What to visit in the Basque Country: must-see places, beaches and typical villages
ARENA camping *** is the ideal starting point for visiting the Basque Country.
Thanks to its privileged location, it allows you to discover the iconic seaside resorts of the Basque Coast and appreciate the authenticity of the typical villages. Where to go? What to do? Let us guide you to the most beautiful places!
The Basque Coast: Biarritz, Bayonne, Hendaye... and Spain
Near Saint-Jean-de-Luz, within a 20 km radius:
- Bayonne, renowned for its ramparts and historic streets, Sainte-Marie Cathedral and the Basque Museum. Don't forget to try Bayonne chocolate, which is as famous as its smoked ham.
- Biarritz, famous for its Grande Plage, its aquarium and the Rocher de la Vierge. Don't miss the lighthouse and its panoramic view of the Basque coast, the ocean and the mountains.
- Guéthary, the smallest town on the Basque Coast, known for its Labourdine houses, its picturesque port and its natural beaches.
- Saint-Jean-de-Luz, an authentic fishing port, appreciated for its large family beach, lively town centre, colourful Basque houses and history linked to the marriage of Louis XIV.
- Hendaye, a popular seaside resort, offers a huge sandy beach, ideal for families and surfers, as well as a lively seafront. Abbadia le Château-Observatoire, overlooking the Basque coastline, is simply unmissable!
- Nearby Spain offers visits to remarkable sites such as La Concha beach in San Sebastian, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the old town of Fontarrabie.
The inland Basque Country: the most beautiful villages to visit
For those who prefer the tranquillity of the hinterland, the inland Basque Country is home to a mosaic of typical villages, linked by pretty country roads.
- Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle: a traditional village, known for its old houses, peaceful lake and hiking trails through green landscapes.
- Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: a fortified medieval village, a key stop for pilgrims, with its cobbled streets, picturesque bridge and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees.
- Espelette: this unmissable village, world-famous for its red peppers, invites you to stroll around its white and red half-timbered houses, restaurants and Basque pelota court.
- Sare: listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, with its Basque houses, prehistoric caves and the nearby Etxola animal park.
- La Rhune, the iconic mountain of the Basque Country, is accessible by cogwheel train. From the summit, the panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees is simply breathtaking.
Camping in the Basque Country: get ready for an unforgettable trip
Book your stay in the Basque Country and get ready for an unforgettable trip. The Aréna campsite, located in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, is just a few kilometres from Bayonne, Biarritz and Anglet. It's also an opportunity to visit typical villages in the hinterland such as Sare, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Espelette.
Whether you opt for a mobile home in the Basque Country or a pitch for a tent, caravan or motorhome, our 3-star campsite is the perfect starting point for all your adventures in the land of surfing and chilli peppers!
Our team will be happy to advise you on how to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Contact us now for further information or to make a booking.
