Situated on the edge of the ocean, halfway between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary is an authentic Basque village. This former whaling port has perfectly preserved its architectural values and Basque traditions, from surfing and Basque pelota to song, dance and gastronomy. Guéthary is a great alternative when you want to enjoy the Basque coast in a more intimate atmosphere. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside. Here are the 11 must-sees.
1. Le Fronton: Guéthary's central square
Le Fronton is a Mecca for Basque pelota in Guéthary. It is adjacent to the town hall, a beautiful neo-Basque-style house listed as a Monument Historique. It is adorned with the traditional sculptures of the amatxi and aitatxi (grandmother and grandfather), found on most town halls in the Basque Country. The Fronton is a meeting place, where local festivals, pelota games and other shows take place all year round. An essential starting point for exploring the village streets.
2. The little port of Guéthary
When we talk about a port, we often expect to see a multitude of fishing boats and pleasure craft alongside the quay. Not so in Guéthary, one of the most beautiful villages in the south of France, where the harbor is unique in that it is a dry dock. In other words, after each trip out to sea, the boats are pulled out of the water and rest on the shore. The port of Guéthary, the smallest on the Basque coast, is only home to a handful of boats due to its size, but it's a must for photo opportunities and walks in the surrounding area. The port is protected by a short breakwater and also has a beach.
3. La Terrasse: the viewpoint not to be missed
La Terrasse is one of the must-see spots in Guéthary, undeniably one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country. Built in 1912, it offers visitors a breathtaking panorama of the ocean, the spectacle of the surfers and the coastline stretching from Biarritz to Fontarrabie, the border town of the Spanish Basque Country. Today, there are benches for resting and vegetation. The best time to visit is at sunset. The colors are magnificent and a profound silence pervades. La Terrasse is within easy reach of the village center.
4. What to do in Guéthary Enjoy the beaches
A stay in Guéthary inevitably involves discovering its most beautiful beaches. The first is by the harbor, and is a favorite with families for its central location and proximity to shops. Cenitz beach, meanwhile, lies at the foot of the eponymous hill. It is popular with surfers, but also with swimmers, with a supervised section on the south side, on the Saint-Jean-de-Luz side. Another option is to head for Parlementia beach, one of the most beautiful in France. With lifeguards on duty in summer, it's famous among surfers for the Parlementia right, which forms offshore. A mythical spot!
5. Guéthary Municipal Museum
The Musée municipal de Guethéary is located on the first floor of a pretty neo-Basque-style house. It houses sculptures, ceramics and drawings by the artist Georges Clément de Swiecinski. The second part features Roman remains found in Guéthary, those of a salting factory and a sublime funerary epitaph, a rare find in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. A final section is devoted to the history of the village, from its status as a small fishing port to that of a charming seaside resort on the Basque coast. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists.
6. Saint-Nicolas church and its typical architecture
TheChurch of Saint-Nicolas, built in the 16th century, is a must-see monument on your vacation in Guéthary. Set high above the village, its architecture is typical of the Labourdine churches of the Basque region. The first thing that catches the eye is its striking gray stone façade and bell tower. The rest of the walls are white, and the church is topped with the orange tiles found on Basque buildings. The interior is a jewel of a church, with altarpieces and statues dating back to the 17th century, as well as magnificent woodwork.
7. The Sentier du Littoral, a walk not to be missed
Hiking enthusiasts can take advantage of their stay in Guéthary to explore the Sentier du Littoral, which runs through the lower part of the village. Heading from Bidart towards Saint-Jean-de-Luz, take the Parlementia promenade, then the harbour as far as the Alcyons jetty. From here, a path climbs up to the beach, then on to the Cenitz hill. Without ever passing through the sand, the path stays as close to the water as possible, offering walkers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and coastline.
8. Take a surfing lesson, a must at Guéthary
Guéthary, a favorite summer destination, is one of the Basque coast's top surfing spots. Local surf schools offer courses, with or without accommodation. Sessions are open to people aged 6 to 77, and are supervised by instructors who hold the Brevet d'Etat. With the magical waves of Parlementia and Avalanche, Guéthary offers perfect conditions for learning or perfecting the sport. If the sea is flat, paddle sessions can be organized to work on balance. Private lessons are also available.
There's no doubt about it, Guéthary is one of the best surf spots in France!
9. The André Narbaitz park, a place to relax
Guéthary may be located in the heart of an incredible natural environment, but it still has its own park open to strollers. The André Narbaitz park features vegetation, sculptures by Claude Viseux and Dominique André and mosaics by Michel Duboscq. There's also a children's playground and a boulodrome. Within the park is the house housing the Musée municipal de Guéthary. The park is open all year round, accessible to people with reduced mobility, and you can even take a walk with your pet.
10. An electric bike ride, a must in Guéthary
During the summer months, guided electric bike tours are offered from Guéthary to Biarritz. They follow the Vélodyssée and sections of the Sentier du Littoral. You'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Basque coast. The walk is also an opportunity to discover the mythical seafront of Biarritz, renowned for its opulent houses and its Rocher de la Vierge. And don't forget Bidart, another charming commune in the Basque Country. Groups can also book a private tour.
11. The Colline de Cenitz, a green walk
La Colline de Cenitz is a 1.2-hectare nature reserve on the edge of the Estran. Narrow paths cross the hill, allowing you to take a walk in the heart of a landscape of gorse, moor and heather. Once you've reached the top, the view over the Bay of Biscay and the surrounding villages is breathtaking. A prime spot to admire sumptuous sunsets in summer and raging waves in winter. The Colline de Cenitz is home to many species of wildlife, including rabbits, woodcock, nightingales, squirrels and butterflies.
Where to stay in Guéthary?
Travelers wishing to stay in a hotel rather than on a campsite have several options for enjoying the village's charm, tranquility and beaches, which are a delight for swimmers and surfers alike.
- Hotel Briketenia, a charming establishment
This family-run establishment is located at the village's ports. There are 14 rooms with modern, uncluttered decor. Suites can accommodate families of up to 4 people. The hotel boasts a gourmet restaurant with a Michelin star. The quality of the breakfast, featuring local produce, is also noteworthy. A showcase of elegance and refinement. Click here to book your stay.
- Hotel Balea, an unusual side
An unusual establishment, since it's a former school converted into a hotel. The rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, and some open onto a small private terrace. The playground has given way to a pretty flower garden. The hotel has racks for bikes and surfboards. It also offers a generous breakfast based on organic produce. Click here to to book your stay.
- Hotel Le Madrid, a historic landmark
The hotel was originally a wooden bar, a hangout for sailors and train workers. In 1930, it was transformed into a neo-Labourdin-style house, now a hotel and restaurant. The bright, colorful rooms are fully equipped. The restaurant serves delicious cuisine based on seasonal produce and boasts a terrace overlooking the ocean. The hotel is just 5 minutes from the port and beaches. Click here to to book your stay.
Where to eat in Guéthary
Guéthary may be a village, but there are plenty of good places to stop and sample the local cuisine.
L'Hétéroclito, for seafood dishes
L'Hétéroclito is the place to go for seafood with anocean view. The decor is maritime-themed, yet modern. The menu features oysters, shellfish, seafood and fish. You can be served on a platter or an aperitif platter. There are even vegetarian and vegan options.
Le Poinçon, a journey for the taste buds
Another address where you can eat inside or on the terrace facing the ocean. The cuisine is surprisingly well executed. As the chef is a passionate traveler, he doesn't hesitate to combine flavors from here and elsewhere, for compositions that the palate remembers. We also love the decoration and the abundance of yellow, which is bound to cheer up gourmets.
Le Txarama, the bistronomic address not to be missed
Le Txarama offers two formulas. A bodega on the first floor with a menu featuring bistronomic cuisine, planks to share and pintxos. Upstairs, you'll enjoy a marvellous panoramic view and original, seasonal cuisine. From starters to desserts, everything is beautiful and good. A restaurant not to be missed when strolling around the port of Guéthary.
Have you fallen under the spell of Guéthary? You're sure to love discovering the most beautiful villages in the Pyrenees!
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