Discover the Pyrénées-Atlantiques
from our campsite

There is no shortage of family activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques to keep young and old busy throughout your stay. The caves of Sare will introduce you to the atypical geology of a rather dry cave, a prehistoric habitat, and the origins and mythology of the Basque people according to anthropologist José-Miguel de Barandiaran. A guided tour with sound and light will captivate the whole family.

L’Atelier du Chocolat in Bayonne will take you on a journey to conquer the culture of cocoa. You will observe the production workshop before finishing with a gourmet tasting. An ideal outing for those with a sweet tooth!

The Écomusée Basque Jean-Vier will reveal the unique charm of linen weaving and Basque linen, as well as the entire Basque soul through decorations, evocations, sounds, lights, and tastings.

The Musée de la Mer in Biarritz, housed in a superb Art Deco monument next to the Rocher de la Vierge, presents a living spectacle with some fifty aquariums and several thousand species. The underwater seal tank and shark grotto offer unexpected nose-to-nose encounters with sharks.

Children’s activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques also include the Etxola animal park in Sare, Bid’a Parc in Bidart with its rides and inflatables, as well as the many educational farms in the hinterland. The Terra Aventura trail, a life-sized geocaching adventure, allows you to discover the villages while having fun.

Sports activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques appeal to enthusiasts of all levels. Basque pelota, the region’s emblematic sport, is played on the many village frontons. In Bidart, Guéthary, or Saint-Jean-de-Luz, games are organized all summer long with the best chistera and barehand players.

Golf finds an exceptional playground here. The Ilbarritz golf course, the first French international training center, offers a 9-hole course facing the ocean. The Nivelle golf course in Ciboure and the Arcangues golf course complete the offer for enthusiasts.

The ski resorts of the Béarn Pyrénées (Gourette, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Artouste) offer downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter. In summer, these same sites become paradises for hiking and mountain biking.

Outdoor activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offer an unrivalled playground between sea and mountains. Hiking is king in this département: the GR10 crosses the Pyrenees from east to west, the sentier du Littoral runs for 25 kilometers along the Basque coast from Bidart to Hendaye, and trails in the Ossau valley lead to sumptuous high-altitude lakes such as Ayous, Bious-Artigues and Artouste.

The ascent to La Rhune, the Basque country’s mythical mountain at 905 meters, can be made on foot or by taking the famous cogwheel train. The panorama of the French and Spanish coasts and the Pyrenees is unforgettable.

The Vélodyssée, a cycle path linking Roscoff to Hendaye, crosses the département and lets you discover the coast by bike. The Uhabia greenway in Bidart offers 6 kilometers of accessible cycling.

To find out more about the department’s riches, consult the Guide du Routard des Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

Sensational activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques will delight adrenaline seekers. Paragliding is practiced from Pyrenean peaks like la Rhune or le Mondarrain, offering tandem flights accessible to beginners.

Several parks offer accrobranche (tree climbing) activities, including Oihana in Sare, where tree courses dominate the valley. Canyoning in the gorges of Kakuetta, in Soule, allows you to descend spectacular waterfalls in a primary forest setting.

Rafting and hydrospeed are practiced on the gaves béarnais, these white-water mountain rivers. Via ferrata courses offer safe climbing sensations with views of the peaks.

Water activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques benefit from an exceptional coastline and preserved rivers. Surf is king on the Basque coast: Biarritz, Bidart, Guéthary, and Hendaye are among the best spots in Europe. Numerous schools offer introductions for all levels.

Nautical activities in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques also include stand-up paddle, bodyboarding, sea kayaking, and sailing. Scuba diving allows you to explore the seabed of the Bay of Biscay.

In the mountains, high-altitude lakes such as Lac d’Artouste and Lac de Bious-Artigues offer bathing and canoeing opportunities in a grandiose setting. The natural pools and rivers of the Basque hinterland invite you to cool off on hot days.

Vacations in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques are also an opportunity to discover a remarkable heritage. The département boasts four “Plus Beaux Villages de France” in the Basque country and one in Béarn (Navarrenx).

The towns of Bayonne (City of Art and History), Pau (birthplace of Henri IV), Biarritz, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer architectural treasures and fascinating museums. The prehistoric caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, classified as Historic Monuments, bear witness to human occupation since Prehistory.

The local gastronomy alone is worth the trip: Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, Ossau-Iraty cheese, Basque cake, Bayonne chocolate, and Jurançon wines make up a palette of unforgettable flavors. Traditional markets, present in every village, are lively places where scents, accents, and smiles mingle.