French Basque country Holiday rentals in the French Basque country

A region with a strong cultural identity, the Pays Basque (Basque Country) is not easily tamed... and this is undoubtedly what makes it all the more appealing! Once you've visited it, you will always want to go back. The terrain is just like the inhabitants (or the other way round!): the steep mountains seem to defy the ocean and, together, the terrain and the sea form a contrasting landscape unique in the world, to be discovered from your holiday rental in the Pays Basque.

Holidays in the Pays Basque: between the mountains and ocean

The French Pays Basque is made up of the historic provinces of Labourd, Basse-Navarre and Soule, which are located in the western part of the French department Pyrenees-Atlantiques and the department Landes. But the Basques, who do not care about administrative boundaries, are also present on the other side of the border, in Spain, in the provinces of Alava, Guipuscoa, Bizkaia and Navarre. 

However, the Pays Basque is defined more by the use of the Basque language (Euskara) and by cultural unity than by geographical boundaries. It is, moreover, this attachment to the practice of the Basque language that binds the inhabitants of this region together. The Basque culture is therefore marked above all by the practice of this language, but also by the festivals that bring together the inhabitants of the Basque Country. 

In France, the most important cities in the Basque Country are Bayonne, Mauleon-Licharre and Saint-Jean-Pied de Port. In Spain, these are Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and San Sebastian. 

For travellers booking a holiday rental in the Pays Basque, the first thing that stands out is the special architecture of the traditional Basque houses: farmhouses with asymmetrical roofs and brightly painted wooden sections. Of course, the Basque gastronomy should not be forgotten: red tuna with piperade, cod a la Biscaye, ttoro (soup cooked in Saint-Jean-Pied de Port), Basque chicken, Bayonne ham, ventresca... Not forgetting the cheeses (ossau-iraty, roncal, idiazabal) and, to finish with a sweet touch, the famous Basque cake. This will give you plenty of energy before introducing you to Basque pelota, the rules of which can be difficult to grasp (especially as they can change depending on the game)! 

If you prefer to just admire the local traditions, Basque dances and songs will immerse you in music and history all over the region. All you need to enjoy your holiday rental in the Pays Basque with complete peace of mind.

Discover the surroundings of your holiday rental in the Pays Basque

In Euskal Herria (the Basque Country, in the Basque language), lovers of water sports will be overjoyed: the Basque Country is the surfing region in France. This is where you will find some of the best French surfer spots. But if surfing is king, it is not the only water sport in the Basque Country: diving, towed buoy, water skiing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, wave rafting, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddling, there is something for everyone! 

Once you've filled up on the sea air on the Basque coast, get back on land by strolling near your holiday rental in the Pays Basque, in the cobbled streets of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Bayonne. The shimmering facades of traditional houses will let you see them in all their colours. 

To climb higher, head for La Rhune! The bravest will climb it on foot, the others will take the cogwheel train that runs up its slopes to the top. From there, admire the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pyrenees mountain range on the other... 

Hikers will enjoy strolling along the coastal path (less steep than the ascent of the Rhune), which runs from Bidart to Hendaye via Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure. Once you're up there, you'll be ready for the big thrill in Soule. Between breathtaking gorges and a footbridge suspended almost 200 metres above the void, this is where the heart of the Basque Country beats. Fortunately, you will be able to recover from all these emotions in your holiday rental in the Pays Basque!

From Bayonne to Biarritz: your holiday rentals in the Pays Basque

Whether you choose to go to Bayonne or Biarritz, you will have the satisfaction of enjoying a holiday rental in the Pays Basque with a swimming pool. The residence L’Allee des Dunes*** in Ondres, not far from Bayonne, also opens its doors to you where  you can enjoy the mild climate of the Atlantic coast as soon as the good weather arrives.

If you are travelling with your family, your criteria for choosing a holiday rental in the Pays Basque will rather be the presence of a kids’ club. In this case, opt for the residence L’Allee des Dunes*** near Bayonne, whose activity leaders will gladly welcome your little ones and teenagers during your summer holidays. Something to keep them busy and make lots of friends during the holidays! There's even entertainment for adults, so you won't get bored during your stay! 

In all our residences, you will be received like royalty! A bakery service is provided by the residence L'Allee des Dunes*** so that you can have breakfast with pastries and fresh bread every morning.

And you can enjoy the luxury of a holiday in the Basque Country without the slightest regret, as the Vacanceole Group has been committed to responsible and sustainable tourism for several years. The aim is to preserve the environment and nature, while allowing travellers to enjoy the wonders of France's regions for a long time to come. This ecological policy has been rewarded by the Green Key label, awarded to the residence L'Allee des Dunes***, your holiday rental in the Pays Basque, in Bayonne.