Facing the ocean, in the town of Hendaye, on a promontory of the Basque Corniche, stands the Observatory Castle of Abbadia, a richly decorated Neo-Gothic mansion built in the 19th century by the famous architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Its former owner, the famous Basque-Irish scientist and explorer Antoine d'Abbadie, set up an astronomical observatory there with a unique meridian telescope dating from 1880!

Open to visitors, the Abbadia site not only allows the public to explore the restored and furnished rooms of the castle, it also provides a pleasant walk in the beautiful English-style park, which is full of beautiful exotic plants.

The Basque coast, wild and rocky, stretches from Hendaye to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Rhune Massif. Coves, jagged cliffs, fern-covered moors and viewpoints over the ocean are some of the wonders you can admire along the 25-kilometre coastal path. There is plenty to enchant lovers of nature and coastal walks!

Also at the heart of this unspoilt area, lovers of architecture can admire the famous Observatory Castle of Abbadia, built in the Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century by the famous architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

A protected natural site of 65 hectares, the domain of Abbadia, owned by the Coastal Conservatory, is extremely diverse in terms of landscape and ecology, and has a heritage orchard filled with ancient fruit tree species.

A date for your diary: the Corniche Festival in September, an eco-friendly event that takes place along the corniche, with scientific, artistic and fun activities, exhibitions, debates, Basque dances and songs, and a giant picnic.

Inhabited by the same family since 1341, Urtubie Castle, located in the town of Urrugne, three kilometres from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, is listed as a Historic Monument.

Built in the 14th century, then enlarged in the 16th and 18th centuries, this elegant Basque Country house has an elegantly furnished and decorated interior: antique furniture and tapestries from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries are some of the features you can admire on a guided tour. Other attractions in the grounds include the 17th-century chapel, 18th-century orangery and a lovely English-style park of six hectares. A visit to the tearoom will round off your tour of the estate nicely.

A small seaside resort on the Basque coast, Ciboure charms visitors with its old town full of old stone and timber-framed houses, its picturesque fishing port and its bustling Sunday morning market, where the stalls heave with fresh produce and other specialties. 27 quai Maurice Ravel was the birthplace of the famous composer of the Bolero.

Ciboure also delights fans of relaxation, who can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beaches, admiring Fort Socoa in the distance, and watching the boats come and go...

A renowned resort on the Basque coast, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is also renowned for its history and its architectural heritage. Indeed, the Church of St John the Baptist was where the marriage of Louis XIV with the Infanta Maria Theresa of Spain was celebrated on 9 June, 1660. A Historical Monument, the building boasts an exceptional décor and contains a monumental baroque altarpiece carved in gilt wood and three floors of oak galleries... Gorgeous!

Then it's time to explore the shopping streets of the old corsair town, before admiring the iconic façades of Saint-Jean-de-Luz as well as those of the houses of the Infanta and Louis XIV. Open to visitors, the Italian-style house of the Infanta Joanoenia, which was the residence of the Infanta of Spain in June 1660 at the time of her wedding to Louis XIV, contains the so-called Infanta's Chamber and a beautifully decorated 17th-century lounge. Built in 1643 by a wealthy local ship-owner, Louis XIV's house, Lohobiague-Enea, where the young monarch stayed at the time of his wedding, invites you to discover the history of Saint-Jean-de-Luz as you explore its richly furnished rooms.

After sightseeing, enjoy a moment to enjoy the famous macaroons in the town or take a break at a café terrace on the lovely Place Louis XIV, before continuing your journey towards the picturesque fishing port, then go for a stroll on the Promenade Jacques Thibaud, along the beach and past the elegant beachfront villas. The vast sandy beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz will undoubtedly delight relaxation fans and water sports enthusiasts!

At the heart of the Basque Country, in the province of Labourd, discover Ascain, a charming village with its picturesque central square and Basque pelota court, narrow alleys dotted with pretty Labourdine houses, and a church with a porch bell-tower dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. The latter houses a beautiful altar and three floors of wooden galleries!

Located in the heart of the Basque coast between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the seaside resort of Bidart offers a wide range of leisure activities ranging from surfing to golf, to Basque pelota, horseback riding, tennis, hiking along the coastal path or relaxing on one of its six sandy beaches.

Bidart also has a characterful architectural heritage, which you can explore on the picturesque Place Sauveur Atchoarena, the chapels of St Joseph and St Magdalene, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, and the old Bassilour mill, which makes traditional Basque cake with cream and black cherry.

Don't miss the superb view of the beaches and cliffs of Bidart, the Basque coast and the ocean, from the orientation table in front of the Magdalene Chapel!

Departing from the station at the Saint-Ignace Pass, in the town of Sare in the Basque Country, don't miss a chance to ride the Rhune train, a small train on a cog railway. On board one of its wooden cars, climbing up the mountainside for 35 minutes at 9 km per hour, admire stunning landscapes where manech sheep, Pottok ponies and griffon vultures roam freely... Once at the top of the Rhune, 905 metres above sea level, enjoy a splendid view of the Basque coast and the Pyrenees!

At the base of the Rhune massif in the Basque Country, be sure to make a stop in the beautiful village of Sare. Its traditional houses, pelota court, majestic church of St Martin with three floors of oak galleries and unspoilt environment are all attractions that add to the charm of the area.

Open to the public, the picturesque 17th-century Ortillopitz House invites you to discover Basque life in the past, with a tour of the cider cellar, the large kitchen, the office/reception room of the ship-owner, the bedrooms and the attic, as well as the orchard and traditional vegetable garden.

In the heights of Biarritz nestles a lovely little village called Arcangues. It's an absolutely charming place, with its picturesque central square nestled between the town hall with its blue shutters, the adorable school, typical inn, Basque pelota court and 16th-century church with wooden galleries.

Behind the Church of St John the Baptist, be sure to go and admire the beautiful terraced cemetery dotted with old disk-shaped steles, with a beautiful view of the Pyrenees! Here, in this haven of peace, lies the tomb of the famous operetta singer Luis Mariano.

Enter the fascinating marine world at Biarritz Aquarium! Open since 1933 in an Art Deco building on the Esplanade du Rocher de la Vierge, and extended in 1952 to include a scientific study and research centre, it shows visitors the role of the sea in the formation of the continents, the population of the waters, and the ocean in all its forms.

Since 2011, its surface area has doubled to house even more species. See the seahorses and yellow and blue surgeonfish swim around, admire the ballet of the jellyfish, the loggerhead sea turtles, the rays or the mandarin fish, shiver in front of the hammerhead or blacktip sharks - this is an experience you will never forget.

For younger visitors, the Aquarium organises special activities: seal and shark feeding times, and a petting pool where they can stroke an anemone, fish or starfish!

A prestigious and elegant seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, made famous in the 19th century by the visit of Empress Eugenie, beautiful Biarritz has lost none of its charm over the years. A wild coastline, dotted with rocks shaped by the force of the waves; sumptuous buildings and villas in eclectic architectural styles, ranging from Art Nouveau to Neo-Basque through Art Deco and Baroque; and long, sandy beaches, ideal for relaxing or enjoying your favourite leisure activity...

Departing from Place Bellevue near the Grande Plage beach, discover the natural treasures that have made Biarritz's name, on a seaside stroll along the coastal paths overlooking the ocean. An ideal opportunity to feel reinvigorated and relaxed on a walk with your family or loved one, taking in a number of famous sites like the Basta Rock and the Rock of the Virgin. Amazing views guaranteed...

In Biarritz, you'll be spoilt for choice by day and night! Water sports such as surfing, bodyboarding, sea diving and swimming; land sports like tennis, golf, hiking, horse-riding and Basque pelota; beauty and well-being treatments at a thalassotherapy centre; shopping and eating out; casinos, bars and night clubs for night owls...

When it comes to culture, the resort offers a wide range of attractions, from the Museum of the Sea to the Chocolate Museum, through the History Museum and the Asiatica Oriental art museum. The unmissable Museum of the Sea, based in an Art Deco building, will take you on a journey to the depths of the sea, with over fifty aquariums including the must-see seal pool.

There are lots of events and festivities during the summer season: Scènes Estivales with free concerts, Nuit Féerique on 15 August with an amazing firework display, the Fête au Port and international surfing competitions, to name but a few!

The well-known Basque seaside resort of Anglet boasts many attractions. Its 11 sandy beaches covering 4.5 kilometres, its 230 hectares of unspoilt forest, thalassotherapy centre, Chiberta golf course, surfing spots, cycle paths and long coastal walk make it an essential tourist destination on the Atlantic coast! Good news for holidaymakers who love relaxation and sports enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor recreation... A wide choice of cafés, restaurants and lounge bars, and a large number of summer events and surfing competitions are also among the highlights of life at the resort.

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, the old village of Ainhoa​​, founded in the 13th century and partially rebuilt in the 17th century, is an essential part of any tour of the Basque Country. Its long and unique street, lined with picturesque white houses with red and green timbering, and its 13th-century church with a square bell-tower with four floors, will appeal to lovers of architecture. The interior of the church must be visited, if only for its beautiful golden altar and two floors of wooden galleries! Around the building, a landscaped cemetery contains disk-shaped and tabular steles dating from the 16th and 17th centuries...

At the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers, close to the Atlantic Ocean, nestles Bayonne, a picturesque and lively City of Art and History. Famous for its festive atmosphere and summer events, the capital of the French Basque Country also owes its reputation to its particularly remarkable architectural heritage. Its pretty, tall houses with colourful shutters, huddled close together, are typical of the local architecture. It's a delight to stroll along the quays or old streets while contemplating the beautiful half-timbered façades that line your path...

In the centre of Old Bayonne, stop at St. Mary's Cathedral, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage site on Way of St James, it has a beautiful Gothic cloister whose galleries house tombs and gravestones. Then leave this place full of serenity and head for the city fortifications, then enjoy a relaxing break as you stroll through the beautiful botanical garden, designed in a Japanese style, located within the ramparts and not far from Château-Vieux.

Then cross one of the bridges over the Nive to the Petit Bayonne district, and visit the Museum of the Basque Country and the History of Bayonne. With more than 2,000 objects and works of art on display, spread across twenty themed rooms, this ethnographic museum in the Dagourette House, dated from the late 16th century, is a must for those wishing to discover Basque culture!

A few blocks away, you can also visit the Bonnat-Helleu Museum, devoted to Fine Arts, whose collection includes works by Léon Bonnat, Paul Helleu, Peter Paul Rubens, Francisco Goya and Edgar Degas.

The social calendar in Bayonne is filled with festive events: the Bayonne ham fair at Easter, pelota competitions, bullfights in the Neo-Moorish bullring, chocolate festival on the Ascension weekend, Bayonne festival in late July... There really is something for everyone!

Want to know more about the Basque identity? Head to the Dagourette house, a Historic Monument dating back to the late 16th century, located on Quai des Corsaires on the banks of the River Nive, in Bayonne city centre.

Since 1922, an important and fascinating ethnographic collection has been assembled here, telling the story of the Basque Country (Pays Basque) and its culture over the centuries.

The Basque Museum, "Euskal museoa", is arranged over three levels and has twenty or so rooms to visit: on the ground floor, agropastoralism and the auditorium; on the first floor, the maritime and river activities of Bayonne harbour, including whale hunting, crafts and the home; on the second floor, religious celebrations, witchcraft, dances (like the fandango), games and pelota. In total, over 2,000 objects about Basque culture! The ethnography section is now based in the harbour warehouses.

Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, the charming spa town of Cambo-les-Bains, with its traditional side streets, has an oceanic climate that's both mild and sunny. In a luxuriant Art Deco setting, its spa specialises in rheumatology and respiratory treatments, and as well as its medicated treatments, offers spa packages that cater to all lovers of relaxation and well-being!

The Neo-Basque Villa Arnaga, a listed Historic Monument, was home to the illustrious author of Cyrano de Bergerac, Edmond Rostand. Now a museum, this luxurious residence houses objects and works of art depicting the life of the famous writer and his family. Carrying the "Remarkable Garden" and "Remarkable Trees of France" labels, the gardens at Arnaga consist of a French formal garden combining minerals, plants and water, and an English-style garden with a wonderful palette of colours and scents. Many events also take place at Arnaga: a theatre festival in August, temporary exhibitions, concerts, conferences...

Patisserie-lovers, don't miss the food festival at Cambo-les-Bains at the beginning of October, dedicated to the famous Basque cake!

Don't miss a chance to visit La Bastide-Clairence! Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, this beautiful 14th-century fortified town in Navarre has incredible charm... The picturesque central square with arcades, typical white houses with red timbering and many arts and crafts workshops make it a very popular destination. Its imposing church is distinguished by its courtyard cemetery paved with tombstones and its interior is adorned with three floors of wooden galleries.

A famous marina and bathing resort, Capbreton combines the delights of the beach and relaxation with the pleasures of surfing and sailing. It is a destination on the Landes Atlantic coast which is appreciated for its eight fine sandy beaches, fishing port and marina, surfing and sailing schools, shops and summer atmosphere...

A symbol of the town by the sea, the long wooden landing stage at the entrance to the port enchants walkers and anglers in equal measure. An ideal place to recharge your batteries and breathe in the sea air...

Opposite the landing stage and the ocean is the Aquacéo centre, an aquatic fitness centre, with indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, swan-necked fountains, a sauna, Turkish baths and a spa offering beauty treatments and massages, which will delight those seeking relaxation and well-being!

Before reaching the Adour in Bayonne, the River Nive, whose source lies south of Estérençuby, runs through rustic, verdant landscapes dotted with pretty Basque villages full of traditional houses.

While roaming around the Nive Valley, you can stop at Itxassou, realm of the black cherry! The church, a must-see attraction, features a splendid gold altarpiece and three floors of wooden galleries.

Bidarray, with its water sports centre offering canoeing, kayaking and rafting, has plenty to delight all lovers of whitewater sports! Rich in trout and salmon, the River Nive is also a favourite destination for fishing enthusiasts... Lovers of wild landscapes, meanwhile, should be sure to explore the gorges of the Nive and stop by the unusual site of the Pas de Roland, a passage dug into the rock which has been eroded by the Nive's turbulent waters.

Finally, don't leave this wonderful area without seeing Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its old town steeped in remarkable heritage, located on the Way of St James...

A chic and sporty resort on the Landes coast, Soorts-Hossegor is ideal for those who want to relax as well as those keen on surfing or golfing. The superb beaches of fine sand opposite the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, the surfing schools, the marine lake and its long walk lined with themed information boards, the 18-hole golf course, the forest walks, the Basque-Landais style Sporting Casino, elegant 1920-1930's villas nestling under the pines, boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as many summer entertainments and surfing competitions, all make this a prized holiday destination!

A listed Historical Monument, the superimposed caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, located in the towns of Isturits and Saint-Martin-d'Arberoue on the Gaztelu hill in the Basque country, are major prehistoric cave art sites.

On your tour of this cultural and scientific site, discover Isturitz, world-famous among archaeologists for its art objects and cave engravings. Further down lies Oxocelhaya, a magnificent cave shrine famous for its splendid thousand-year-old concretions. A magical underground world full of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, waterfalls and draperies...

Lying at the edge of the verdant Aldudes Valley, on either side of the River Nive de Baïgorry, the pretty village of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry invites you to discover its traditional Basque houses and splendid Church of St Stephen, adorned with a listed Baroque altarpiece, Rémy Mahler organ and three floors of wooden galleries!

The capital of Lower Navarre and a famous stop on the Way of St James, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port charms passing pilgrims and lovers of old buildings in equal measure...

Surrounded by walls of pink sandstone, the medieval town of Saint-Jean-Pied- de-Port charms visitors with its cobbled streets lined with old houses, the old bridge over the Nive, picturesque façades along the water, its wall-walk and its imposing fortress rebuilt by Vauban, whose outline dominates the town's skyline. To enjoy a beautiful view of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the verdant Basque country, feel free to climb up to the citadel entrance. It's worth the effort, as the view is magnificent! Then on the way back down Rue de la Citadelle, after crossing St James' Gate (Porte Saint-Jacques), take the time to admire the old houses decorated with carved lintels or do some shopping in the shops along the way. At 41 rue de la Citadelle, stop by the Bishops' Prison, where the museum has a permanent exhibition devoted to the Way of St James in medieval times!