Between Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, 25 km from the campsite, Bidart is a typical village on the Basque coast, much sought-after for its long beaches and surf spots… but that’s not all! We reveal our favorites that are sure to make you fall in love too.
Place Sauveur Atchoarena, Bidart’s beating heart
The epicenter of the village, Place Sauveur Atchoarena is organized around the famous Basque trilogy of the Town Hall, the Church and the Fronton. On either side of the pink pediment, the old post office, white and red half-timbered houses in the Labourdin style and balconies with geraniums complete the picture postcard image of this small village, which already existed in the 12th century. A handful of bars and restaurants invite visitors to enjoy themselves on the terrace. During the summer, Bidart ‘s pretty square hosts three markets a week: the traditional 4-season market (Saturday), a farmer’s market (Tuesday) and a night market (Thursday).
The Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine and its plunging ocean view
Perched on Bidart‘s highest cliff, overlooking the ocean, the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine is Bidartar‘s oldest heritage monument. It was destroyed by a hurricane in 1817 and rebuilt in its present form in 1820. And as tradition dictates, sailors are buried on its doorstep. Its privileged location at a crossroads and spectacular views of the Basque coast have made it a major stopover for pilgrims on their way to
Santiago de Compostela
.
Near the chapel, an orientation table shows the location of the surrounding peaks, from the Rhune massif to the Pyrenean mountains, including Pic des 3 Couronnes and Jaizkibel. A number of short trails wind through the moorland and cliffs, classified as “Espace Naturel Sensible”, and lead to the beaches ofErretegia and Les Cent Marches. Erretegia beach is also the starting point for the Sentier du Littoral (coastal path), which runs for 25 km along the Basque coast to Hendaye.
Vive la mobilité douce sur la voie verte de l’Uhabia (Long live soft mobility on the Uhabia greenway)
We’ve finally found a flat spot in Bidart! The Voie Verte de l’Uhabia (Uhabia Green Way) is a lovely 6 km family trail for cyclists and pedestrians, whether you’re on foot, bike, scooter or baby carriage. Along theUhabia river, this gentle itinerary links the estuary to the Moulin de Bassilour. A cycle path then takes you to the Izarbel area. A picnic area, pontoons and reading tables are set up between the games on the Uhabia plain and all along the route.
The Moulin de Bassilour, a temple of Basque cake
Located in Bidart’ s Bassilour district, this adorable mill is another picturesque place to discover on a stroll along theUhabia greenway. In operation since 1741, the place almost looks like a museum, as nothing seems to have changed for almost 300 years. At the entrance to the mill, you can see how wheat, rye and corn flour are produced.
The owner makes a variety of traditional breads and shortbreads, as well as wonderful Basque cream and cherry cakes. You can also have lunch in the adjoining restaurant, in the shade of the century-old plane trees, and enjoy the site’s bucolic setting for longer. The Moulin de Bassilour welcomes you every day of the year, mornings from 8am to 1pm and afternoons from 2.30pm to 7pm. Access: Quartier Bassilour, 64210 Bidart.
A meeting with a Basque cutler
Pascal and Rachel Exposito ‘s hand-crafted cutlery shop, located in an old farmhouse dating back to 1769 in the hills above Bidart, is well worth a visit. Knifemakers for almost 30 years, the brother-and-sister duo have created the first Basque knife in néflier called Mizpira, proudly bearing the “Lauburu”, the Basque cross. Today, the two artisans produce a wide range of pocket knives, table knives and original pieces such as the famous “Bixia” knife in the shape of an Espelette pepper, or the “Artzaina” inspired by the makila, the Basque shepherd’s crook.
A visit to the workshop-boutique gives an insight into this fine Basque craft, the cutler’s trade and the different stages in the manufacture of a Basque knife. A great souvenir to bring back from your stay in Bidart or to give to a loved one! Access: Ferme Etxettoa – 283 Rue Oyhara – 64210 Bidart.
Photo credit: F.Perrot