The Basque House

The Basque House boasts one of the most sought-after locations along the Pyrénées-Atlantique – in a residential area, just metres from the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean and about half-an-hour walk or short drive to the heart of vibrant St Jean de Luz (2km).

Originally a small fishing port at the mouth of the River Nivelle, St Jean de Luz later became a fashionable resort for well-to-do French, English and Spanish tourists in the late 19th century. Now you’ll find a quintessential Basque seaside town steeped in historical and architectural heritage, where you’ll navigate between atmospheric narrow streets, a lively harbour and a sparkling sandy beach.

Enjoy some fresh seafood at La Boete, one of the many seafood restaurants in the streets surrounding the Port, visit the wonderful Church of St John the Baptist where the marriage of Louis XIV took place in 1660, and if you’re lucky stumble across a local orchestra performing in Place Louis XIV. Or perhaps spend the afternoon with little ones at one of the many kid’s clubs along the Grande Plage beach. For the more experienced surfer head north to Acotz beach for some spectacular waves. With quad bike excursions and coastal hikes being just a few more activities you can try in St Jean de Luz, you’ll never get bored, and with a number of relaxing spa’s in town you can recover in luxury.

St Jean de Luz’ little sister town of Ciboure, is well worth a visit, just 4.5km away. The birthplace of the composer Maurice Ravel and home of artist Henri Matisse, Ciboure will charm visitors with its old-town full of stone and timber-framed houses, its picturesque fishing port and its bustling Sunday morning market. The beach is fantastic for swimming and sunbathing, watching the boats come and go under the watchful eye of Fort Socoa in the distance.

Another seaside town well worth visiting is the sprawling medieval town of Hendaye lying 15km south of the villa, sitting on the Spanish border, where you’ll find plenty to amuse the whole family. Split into two, the medieval Basque old town is situated on a picturesque hilltop where the impressive Château Abbadia can be accessed on the outskirts of town, whilst a lovely sandy beach and modern marina sit down in the peninsular below. Catch a boat from here to some of the beautiful towns on the Spanish coast.

Further north, 17km away, you’ll find the glittering gem in the Pyrénées-Atlantique crown, Biarritz, an elegant seaside resort dating back to the 19th century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, including the well-known Hotel du Palais, built by the wife of Napoleon III on the famous La Grande Plage. You will find some wonderful restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port, where ordering some beautifully fresh seafood is a must. A fantastic atmosphere can be found around the Port Vieux where you’ll discover a small sheltered beach loved by locals and the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux. Beautiful Art Deco buildings can be appreciated all around the town and especially along the beach, including the casino (also home to a theatre and swimming pool) and the Aquarium which is a must for sea-lovers or families.

The lovely picturesque villages inland should not be overlooked, with the majestic Pyrénées on your doorstep you have a great selection, including two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages; pretty Ainhoa (21km) and Sare (16km), where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the most dominant peaks of the Pyrénées, where there are some restaurants with incredible views as well as some outstanding hiking opportunities.

With other activities ranging from horse riding, sailing, white water rafting and even paragliding all accessible in the local area, together with the 25km coastal path from Hendaye up to Bidart, you’ll never be short of things to do while staying at The Basque House.

Read more about Biarritz

Ah, the French Basque Country… a region that has such a mix of Basque tradition and French charm that it immediately wins the heart of every tourist that visits. What’s not to love? The incredible beaches, friendly locals and fusion of Spanish and French cultures is one-of-a-kind.

While you’re enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Biarritz, you may well want to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we’ve put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Biarritz travel guide >>