Visit the Basque Country 8 must-see places
Ah, the Basque Country... A region with strong character, rich in culture, traditions, and exceptional heritage. To get away from it all without going too far, it's the perfect destination!
Between wild coastal paths, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Pyrenees mountains, the Basque coast offers a diversity of landscapes and abounds in preserved natural treasures.
But what to visit in the Basque Country? To make sure you don't miss anything during your stay and fully appreciate the beauty of this region, here is our selection of sites to visit in the Basque Country! ❤️💚
Summary
- La Rhune: The famous summit to see on the Basque coast
- Villa Arnaga: A must-see estate in the Basque Country
- The most beautiful villages of France in the Basque Country to visit
- The Basque Corniche: A protected natural area
- The caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya: a spectacular prehistoric site
- The Kakuetta Gorges and the Holzarte suspended footbridge: Exceptional natural sites
- Château d'Abbadia: a place of interest to visit in the Basque Country
- Aspe, Ossau and Barétous: 3 Pyrenean valleys
LA RHUNE: THE FAMOUS SUMMIT TO SEE ON THE BASQUE COAST
Discover the mythical Basque summit: La Rhune!
Located at an altitude of 905 m on the border between France and Spain, the massif dominates the Pyrenees mountain range, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Landes coast.
Admire a breathtaking 360° panoramic view! Take the authentic rack railway or hike to the summit.
Along the way, you'll encounter Manech sheep, wild Pottoks (small regional horses), vultures, and beautiful carnivorous plants: remarkable fauna and flora! 🐴🌿
VILLA ARNAGA: A MUST-SEE ESTATE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Immerse yourself in the history of the famous Edmond Rostand, author of the play "Cyrano de Bergerac." A historical monument located south of Bayonne.
He built his dream house in a green setting: a huge villa inspired by Basque farms and surrounded by superb French and English gardens spanning over 15 hectares. Inside, you can admire numerous works of art: drawings, paintings, photographs, and collection items. 🖼️
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF FRANCE IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY TO VISIT
Whether you stay 3 days or a week in the Basque Country, you can't miss the picturesque villages of the region!
Ainhoa, Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and La Bastide-Clairence have been labeled "most beautiful villages of France."
Stroll through the streets to admire the typical Basque houses, Navarrese architectures, Labourdin-style half-timbering, colorful exposed stone facades, and medieval bridges. 🏠
Also, discover towns of character:
Espelette, Itxassou, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or Bayonne. Take the opportunity to shop and bring back some souvenirs like the famous Ezpeletako biperra (Espelette pepper) or espadrilles!
🛍️ If you're near Pau, come visit us to find some pretty fashion pieces!
THE BASQUE CORNICHE: A PROTECTED NATURAL AREA
Be amazed by a stroll along the Basque Corniche: a site to visit in the Basque Country! Between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, it offers you breathtaking views of the most remarkable cliffs in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
Take the coastal path at the foot of La Rhune to start the circuit. Don't forget your favorite travel accessory: your camera!
📷 Capture the natural and wild landscapes of the hinterland. The most beautiful viewpoints in the Basque Country are here! The Basque Corniche is one of the best things to see in the region!
THE ISTURITZ AND OXOCELHAYA CAVES: A SPECTACULAR PREHISTORIC SITE
Do you want to enjoy cultural tourism in the Basque Country?
A true archaeological and geological treasure, the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves will amaze history and speleology enthusiasts!
Explore these spectacular prehistoric remains and discover engravings, limestone concretions, stalagmites and stalactites, as well as clay plaques and structures dating from the Paleolithic era:
a journey back in prehistoric time! A guided tour will allow you to learn more about these jewels of the Basque Country.
THE KAKUETTA GORGES AND HOLZARTE SUSPENDED FOOTBRIDGE: EXCEPTIONAL SITES IN NATURE
Are you a fan of adventure, thrills, and unique experiences?
Treat yourself to an adrenaline-packed outing! Head for the Soule region, equip yourself with good shoes and a helmet, and set off for a full day's hike.
A long journey will take you to the heart of the Basque mountains, then to incredible cliffs and waterfalls. The highlight of the walk is the majestic Kakuetta Gorges. The bravest will cross the Holzarte suspended footbridge, 180 m high, overlooking the Olhadubi Gorges: a magnificent place!
CHÂTEAU D'ABBADIA: A PLACE OF INTEREST TO VISIT IN THE BASQUE COUNTRY
Visit a remarkable site in the Basque Country:
the Château d'Abbadia!
🏰 This landmark overlooks the Basque Corniche and the steep cliffs of Hendaye.
This neo-Gothic architectural edifice is classified as a historical monument and Maison des Illustres. It owes its name to its owner, Antoine Abbadie, a scholar, ethnologist, astronomer, traveler, and defender of Basque culture!
Stroll through its richly decorated castle in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. This sumptuous residence and its immense park will offer you a unique architectural experience and a breathtaking panoramic view of the Basque coast.
ASPE, OSSAU AND BARÉTOUS: 3 PYRENEAN VALLEYS
Near the Basque Country, discover the romantic landscapes of 3 sublime valleys: Aspe, Ossau, and Barétous.
Make a stop in Béarn, still in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department (64), because these protected natural areas are worth a detour!
You'll be dazzled by this remarkable heritage of meadows, lakes, cirques, and gorges. Take the opportunity to hike on foot or horseback, trek, mountain bike, or canyon during the summer season.
These valleys are ideal for sports activities and exploring the region.
You now know the 8 places to visit in the Basque Country!
From discovering culture, traditions, history, coastal landscapes, and typical villages, the Basque Country will surprise you! 🤩
