Discover the Basque Country,
between sea and mountains
From our campsite in the Basque Country, you have a front-row seat to explore one of the most beautiful regions in France. The Basque Country stretches from the Pyrenees to the Atlantic Ocean, unfolds 35 kilometers of coastline shaped by cliffs, unspoiled coves and fine sandy beaches, and backs onto a verdant hinterland dotted with villages of authentic charm. Here, three provinces—Labourd, Lower Navarre and Soule—make up a territory with a unique character, where culture, gastronomy, sport and nature blend at every turn. From Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Biarritz, from Bayonne to the inland Basque villages, each day of your vacation is an invitation to discover the Basque Country in all its facets. Camping Itsas Mendi, set on 9 hectares just 400 meters from the ocean, is your ideal starting point for adventure.
To plan your outings and discover all the richness of the region, visit the official Basque Country tourism websites: the Saint-Jean-de-Luz tourist office, the Basque Country tourism guide and the Pyrénées-Atlantiques departmental tourism committee.
Must-see sites
Visiting the Basque Country means discovering exceptional heritage where each stop offers its share of wonder. The Basque Country has four villages labeled “Most Beautiful Villages of France”: Ainhoa, Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and La Bastide-Clairence. Red and white half-timbered houses, pelota courts, artisan workshops: each village is an immersion in Basque traditions.
Louis XIV House
Just minutes from the campsite, Saint-Jean-de-Luz charms you with its harbor of colorful boats, its Saint-Jean-Baptiste church—where Louis XIV was married in 1660—, the Infanta’s house and the Louis XIV house. Following the coastal path, you reach Pointe Sainte-Barbe for a spectacular panorama of the bay and Fort de Socoa.
Ascent of La Rhune
Climb to the top ofLa Rhune, the Basque country’s highest peak at 905 meters. On foot (allow 2 hrs 30 for the round trip) or aboard the famous little cogwheel train from the Col de Saint-Ignace, the reward is the same: a breathtaking 360° view of the ocean and the Pyrenees.
The Castles
Heritage enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Château d’Urtubie, a still-inhabited medieval historic monument located 3 kilometers from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Further south, the Château-Observatoire d’Abbadia in Hendaye overlooks the Basque corniche with its neo-Gothic facades. In Bayonne, classified as a City of Art and History, stroll through the streets of Petit Bayonne, admire the Sainte-Marie cathedral and discover the chocolate workshops, a specialty of the city for centuries.
The best things to do in the Basque Country
Exploring the Basque Country also means letting yourself be carried away by a multitude of outdoor activities and gourmet discoveries, all accessible from the campsite.
Ocean Coast
The beaches of Mayarco, Lafitenia, Cenitz and Erromardie are renowned spots for surfing, bodyboarding or simply swimming with the family. Water sports enthusiasts will also find plenty of opportunities for paddling, sea kayaking, scuba diving and sailing.
Mountain Side
The hiking possibilities are endless. The Corniche Basque, between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye, offers a spectacular coastal trail along remarkable cliffs. The Mondarrain (749 m) offers a 1.5-hour family loop, while the Kakuetta gorges take the more adventurous through a vertiginous canyon. Cyclists can follow the Vélodyssée along the coastline or take to the inland paths for electric bike or mountain bike rides.
Culture
Don’t miss the Biarritz Aquarium, the Sare caves at the foot of La Rhune and the Bayonne Basque Museum. Enjoy a game of Basque pelota at the Fêtes de la Saint-Jean in June or the Saint-Jean-de-Luz International Film Festival in October.
Tourism in the Basque Country is also a treat for the taste buds: veal axoa, Basque chicken, chipirons à la luzienne, Basque cake, Ossau-Iraty ewe’s milk cheese, Espelette PDO chili pepper, Bayonne ham, Bayonne chocolate… The region’s local markets and restaurants will introduce you to unique flavors. And, to extend the experience, don’t hesitate to bring back a few local products in your suitcases: sometimes the best vacation souvenir is the one you get to taste!
