Farniente or sport from Hendaye to Anglet. What to do ?
The beaches of the Pays Basque stretch over nearly 35 kilometers from Hendaye, a border town with Spain, to Anglet at the gates of the Landes territory. Tanning, water sports and holidays with family or friends await you. You will discover fine sandy beaches, but also wilder and steeper places. While you have come to rest or play sports, you will not regret your trip to the beaches of the Basque Country where I am sure you will take beautiful photos. First of all a small situation plan
Let's start our journey in the south of the Pays Basque by the town of Hendaye separated from Spain by the river "La Bidasoa". Hendaye has a fine sandy beach that stretches as far as the eye can see for almost 3 kilometres. No harm in finding a place to put your towel even in high season. A tip for parking your car go to the end of the beach you will find several car parks. When I was young it was a wasteland where you could bring your dog to run along the beach whenever you wanted...today you can do it outside the hours of swimming supervision , either in the early morning or late evening or even out of season.
You are finally on the beach looking at the ocean, quiet with your toes fanned out :). The big advantage of this beach for families is that you can walk very far, children are less afraid of the waves which are rather small for an ocean beach. Besides, beginner surfers are not mistaken when they come to do their first range here. You will find many shops along the beach, not to mention the ice cream parlors in their little hut. If you wish, you can take a closer look at the 2 rocks that can be seen at the end of the beach on the St Jean de Luz side, these 2 rocks are called "the twins". For the bravest you can follow the coastal path for a memorable photo and perhaps why not go to the Domaine d'Abbadia overlooking the bay of Loia (Loya)... By following this path for a dozen kilometers you will arrive at St Jean de Luz.
Continue north and take the road overlooking the ocean...this place is called "La corniche". A beautiful, slightly winding road that allows you to admire the Basque coast and its cliffs.
After a 20-minute drive you have arrived in Saint Jean de Luz. You passed in front of the fort of Socoa built by Henri IV which was used to defend the port of Socoa and the bay of St Jean de Luz A word of advice, the visit is free! so don't hesitate to take a look Let's continue... the beach of Ciboure stretches out its arms to you, it is appreciated by families for its calm... a little further on the Grande beach of St Jean de Luz protected by 3 dikes in the distance. Surfing, paddleboarding, beach games and lazing on the fine sand, that's your programme...don't forget to take a short tour of the town where you'll discover its charming centre. Enter the church where the marriage of Louis XIV and Marie Thérèse of Austria was celebrated in 1660 Around, you can visit the Chateau d'Urtubie or the botanical garden. Further north the beaches of Erromardie and wilder Lafitenia
Take the road north again, here we are in Guéthary. Nestled in the hollow of a small cove, Guéthary hides its beach and its small port from which in its time the boats for whaling left. Paradise for surfers, the beach of Parlementeria offers beautiful regular waves. A word of advice...Wait for the sunset...it will take your breath away.
Further on, at the end of the beaches of Guéthary, you are already in Bidart and its many beaches nestled in a natural environment between cliffs and ocean. Bidart is a typical village of the Basque Country where beaches and green forests merge. For my part, my favorite beach is that of Erretega...even if they all have a different soul...you will have the choice. And why not make a change for a short walk in the forest on the surrounding paths...or for the bravest follow the customs officers' path to Hendaye...A 25-kilometre walk in the fresh air...You're tempted! !
Biarritz... who has never heard of Biarritz? located 10 minutes from Bidart, Biarritz is the most famous seaside resort in the Basque Country. Its "Rock of the Virgin", its Casino, its aquarium, its Villa Belza, its City of the Ocean... not to mention the "Grande Plage" in the town centre, have made the reputation of this unmissable town. If you prefer a more authentic setting...go to the "Port Vieux" beach...and for sports enthusiasts the "Côte des Basques" beach further south. There is something for everyone, not to mention the hectic evenings in the city center. A word of advice, don't forget to take a look at the lighthouse to the north of the city...the view is magnificent.
We end our journey on the beaches of the Basque coast by the town of Anglet. With these 11 fine sandy beaches over more than 4.5 kilometers of coastline, Anglet has plenty to appeal to lovers of lazing on the beach. The best known "la Chambre d'Amour" or the "Sables d'Or" beach in the city center... If you want a little more space for your towel, I recommend the "Corsaire" beaches, "Ocean", or "Dunes" which will be ideal. But Anglet is also the forest of Pignada where you can go for a walk with your family, or why not rent a giant electric scooter to explore the forest paths.
I hope I have made you want to discover the beaches of the Basque Country ... I wish you a good trip and good photos