Things to Do & See in the surroundings

An ideal base for discovering the Basque country

With beautiful sandy beaches and quiet secluded coves (some within easy walking distance), the coastline offers something for everyone: from top surfing spots to family swimming beaches.

Discover the small and charming country villages of : Arcangues, Espelette, Ascain, Sare, Aïnhoa and the jewel Saint Jean Pied de Port the which was starting point of the Crusades of the Middle Ages.

Tourist attractions and shopping are available in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, and the picturesque port of Socoa with its Fort and restaurants facing the Bay.

The regional cuisine is varied and interesting. Visit one of the lively pintxo (tapas) bars in the tree-lined streets of the fishermen’s quarter of Hondarribia, Spain (25 km by car). You can also reach this typical Spanish village by boat from Hendaye. From St Jean de Luz, take the beautiful Corniche road and stop for a visit at the very interesting historic Château of Abbadia.

Explore the Rhune (www.rhune.com) on the spectacular little train that transverses the mountain, or for the more adventurous, a hike from the Quarry of Ascain to Sare boasting caves and an animal park. It is most interesting to stop and admire flocks of vultures in the Basque mountains like « Hartzamendi ».

For hikers there is the coastal path to follow from Biarritz to Hendaye with beautiful landscapes to enjoy along the way.

The museums :
Sea Museum in Biarritz www.museedelamer.com
Bonnat Museum in Bayonne www.museebonnat.bayonne.fr
Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (spain) www.guggenheim-bilbao.es/fr

Ilbaritz golf (6 km) www.golfilbarritz.com
Chantaco golf à Saint Jean de Luz (7 km) www.chantaco.com
Nivelle golf (8 km) www.golfnivelle.com

Bicycles are available for rent www.velonews64.com

Local games : Trinquet and Pelote Basque

Thalasso : Biarritz & Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Horse riding : There are a number of equestrian centres open to the public.