The Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located in the heart of south-western France, offers a wealth of landscapes and cultures that make it an unmissable destination. Between the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees, the sunny beaches of the Basque coast and the charming inland villages, this region abounds in treasures to discover. Whether you're a lover of nature, culture, gastronomy or adventure, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques will meet all your expectations. Here are 21 of the most beautiful places not to be missed during your visit to this enchanting region.
1. Biarritz, a must-see town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region
The Basque coast attracts many travelers. In addition to its breathtaking seascapes, it' s home to some superb seaside resorts, like Biarritz! Once there, you'll be seduced by its heritage, beaches and emblematic coastal sites. A land of surfing and rich gastronomy, the city offers a multitude of pleasures. Biarritz is both chic and trendy, yet surrounded by exceptional natural beauty, with the ocean and magnificent rolling countryside. Biarritz can be enjoyed all year round, thanks to its mild climate. Here are 15 must-sees for those wondering what to do in Biarritz.
2. The city of Pau
Any tourist guide to Pau will tell you: there are thousands of reasons to visit this city, and you'll quickly discover that there are almost as many to love it. Its relaxed lifestyle makes it one of France's favorite cities. Its palm trees and exceptional gardens give it a unique atmosphere, further enhanced by the view of snow-capped peaks. The birthplace of Henri IV, its royal heritage has left it with a rich heritage and irresistible architecture. A cultural city with one of France's finest Zeniths and a Fine Arts Museum, unique events such as the F1 Grand Prix and the Tour de France, the capital of Béarn is lively all year round, which explains why 12,000 students choose its renowned universities. So, what's there to do and see in Pau? Petit Futé gives you its 13 must-sees.
3. Espelette
It'sone of the most beautiful villages in France: welcome to Espelette, a colorful Basque village! This village in the Labourd region is famous for its pimento pepper. Today, Espelette takes advantage of this reputation to showcase its emblematic plant on all the facades of its houses, adorned in red and white. Cords bend under the weight of chillies drying in the open air, and shopkeepers offer their chilli products to visitors: jams, cheeses or chocolate, watch out for your taste buds in Espelette, renowned for its specialities! Every year, on the last weekend in October, a festival of Espelette chillies is held in the village. It's a festive event not to be missed, and contributes to making Espeletteone of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country!
4. The Ossau valley
With its lively pastoral traditions and breathtaking landscapes, the Ossau valley will delight lovers of nature and local culture. Indeed, it's a veritable paradise for walking enthusiasts who were wondering where to go for a hike? The majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau dominates the landscape of this nature reserve in the Pyrenees National Park. Among the most beautiful lakes in the Béarn valley are Ayous, Bious-Artigues, Anglas and Artouste. We also recommend that you contact the Tourist Office, which will be happy to show you the activities on offer and give you sound advice on how to plan your stay.
See also our Top 13 hikes in the Pyrenees.
5. Bayonne, a city to visit in Pyrénées-Atlantiques
France is full of wonderful places to visit, and Bayonne is a perfect example! An ideal summer destination, the town is located in the heart of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region. The festive yet authentic atmosphere of the Basque country is felt at every step, making for a charming visit. Steeped in Basque culture, the town offers a wide range of exciting activities and visits. From Bayonne festivals to historic buildings and museums, discover the 15 must-do things to do in Bayonne!
Tempted? Check out our first-time guide to the Fêtes de Bayonne.
6. Oloron-Sainte-Marie, the oldest town in Béarn
Oloron, with itsexceptional cultural heritage, lies on the Pilgrims' Way to Santiago de Compostela, at the crossroads between Spain and the Atlantic, and at the convergence of three valleys. The town has forged its own identity and attracted visitors over the years. A Michelin star marks the city's entry into a new era of tourism. Thanks to a particularly dynamic municipality, Oloron has succeeded in making the most of its rich architectural heritage, innovating with the introduction of a wristband for information at the 14 interactive terminals installed in the town's three historic districts , which are among the most beautiful places to see in Béarn.
7. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a seaside town with a rich historical past
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a seaside resort with a rich historical past. In 1660, the marriage of Louis XIV to the Infanta Maria Theresa of Austria was one of the town's landmark events. With its charming town center, harbor, beach and gourmet restaurants, this authentic haven of peace is one of the Basque country's top destinations. More intimate than Bayonne and less opulent than Biarritz, the town comes alive daily and invites you to savour its friendly atmosphere, typical of the South-West.The town offers a multitude of easily accessible sporting activities: surfing, canoeing, accrobranche, chistera, hiking, paramotoring... The choice is yours right here !
8. Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port
One of the most beautiful villages in the south of France, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, and is visited year-round by pilgrims from all over the world. This charming village in lower Navarre boasts several architectural styles: Romanesque in the church of Saint-Jean-le-Vieux and Gothic in the church of Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. In addition to this rich religious heritage, the village is famous for its citadel, accessible via a sloping path. Built in the 17th century, it stands on the site of the old medieval castle. Traditions have also been preserved here, including Basque pelota and dancing, making Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port a lively, authentic destination and one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France.
9. Ainhoa, one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees
If you're wondering what to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, this is a village where the region's charm and identity are perfectly represented. In fact, Ainhoa is listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", as well as one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees. Its many houses feature white facades and red half-timbering, providing an ideal backdrop for photographs in its unique, strolling street. The walk also takes in its wash-house and the Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, remarkable for its bell-tower and magnificent interior with coffered wooden ceiling. If you're lucky, you'll be able to watch a game of pelota on the fronton. For a panoramic view of this exceptional village in the Pyrenees, head to Notre-Dame-de-l'Aubépine, a 30-minute walk away.
Discoverthe 21 most beautiful places to visit in the Pyrenees!
10. Le Somport
A cross-border resort, Le Somport offers a splendid ski area between France and Spain, set in a preserved site in the heart of the magnificent Pyrenees National Park. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the main activities, with a variety of itineraries ranging from white to black runs, through plateaus and undergrowth. With 9 trails and 34 km of fun, the resort also offers a 9 km orange trail, safe and reserved for pedestrians and snowshoers, without crossing the cross-country ski trails. A short loop on the French side can be covered in an hour, while a long loop leads to Candanchu on the Spanish side. In Spain, you can also discover a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, as well as a toboggan run for children. Le Somport is a pleasant, family-friendly resort, ideal for skiing with children.
11. Ascain, a pretty, typically Labourdin and Basque village
Ascain is another example of a charming, typically Labourdin and Basque village to see in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Water and mountains are the main attractions of this village of 4,434 inhabitants, crossed by the River Nivelle and dominated by three peaks: Bizkarzun, Esnaur and Larrun, also known as La Rhune (905 m). From the Place du Fronton, you can take in the town at a glance: the charming church with its dungeon bell tower (1626), the streets lined with hotel-restaurants and the Rhune in the background. It is said that Pierre Loti wrote "Ramuntcho" here (perhaps at the Hôtel de la Rhune), inspired by an Ascain pelotari, and that Churchill painted a watercolour here.
12. Hendaye, a pearl on the Basque coast
Welcome to Hendaye, a pearl on the Basque coast offering a variety of activities to suit all tastes. Together with its Iberian neighbors Irún and Fontarrabie, on the other side of the Bidassoa, Hendaye forms a unique trio where cultures and gastronomies mingle. At 3 km in length, Hendaye boasts the largest sandy beach in the region and one of the most beautiful in France. There's no shortage of points of interest, from the Château Observatoire Abbadia, built at the end of the 19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and offering exceptional panoramic views, to the Maison de la Corniche, a former Basque farmhouse now owned by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
13. Bidart, a beautiful seaside resort for family vacations
Bidart, whose history dates back to the 12th century, is a typical Basque village admirably situated on the ocean between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Rich in heritage, with its brightly-colored houses, its church where the voices of Basque choirs resound, and its deeply-rooted Basque culture, Bidart was originally a relay for the horse mail service, via the old Plateau road. It was on this very road that Louis XIV travelled to his wedding in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Historically, Bidart has long been a fishing town. Today, it's a beautiful seaside resort in the Basque country, ideal for family vacations.
What to do and see in Bidart? Discover the 10 must-sees.
14. Guéthary, an authentic Basque village
Located on the edge of the ocean, halfway between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary is an authentic Basque village. This former whaling port has preserved its architectural values and Basque traditions, from surfing and Basque pelota to song, dance and gastronomy. Guéthary is a great alternative for those wishing to enjoy the Basque coast in a more intimate atmosphere. It's an ideal base for immersing yourself in the local culture and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings. Here are the 11 must-do things to do in Guéthary.
See also our top 20 surf spots in France.
15. Arcangues, a blend of traditions, gastronomy and festivals
Situated on the border between Biarritz and Bidart, Arcangues has retained its rural character and scattered settlements in a hilly landscape. A blend of traditions, gastronomy and festivals, this commune is one of the jewels of the Basque Country, with its white houses neither too far nor too close to the coast! It was the Marquis d'Arcangues who transformed this village into an elegant tourist destination. The château, which can be visited, has been the scene of sumptuous evenings. Also worth a visit is the village's unusual cemetery , where the famous singer Luis Mariano is laid to rest. The commune also boasts an exceptional golf course, much sought-after by professional golfers. An ideal destination for a summer vacation!
16. Cambo-les-Bains, spa town in Pyrénées-Atlantiques
What to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Visit Cambo-les-Bains, a spa town with a balcony overlooking the Nive river and the mountains. Its lively town center harmoniously combines areas reserved for pedestrians and cars. To discover the heart of the town, here are four not-to-be-missed suggestions: "Cambo, une ville d'eaux", "Cambo, une ville basque", "Cambo, une ville jardin" and, of course, a visit to Villa Arnaga, Edmond Rostand's home. Last but not least, we recommend a spa treatment, as Cambo is one of the Basque country's top destinations for a successful thalasso.
17. Sainte-Engrace, at the end of the world
The far south of Soule evokes a feeling of being at the end of the world! Perched 630 meters above sea level, in a wild and grandiose setting, the village of Sainte-Engrâce (179 inhabitants) is one of the most picturesque and legendary in the Basque country, close to the neighboring Béarnais Baretous. It boasts a delightful 17th-century Romanesque chapel, surrounded by a cemetery filled with discoidal stelae, in a green amphitheater surrounded by mountains rising to the horizon. There's no shortage of points of interest, including the Gorges de Kakuetta, Grotte de la Verna, Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin and numerous hiking trails.
18. Admire the architecture of La Bastide-Clairence
Founded in 1314 by Louis I, King of Navarre, La Bastide-Clairence's architecture has left its mark. Traditional Basque half-timbered houses with mullioned and lintelled windows coexist with Navarrese houses with four-sloped roofs and arched main entrances. The village's large central square is a lively place, home to cafés, restaurants and boutiques. In just a few years, La Bastide-Clairence has become a stronghold for inspiring craftspeople, making it the ideal starting point for exploring the region. Listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, it is one of the jewels in the crown of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques.
19. Reach one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees at Sare
What to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? Visit Sarre! Located not far from the Atlantic, at the foot of the Basque Pyrenees, the village of Sare offers a wide variety of landscapes. You can take the Rhune train, a cogwheel locomotive, to reach one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees. The journey is very pleasant and offers a magnificent panorama of the region's natural beauty at 905 meters above sea level. And don't miss the Sare caves, where interactive tours tell the story of prehistoric life in the cave.
20. Skiing in Gourette
With 42 km of slopes, the Béarn ski resort of Gourette offers a grandiose setting for skiing, like a natural amphitheater surrounded by high peaks. It's also a meeting point for original leisure activities: Nordic bathing, overnight igloo, sauna, night snowshoeing and Snakegliss. In terms of thrills and spills, you'll enjoy some great spots, freestyle zones and a snowpark. In the upper part of the resort, you'll enjoy an exceptional panorama at an altitude of 2,450 metres. If you're a keen walker, why not try the Coutchets ascent of the Pic du Ger? It's a real winter mountaineering race (Warning: it's essential to find out about the quality of the snow. If you're a novice or not sufficiently experienced, don't hesitate to hire a mountain guide)
21. Artouste, an ideal resort for relaxation and vacations!
Located close to Spain (10 km) and the national park, Artouste offers a unique view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau and slopes surrounded by fir trees. The ski area is equipped to satisfy all levels of skiers and snowboarders: Snowpark, Kid park, Boardercross. You'll also be seduced by the charming pedestrian village on the shores of Fabrèges lake, appreciated for its tranquility and warm welcome. In addition to skiing, there are many other activities on offer, including igloo weekends, night-time snowshoeing and caving. It's the ideal resort for a relaxing vacation!
What unusual places to visit in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques?
What to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques? The Pyrénées-Atlantiques region is full of unusual places well worth discovering. Here are a few suggestions for a unique experience:
- Les Grottes de Sare: These caves offer an interactive tour that plunges you into prehistoric life. An unusual, immersive and educational experience.
- Le Train de la Rhune: This cogwheel train takes you to the summit of La Rhune, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Basque coast. An unusual getaway to plan during your vacation!
- Château d'Abbadia: Located in Hendaye, this neo-Gothic château is a true architectural gem. It also houses an astronomical observatory.
- Gorges de Kakuetta: These deep, narrow gorges offer spectacular scenery with waterfalls and impressive rock formations.
- Grotte de la Verna: One of the world's largest underground caves, accessible via a small train. An unforgettable underground experience.
What to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques when it rains?
What to do in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques when it rains? Here are a few suggestions for making the most of your stay despite the weather:
- Visit museums:
- Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne: Discover Basque culture and history through a variety of exhibitions.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Pau: Admire works of art in a magnificent setting.
- Musée de la Mer de Biarritz: Explore the region's marine flora and fauna.
- Relaxation and well-being:
- Thalassothérapie Serge Blanco in Hendaye: Enjoy wellness and relaxation treatments.
- Les Bains de la Rhune in Sare: Relax in thermal baths.
- Cultural activities:
- Château d'Abbadia in Hendaye: Visit this neo-Gothic château and its astronomical observatory.
- Château de Pau: Discover the history of the city and its kings.
- Tastings and gastronomy:
- Wine cellar visits: Discover local wines and take part in tastings.
- Basque cooking workshops: Learn how to prepare traditional Basque dishes.
See also our article What to see and do in the Pyrénées-Orientales? The 21 most beautiful places.
