What to do in the Basque Country?
Take a deep breath of fresh air during your stay at our campground in Bidart. Located just a few hundred meters from Bidart Beach, our facility welcomes you for a relaxing stay in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Whether with family or friends, come and enjoy the exceptional location of Erreka, an ideal spot for unforgettable weekends and holidays between the sea and the mountains.
Discover the Culture and Heritage of the Basque Country
Between the idyllic landscapes of the rugged coast and the picturesque villages of the hinterland, the Basque Country invites you to explore a rich natural and cultural heritage. Former whale fishing ports and trendy surf spots alternate along the coast with the historic towns of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne. The elegant architecture of the imperial seaside resorts contrasts with the typical Labourdin houses of the inland Basque villages. In a setting of lush, rolling hills dotted with imposing white houses with shutters and red half-timbering, discover a region with a strong identity and a true nation. In terms of gastronomy, Espelette chili will spice up even chocolate, another local centuries-old specialty. Sheep’s cheeses, hams, and typical dishes such as axoa are enjoyed at the tables of traditional cider houses or during the many village festivals. Each village has its own fronton, where the national sport of pelota is played. For Basque gastronomy lovers, don’t miss La Table des Frères Ibarboure in Bidart.
Sports and Activities in the Basque Country (64)
A land with a strong identity, whose culture and traditions are a source of pride for the locals, the Basque Country has its national sport, Basque pelota: played with bare hands, a paleta, or a chistera, it is an essential part of Basque culture and hosts major sporting events. From the Atlantic coast to the foot of the Pyrenees, every village, even the smallest, has its fronton. Most also have a covered trinquet. The Basque Country is also marked by a strong taurine culture: bull games have a central place during the Bayonne festivals. The variety of landscapes in the region, both on the French and Spanish sides, makes the Basque Country an ideal destination for outdoor activities, with options ranging from water sports to mountain sports, such as climbing, paragliding, trekking, and hiking. The Atlantic waves offer some of the world’s most famous surf spots. Inland, lakes and rivers are favorite playgrounds for canoeing, rafting, and canyoning.
The Basque Country Interior
At the foot of the Pyrenees, the Basque Country Interior is a land of traditions with a rich heritage and stunning landscapes. Just a few steps from the seaside resorts and coastal towns, it is in the hinterland that you will discover the most traditional villages, often animated by folk festivals such as the chili festival in Espelette, pelote tournaments, and farmers' markets. The northern Basque Country, on the French side, consists of three provinces stretching at the foot of the Pyrenees, from Biarritz and Hendaye in the west to Sainte-Engrâce and Mauléon in the east. The province of Labourd, known for its typical houses with red shutters, is home to the must-see villages of Itxassou, Espelette, Ascain, Sare, as well as the thermal station of Cambo-les-Bains and the large Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle lake. In Lower Navarre, you will find Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the last stop on the Camino de Santiago before the Roncevaux Pass, or the traditional villages of Irouléguy and Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry. Head further into Soule to discover Mauléon and its famous espadrilles, as well as the Kakuetta Gorges in Sainte-Engrâce.
The Basque Coast
Between typical villages, surf spots, charming seaside towns, and stunning ocean panoramas, the rocky Basque Coast stands in contrast to the long Landes coast that stretches down to above Anglet, with its distinctive character and reliefs. Each beach of the Basque coast offers a backdrop of the first peaks of the Pyrenees, with the Three Crowns and La Rhune being easily recognizable. The Atlantic waves here are ideal for surfing: Lafiténia, Parlementia, and La Madrague are internationally renowned spots. The harbors of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure, and Hendaye are departure points for family or sporty sea outings, exploring the coastline to Biarritz, encountering whales, or trying sea fishing. The opportunity to enjoy numerous water activities attracts visitors to the Basque Country: sea kayaking, jet skiing, towed inflatables, and water skiing, for example, are practiced in the sheltered bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The Basque coast also hides caves and shipwrecks that are home to a rich underwater fauna and flora, waiting to be discovered during a diving baptism.