.
😍 We love:
- View of the ocean and the villages.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
