Bidart, whose history dates back to the 12th century, is a typical Basque village admirably situated on the ocean, between Biarritz, a must-see in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where there's also plenty to do. Rich in heritage, with its brightly-colored houses, its church filled with the voices of Basque choirs and its deep-rooted Basque culture, Bidart was originally a relay for the horse-drawn mail service on the old Plateau road, the same one used by Louis XIV to get to his wedding in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Historically, Bidart has long been a fishing town... Today, it's a beautiful seaside resort in the Basque Country, ideal for family vacations.
1. Parlementia beach
Parlementia beach, located to the south of Bidart and on the border with the village of Guéthary, is very popular with surfers. Here, you can land on fine sand amidst craggy rocks. As you explore the rocks for crabs and other crustaceans, you can admire the view of the famous Parlementia surf spot, reserved for experienced surfers. From the restaurant overlooking the beach, you can enjoy a 180-degree panorama. The name of the beach comes from the hill overlooking it, where men once gathered to... parley, of course.
2. Basque pelota pediments
The fronton on Place Sauveur-Atchoarena, dating from 1869, is the oldest and smallest, reserved for barehand or pala ancha. Bare-hand pelota games take place here at 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays, in season only. The grand fronton, visible from the main road since 1958, is dedicated to grand chistera, and is often chosen by the Federation for championship finals. Matches, played three against three up to 45 points, take place at 8.30pm or 9pm, with grand chistera sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays. A third covered fronton, known as the Kirolak left wall, is located on rue de la Gare and was built in 1982. The pediments: pieces of Basque heritage worth discovering... Preferably during a match!
3. Château d'Ilbarritz
In the Ilbarritz golf district, a vast mansion overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It was built between 1895 and 1897 for the mysterious Baron Albert de l'Espée. This imposing, five-storey, 40-metre-high building housed a sumptuous, finely carved wooden staircase and numerous rooms. A magnificent hall housed the largest organ ever built for a private home. During the First World War, the château was converted into a hospital. An astonishing, almost magical home!
4. La Madeleine chapel
The tradition of whaling, and the many human losses it entailed, explain the construction of numerous chapels in the parish. The chapelle de la Madeleine, on the eponymous street, is easily accessible via a charming path on a ledge. The chapel itself looks out over the horizon... And what a horizon, with the ocean as far as the eye can see and the three crowns of Guipuzcoa. It is said to have been rebuilt in 1820, after a devastating hurricane. Some say that the drowned sailors found among the rocks below are buried here. From the orientation table, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the ocean and cliffs. Photo obligatory!
5. World War II Memorial
Spurred on by the word "peace" since 2010, this World War II Memorial project was initiated by Bidart mayor Jean Jaccachoury and André Cuyeu, president of the "Ensemble pour la paix" association. The Memorial was inaugurated on May 9, 2013. Located near the Madeleine chapel, on the seafront and along the coastal path, it commemorates the events of the Second World War, in particular the occupation and the presence of a community of Spanish Basque refugees that left their mark on the Basque country.
6. Ur Onea chapel
The chapel of Ur Onea, located in Rue Eskola, is a place of pilgrimage where you can see a gilded statue of the Madonna and Child with Hawthorn, said to have been found in the chapel after disappearing for two days. Uronea, or Ouronéa, means "good water" in Basque. Indeed, the now undrinkable spring next to the chapel was once renowned for its curative properties against skin diseases. This charming chapel, built in 1704, bears witness to Bidart's past as a village of whale hunters, who often sought divine protection. A procession takes place here every year at Pentecost.
7. Discover Espelette
Espelette (Ezpeleta), once a fortress and seigneury of the Kingdom of Navarre, is today a Labourd village of around 2,100 inhabitants, renowned for its picturesque, colorful charm. In recent decades, tourism has replaced agriculture as the village's economic mainstay. Espelette, one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country, is world-famous for its famous red peppers, which adorn the facades of its typical houses. The Basque village continues to captivate visitors with its enchanting setting: traditional white houses, impeccably decorated with flowers and green or red woodwork, set around its beautiful church, all in an unspoilt natural environment. It's an unmissable getaway, offering an interesting alternative to the beaches during a stay in the Basque Country. A must-see!
8. Surfing
Surfing is one of the most popular sports on the Basque Coast, the "Little California of Europe" as the Americans like to call it. Waves, a board, a little courage... and a passion for the ocean! Here, surfing is more than just a sport, it's a way of life. Surfing and surfing culture represent the somewhat "postcard" image of the coast, but it's above all an activity that's been omnipresent since the arrival of the first boards under the impetus of a few pioneers in the 1950s, known as the "tontons surfers", who have become veritable legends. Today in Bidart, you can surf at Parlementia or Erretegia, before heading for the best waves in the area at Hossegor, notably on the Nord, one of the best surf spots in France, at Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Anglet, Biarritz...
Get ready for a thrilling and unforgettable experience with the surf lessons and courses offered by Taiba Surf Club in Bidart by booking right here !
9. A getaway in Biarritz
If you're looking to discover Bayonne's must-sees, then less than a quarter of an hour's drive from Bidart is the famous Biarritz and its must-see sights. Warm and sophisticated, Biarritz is a veritable temple of luxury, refinement and legendary waves. Located on the French Basque coast, "Miarritze" in Basque is the most Californian of European towns. This elegant seaside resort is bordered by vast sandy beaches, such as the famous Côte des Basques, a surfer's paradise, and the Grande Plage, one of the most beautiful in France, located in the heart of the city. The entire Basque city bears witness to a rich, lively and elegant history. In the mid-19th century, Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie began to spend their summer vacations here, attracting a court of noblemen and bourgeois from all over Europe. This was also the period that saw the construction of the Rocher de la Vierge, where a statue was installed. From the top of this rock, you can admire the entire coastline, from the Landes to the tip of Spain. In front of us, the blue of the ocean and the green of the hills make up a dream landscape that attracts thousands of visitors every year. A must-see!
10. Try Basque gastronomy
In Bidart, mealtime is always an enchanting moment for gourmets! In fact, the Basque Country, one of our top destinations for summer vacations, offers a wide variety of characterful products, both from the land and the sea. It also boasts the ancestral know-how of its producers and craftsmen, who create the terroir and multiple flavors that gourmets love. In the area, cooking is a veritable institution, an inseparable part of the cultural and culinary heritage, thanks to the men and women who perpetuate traditional recipes, but also to the young chefs who come up with talented ways of overturning the codes by adding new touches. The ideal Basque basket to take away? A few variations of Espelette pepper, a few tins of cooked tuna, Axoa, Basque chicken, Basque black pudding and, of course, Bayonne ham! On the sweet side? Basque cakes, macaroons, chocolates and tourons. Drinks include beers, ciders, Patxaran, Irouléguy and Egiategia wines, artisanal fruit juices... In short, nothing but the best!
Where to stay in Bidart?
- The most charming: Hotel Olatua
Situated between the village square and the beautiful wild Erretegia beach, this hotel is a charming address with spacious rooms that you canbook right here.
- The best view: Hotel Les Frères Ibarboure
Renovated star building in Bidart with spacious rooms overlooking the 2-hectare wooded park, swimming pool and wellness area , easily bookable right here.
- The quietest: Hotel Goxoki
The Goxoki is a hotel set in a verdant, flower-filled park with a heated swimming pool, offering comfortable rooms and apartments with terraces that can be booked in just a few clicks here.
What to do in Bidart when it rains?
To hell with the beach! If it rains during your stay in Bidart, there's no shortage of things to do. You could visit the art galleries or the Couteliers Basques workshop. You can also take your car to visit the Basque Museum in Bayonne, the aquarium and Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz or the Château d'Abbadia in Hendaye. Finally, you could also consider a cinema session or a moment of relaxation at one of the local thalassotherapies.
What beautiful villages to visit around Bidart?
The charming villages around Bidart are legion. First of all, how can you resist the charm of Espelette in the hinterland, with its traditional houses? or head for the village of Ainhoa on the Spanish border, the seaside resort of Guéthary, the historic village of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, one of France's most beautiful villages, Ustaritz or Ciboure. The list goes on and on!
