The Basque Country, a camping destination with a strong character
Holidaymakers who choose to camp in the Basque Country are rarely disappointed. This territory with its varied landscapes, between sea and mountains, embodies the perfect balance between tradition and modernity without ever compromising its historical heritage or cultural traditions. Spotlight on one of the most coveted destinations for campers looking for culture, nature, adventure and gastronomy!
The Basque Coast, from Biarritz to Hendaye
From our campsite, discover the Basque Coast, which extends over 35 km of beaches and cliffs. You can choose between hiking on the Sentier du littoral via the Basque Corniche or cycling along the Vélodyssée which goes down to Hendaye. After the beaches of Biarritz and Bidart, you can exchange your surfboard for walking boots. This is where the Sentier du Littoral (25 km) begins, which is a delight for all hiking enthusiasts in the Basque Country!
On your way, you will not miss the old whaling port of Guéthary, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and its exceptional historical heritage, not to mention Ciboure and the bay of Socoa. Here you approach the last buttresses of the Pyrenees chain which announce the Basque Corniche. Stop in the village of Urrugne to visit Saint-Vincent church and then head for the coast to observe the giant Belharra wave that can reach 18 metres in height during winter storms!
Along the cliffs, you arrive in the bay of Hendaye, at the gateway to Spain. In front of you are the tip of Sokoburu and the Abbadia castle-observatory, Hendaye beach (the longest sandy beach on the Basque coast) and the famous rocks "The Two Twins". Great! Great!
The typical villages of the Basque Country inland!
Camping in the Basque Country also means venturing inland and discovering some of the "most beautiful villages in France" between the sea and the mountains, at the foot of the Pyrenees or in the valleys of Lower Navarre.
You could start with Espelette, a picturesque village known all over the world for its chillies hanging from the facades of houses or Cambo-les-Bains, a pretty spa resort in the Art Deco style. Continue to Itxassou, famous for its black cherry, then Aïnhoa, famous for its 17th century "Basque red" half-timbered houses. Equally unavoidable is the village of Sare and its little cogwheel train that takes you to the top of the Rhune, the mythical mountain of the Basque Country!
Other must-see sites include Labastide-Clairence, a remarkable Navarre bastide founded in 1312; the caves of Isturitz and Oxcelaya in Lower Navarre; the medieval city of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and its citadel, a must stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela, and many other places. To see everything, a week camping will not, alas, be enough... so you will have to come back to see us!
Basque gastronomy: open your taste buds wide!
Influenced by Spanish, Gascon and Landes cuisine, Basque cuisine is very rich, as varied as it is colourful. For gourmands and fine gourmets, there are many temptations, whether at markets and fairs, at village festivals or at the restaurant table.
You will not miss to enjoy a delicious Axoa de veau or a Zikiro (lamb roasted over a wood fire) accompanied by an excellent Irouleguy wine.
If you prefer ocean flavours, let yourself be tempted by plancha chipirons (small squid), a ttoro (fish soup) of which Ciboure has made a specialty. At aperitif time, an Etorki sheep's cheese, a Basque tapenade with Bayonne ham or a few Espelette pepper tapas will always do the trick.
For dessert, a Basque cake filled with cream, mouchous, kanougas and macaroons from Maison Pariès will delight your taste buds without a doubt!
Basque culture and traditions: celebration, games, singing and dancing on the pediment!
The Basque Country proudly cultivates its traditions including the Basque language, Basque pelota, dancing and singing, as well as traditional Basque festivals and power games.
Thus, your camping holidays in the Basque Country will be an opportunity to try your hand at rope pulling, sack running, cart lifting or throwing straw bales during village festivals and major festivals in the Basque Country.
Among the most important festivals are those of Saint-Jean-de-Luz (June), Bayonne (July), Hendaye (August), Saint-Palais (August), Bixintxo in Urrugne (September), Espelette pepper (October).
On the program: parades, concerts, Basque dance and song, bullfights, pelota competitions, power games, fireworks and many other celebrations... And if you want to learn a few words in Basque, know that Bonjour is "Egun on" (egoun on), goodbye "Ikus arte" (iqouch arte), please "Bai" (baï) and thank you "Milesker" (milechquer). All that remains is to wish you an excellent camping holiday in the Basque Country!
We will be happy to give you our tips all through your holiday, so see you soon!