Guéthary, a Basque village near the campsite

This commune bears many traces of its history in its streets and buildings. A former whaling port since the Middle Ages, then a tuna and sardine fishing port, Guéthary turned to tourism in 1864 with the arrival of the train and the fashion for sea bathing launched by Empress Eugénie. You’ll enjoy strolling through the town, noting the evolution of its architecture, from the church built in the XVIᵉ century to the neo-Basque villas designed by renowned architects.

It’s on the fronton square, right next to the beautiful town hall, that you feel Guéthary’s Basque soul most strongly. This is the hub of events and community life, particularly vibrant in this village. Local festivals, pelota games, shows and Basque song concerts follow one another throughout the year. The fêtes de Guéthary, held on the last weekend of August, bring together locals and visitors to enjoy festive meals, Basque dances and traditional entertainment.

To discover Guéthary and its traditions, attend the Basque pelota games organized every Wednesday evening in July and August by the Olharroa club. It’s a great opportunity to see how fast the pelota flows and to share a convivial moment with the locals.

On the heights of the village, Saint-Nicolas Church is well worth a visit. Built in the 16th century and listed as a historic monument, it is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. Behind its apparent austerity, the building is home to beautiful 17th-century statues and an ex-voto offering in the shape of a three-masted ship, testimony to the village’s maritime vocation. The distinctive layout of Basque churches can be seen here: raised choir and altar, dominated by wooden galleries surrounding the nave.

Visiting Guéthary also means admiring its neo-Basque architecture. Listed as a Remarkable Heritage Site, the village carefully preserves its architectural character. The Villa Saraleguinea, one of the most majestic residences, is home to Guéthary’s contemporary art museum. The museum showcases works by sculptor Georges-Clément de Swiecinski (1878-1958), remains of a Gallo-Roman salting factory, as well as manuscripts by poet Paul-Jean Toulet. From May to October, temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography shine a spotlight on contemporary artists.

Don’t miss a stroll around the small fishing port of Guéthary. Although it’s the smallest on the Basque Coast, it has retained all its old-world charm. Twenty or so colorful boats, securely moored to the 29 rings of the slipway, await the right moment for a trip out to sea. At the entrance to the port, the boat “Annie” will reveal its secrets and tell you the story of the whalers. The terraces of bars and restaurants flirt with the seafront: Guéthary is a lovely place to stop for a drink or a meal facing the ocean.

Guéthary’s “Terrasse” is a must for taking in the open sea. This promontory in the centre of the village offers exceptional views over the ocean and the Basque coastline. In the shade of the tamarisks, you can watch surfers riding the famous Parlementia wave, one of the world’s most renowned spots. The panorama stretches from the village’s natural beaches all the way to the headlands of the Spanish Basque Country.

Guéthary has four beaches that have kept a wild, peaceful feel: little coves sheltered from view, pebble beaches and sandy stretches. Parlementia beach draws experienced surfers coming to take on the famous “avalanche”, while families enjoy the calmer waters by the port.

For hiking enthusiasts, the coastal path (25 km between Bidart and Hendaye) runs through the village. From the Parlementia promenade, it follows the port to the Alcyons breakwater, then climbs the cliff towards the Cenitz hill. This natural area, protected by the Conservatoire du littoral, offers a spectacular view over the Bay of Biscay. A trail leads up to the summit to enjoy the panorama of the ocean and the Pyrenees.

Tourism in Guéthary also goes through the table. The tapas bars and village restaurants serve quality cuisine, combining seafood and Basque specialities. Briketenia, a family-run Michelin-starred restaurant, showcases local produce beautifully. On the way to the port, Txamara welcomes you in a relaxed atmosphere for a meal by the water.

Every Sunday morning, the Guéthary market brings together producers and makers on Place Camille Jullian and Place Lannes. It’s the perfect chance to stock up on local produce: ewe’s milk cheese, charcuterie, chocolate, wine, sagarno (Basque cider) or patxaran (traditional digestif). The Yaoya grocery store offers organic vegetables all year round from Alatz, the village market gardener.