Spend some time in the Bearn des Gaves and you will soon find yourself with plenty to do. Whether you’re searching for a bit of quiet time in nature or a bit of an adventure, there is something in our region for everyone. Here are a few recommendations.
Towns and villages to visit:
- Visit the charming medieval towns of Sauveterre-de-Bearn, Salies-de-Bearn and Navarrenx located within 20 minutes drive
- Visit the village of Saint Jean Pied de Port, famous for being one of the most popular starting points on the Camino de Santiago de Compostela pilgrim route, situated less than 1hr away
- Head to the beach at Hendaye then take a very short ferry trip across to Hondarribia for pintxos, the basque version of tapas
- Take a day trip to the Basque food capital of San Sebastian in Spain and taste the amazing variety of pintxos and great Spanish wine in the Old Town. San Sebastian is situated only 1,5 hrs away via the A64
- Visit Pau for its impressive castle, fine shops and splendid mountain views
- Visit the stunning seaside towns of Biarritz or St Jean de Luz and enjoy walking on the promenade by the coast or take a surfing lesson
- Visit the basque village of Espellette, a quaint village best known for its dried red peppers known as Piment d’Espelette, hanging out to dry outside the picturesque basque houses with red shutters
Activities:
- Spend the day at the beach at Biaritz, Bidart, Anglet, Cap Breton, Hossegor, Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaye
- Play golf at the Salies de Bearn Golf Club (10 min drive) or Navarrenx Golf Club (20 min drive)
- Enjoy an indulgent spa day at the Thermes in Salies de Bearn. Perfect for a rainy day
- Our area is famous for its Jurancon white wines. Wine tasting tours can be organised all year round at domaine Clos Lapeyre
- Rafting, kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding with Rafting 64
- Horse riding all year-round can be organised for all levels at Domaine d’Esperbasque
- Discover our region French-style in a classic Renault 4
- Fishing is one of the most popular activities in our area, with the International Salmon Competition taking place each year in Navarrenx, Salies de Bearn and Oloron. Fishing season runs between March to September. If interested, contact us in advance for fishing permit details and other recommendations
- Go on a treasure hunt at Chateau de Laas and help the three muskeeters in their mission. The treasure hunts and the Serbat museum, which contains the second largest private art collection in Aquitaine, are open between April to November
- Watch one of the greatest rugby teams in France: Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque. Book tickets to upcoming games here
- Swim in the Saison river from our very own secluded beach
- Great water parks and activities for children: Aquatic Landes, Base de Pop at Lac de Guiche , Lac de Sames , Lac de Biron
- Have a fun-packed day at Adventure Park Aramits Includes acrobranching, zip lining, catapulting and paint ball
- Tikiland Indoor play park is perfect for younger kids. It is only 5 minutes away on the road to St Palais
- For indoor swimming pool head over to Piscine de Mourenx
- Go karting at the many centres located less than 1hr drive
- Play bowling with the whole family at Bowling Star in Bayonne
- Watch horse racing at the Pau Hippodrome
- Cycle on the many quiet roads in the region. You can rent bicycles at Bik’in 64 in Salies de Bearn
- Go walking on one of the many walking trails in the region. We can provide suggestions and instructions upon request
- Take a trip in a hot air balloon over the Pyrenees Atlantiques just outside Navarrenx
Natural sites:
- Explore the Pyrenees National Parc
- White-water rafting, paragliding, trekking, climbing, fishing, skiing in the Aspe Valley
- Visit La Verna cave system at Sainte-Engrace that includes a natural dome 193m high and it is ranked amongst the largest cave system in the world. The visitor’s center is open from the middle of April to the middle of November.
- Also at Sainte-Engrace and at just over 1.6 km (1 mi) long, Les Gorges de Kakuetta provides visitors with a walk through a natural area featuring waterfalls, caves, and more. Hike the entire length of the trail to be rewarded with a view of a waterfall. Open yearly between March to November.
- Visit the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya Caves. These caves form part to the Pyreneo-Cantabric chain and are of great prehistoric and geological interest. See wall paintings and artefacts as old as 45,000 years.
- Spend a day walking through the Iraty forest, the largest beech wood in Europe. The Iraty forest is a nature lover’s paradise, well worth a visit in all four seasons. From St. Jean Pied de Port and St Jean le Vieux head in the direction of the Col de Burdincurutcheta, well known to cyclotourists, and admire the Laurhibar valley and the Chapel St Sauveur.
- Take a ride through the mountains on the highest railway in Europe via the Petit Train d’Artouste just outside of Laruns. Your ticket can include a day’s trek or camp overnight and visit the breathtaking Lake Artouste. The train runs from May to October
- Take your kids on a leisurely stroll through Boise de Mixe, a 2km journey through the forest peppered with suspended bridges, wooden structures and panels with information about the local flora and fauna
- See bears and other rescued animals at Parc d’Ours
- Walk the Guiche educational trail (all year-round)
Museums and factories:
- Visit the Basque Museum in Bayonne to find out about the heritage of the area (Open all year-round)
- Visit Chateau Abbadia in Hendaye, a beautiful Victorian chateau with panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay (Open all year-round)
- Visit Lindt Chocolate Factory in Oloron Sainte Marie
- Visit the Biarritz Aquarium and Cite de l’Ocean (Open all year-round)
- Visit the Science Museum in San Sebastian
- Visit the Salt Museum in Salies de Bearn
- Visit the Tour Montreal in Sauveterre-de-Bearn (enquiries at the tourist office in Sauveterre)
- Visit craft beer factory Bob’s Beer in Hasparen
