Euskal Herria
bizi!
The must-haves
Top places to visit and things to do in the Basque Country
From the Dorrondeguy campsite in the Basque Country, discover a region with a thousand facets. Between the ocean and the mountains, there are countless things to do in and around Hendaye. Whether you’re looking for thrills, family relaxation or cultural discoveries, the Basque Country will satisfy all your desires.
From the ocean to the mountains
Must-see activities in the Basque Country
The Basque coast is an exceptional playground for water sports activities. Hendaye, with its protected bay beach and flat seabed, is the ideal spot to learn to surf, paddle or kayak. Regular, accessible waves make it the ” green slope ” of surfing!
Numerous surf schools welcome you to Hendaye, with state-certified instructors who will teach you the basics of surfing and respect for the environment. Camping Dorrondeguy is a partner of top-quality schools: group lessons, individual lessons, intensive courses… You’re bound to find a formula to suit your needs.
The water activities in Hendaye don’t stop there: scuba diving with the Txingudi Plongée center, sailing at the Centre Nautique, jet-skiing, towed buoys, longe-côte… The possibilities are endless for enjoying the ocean.
For those of you who like to go out to sea, come aboard the Hendayais II from the marina. Guided tours (45, 65 or 90 minutes), introduction to sea fishing or watching the fireworks from the ocean: choose the formula that suits you!
Jolasean!
Earth
adventure!
Outdoor activities in Hendaye and the Basque Country will delight nature lovers. Hendaye is the mythical starting point for the GR10, the famous long-distance hiking trail through the Pyrenees, as well as the Vélodyssée and the coastal path.
For a family outing, the Domaine d’Abbadia offers 65 hectares of protected natural space to explore on foot, discovering the local flora and fauna. The coastal path then takes you to Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean.
La Rhune is a mythical peak in the Basque Country, culminating at 905 meters above sea level. The little 1924 cogwheel train takes you to the summit in 35 minutes for a 360° panoramic view of the Basque coast, the Landes and the Pyrenees. Along the way, you may come across pottoks, the small horses emblematic of the Basque country, and griffon vultures soaring over the ridges. A must-do activity for families!
When it comes to sporting activities in the Basque Country, there’s plenty to choose from: golf, horseback riding, mountain biking, quad biking, canyoning, rafting. .. The more adventurous will appreciate the sensational activities on offer in the Basque Country: paragliding, bungee jumping, accrobranche…
Chilli, ham and tradition
Gastronomy: discover local produce
When you think of the Basque Country, gastronomy immediately springs to mind. This generous region offers a wide choice of local and seafood products, reflecting its cultural diversity.
Among the must-have items to bring back in your luggage:
- Bayonne ham, matured according to age-old traditions;
- Ossau-Iraty sheep’s cheese with black cherry jam;
- Basque cake, with cream or cherry;
- Piment d’Espelette PDO, the perfect accompaniment to any table in the region;
- chocolate from Bayonne, France’s leading chocolate-producing town;
- macaroons from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, chez Adam or Pariès.
On the seaside, feast on chipirons (squid) prepared in ink or a la plancha, hake, tuna or the famous ttoro, the local fish soup. Basque cider houses and Akerbeltz craft beer complete this gourmet panorama.
Visit the Pariès chocolate factory in Urrugne, the pepper farm in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle or the Lartigue weaving mill in Ascain to discover local know-how.
What to see
absolutely
Ezin galdu
Must-sees in the Basque Country: culture and heritage
Not to be missed:
- le petit train de la Rhune: a magical adventure for young and old ;
- the prehistoric caves of Sare: explore this fascinating underground world with the whole family;
- Musée de la Mer in Biarritz: over 50 aquariums and the seal dinner show;
- Cité de l’Océan in Biarritz: 3D animations and interactive exhibits on the marine ecosystem;
- the Basque cake museum in Sare: gourmet workshops to discover the secrets of this speciality;
- theecomuseum of Basque pelota at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle: discover how the xistera is made and the performances of the champions.
For rainy days, the Sare caves, museums and gastronomic workshops are excellent alternatives!
Ondarea
The Basque Country is full of heritage treasures to discover during your stay.
In and around Hendaye :
- Château-Observatoire d’Abbadia: a neo-Gothic masterpiece by Viollet-le-Duc, it bears witness to Antoine d’Abbadie’s passion for travel, oriental culture and astronomy;
- Château d’Urtubie in Urrugne: a historic monument owned by the same family since 1341, remarkable for its architecture and refined furnishings;
- Saint-Vincent church in Urrugne: typical Basque interior, listed as a historic monument since 1925;
- Fontarrabie and Irun: typical Spanish villages just a few minutes from the campsite.
In the villages of the inland Basque country :
- Ortillopitz in Sare : an authentic Basque house dating back to 1660, where you can discover Labourdine architecture and regional traditions;
- the prehistoric caves of Sare: a fascinating journey into Basque mythology and popular beliefs;
- the Maison du patrimoine in Ainhoa: immerse yourself in the history of this listed village thanks to a 30 m² panoramic screen;
- Saint-Martin church in Sare: one of the most beautiful in the Labourd region, with its imposing bell tower-porch and carved oak galleries.
In Saint-Jean-de-Luz :
- Jean Vier Basque Ecomuseum: discover how chisteras, espadrilles and berets are made.
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste church: famous for its monumental gilded wood altarpiece and the wedding of Louis XIV;
- the Maison Louis XIV: the king’s residence at the time of his marriage in 1660, with its period furniture and painted beams;
Souvenirs
guaranteed!
Discover
our campsite in the Basque Country!
