The province of Basse-Navarre lies between Labourd and Soule. Its relief is made up of mountains in the region of Saint-Jean-Pied-De-Port, which is the capital of the province, and Baïgorry and green valleys between Labastide Clairence and Saint-Palais. This is an exclusively rural area, with pretty, quiet, charming and authentic villages. You have to visit it on foot to appreciate all its diversity, its flora and fauna, and the superb views it offers. This is where you'll find the Irouléguy vineyards, a mainstay of Basque gastronomy, grown on terraces in the village of Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry and extending over 27 communes. One of the special features of this region is the presence of a small plough horse, the Pottok, one of the emblems of the Basque Country, which you may come across on your country walks.
Top 5 Charmhotel
1 - Saint Jean Pied de Port
Situated at the confluence of the Nive and Laurhibar rivers, the town owes its name to its location at the foot of the Roncesvalles pass (alt. 1,057 m), which provides access south of the Pyrenees. Once the political and administrative capital of Lower Navarre, it is now an economic, cultural and sporting centre for the Basque Country. The town is also a tourist centre, welcoming around 55,000 visitors every year, many of whom are also pilgrims on the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, of which the town is an important stopover. In 2016, it was admitted to the association of the Most Beautiful Villages in France.
10 Km - 20 min
2 - Espelette
It's a small village in the heart of the Basque Country. The charm of the Basque architecture will win you over straight away. Espelette is famous for its Espelette chilli pepper. During your stay, you'll be able to discover the production of Piment d'Espelette as well as all the products made from this famous condiment. The centre of the village has been laid out around the condiment. The Chilli Festival in October has become one of the great festivals of the Basque Country.
20 km - 30min
3 - Biarritz
Biarritz, an elegant seaside town on the Basque coast in south-west France, has been a popular destination ever since royalty from all over Europe chose it as a holiday resort in the 1800s. The area is also popular with surfers for its extensive beaches and surf schools. The Rocher de la Vierge, the emblem of Biarritz, is a rocky outcrop topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. Accessible via a footbridge, the rock offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Biscay.
45 km - 1 heure
4 - The Baigorry Valley
A valley in the Pyrenees where the Nive des Aldudes, a tributary of the Nive, flows. Isolated from the main communication routes, the Baïgorry valley has retained its unspoilt character and is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes and the quality of its gastronomic produce.
20 km - 1 heure
5 - Bayonne
Town in the Basque Country, a region in south-west France. It lies at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers. The historic district of Grand Bayonne is characterised by its narrow medieval streets. This is where you'll find the Gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame (or Sainte-Marie), with its 13th-century cloister, and the Château-Vieux. On the other side of the Nive, in the Petit Bayonne district, is the Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne, dedicated to the arts, crafts and traditions of the region.
40 km - 1 heure
