Castles to visit in the Basque Country

Are you in love with old stones and want to know what the Basque Country has in store for you? The region mixes Spanish inspirations with French styles and unusual visits await you. The Basque Country promises you beautiful visits to fortified castles, medieval dungeons and Renaissance palaces... Here is our Top 5 castles to visit in the Basque Country.

Opening photo: Château Abbadia © Laurine45 / AdobeStock

Photos of the article © mention under the photos

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No. 1: The Observatory Castle of Abbadia d'Hendaye

The Observatory Castle of Abbadia was built in the 19^th century, on the heights of Hendaye. It benefits from an exceptional environment. Indeed, it is perched on the cliffs of the Basque coast. It is a neo- Gothic style building, where each facade offers an unusual facet. At the foot of the chateau, there is a flower garden conducive to relaxation. Its park is also a very popular site for walks.

A guided tour, lasting approximately one hour, will reveal the astonishing history of the place. If the interior is furnished, you will also see very interesting collections of instruments, weapons and various old objects. As you walk around the outside, don't miss these unusual stone sculptures representing animals, such as the crocodile or the lion on the reception pavilion.

Do not miss our visit to the incredible Château-Observatoire Abbadia in Hendaye.

Do you like beautiful stones? Head to Bayonne to visit Bayonne Cathedral, which will leave you speechless!

Photo @ Lesley Williamson

No. 2: The Château d'Urtubie in Urrugne

The Château d'Urtubie, in the commune of Urrugne, is a jewel of 14^th century architecture. It has always been inhabited and has therefore changed a lot over time, especially during the 16^th century and the 18^th century. Today it looks more like a charming residence than a fortified castle.

The site is open from the holidays from April to the end of the automn holidays. A guided tour takes you to the different rooms of the castle. The orangery houses a plant exhibition on local species. In the park, you can play a family treasure hunt. An escape game is even available to you, upon prior reservation.

After the castles, parks and gardens of the Basque Country! Visit the most beautiful, see our article!

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No. 3: The Château d'Arcangues in Biarritz

The Château d'Arcangues is located between Biarritz and Bidart, at the entrance to the Basque hinterland. This beautiful 19^th century building takes you on a journey through time, to the time of the Battle of Nive, where Duke Wellington established his headquarters there.

It is occasionally open to visitors. The ground floor has been transformed into a museum on the history of the castle and its owners. It hosts shows and cultural events. You can also rent it for a wedding or a private event. Its decoration is refined and its park is charming.

Have a picnic during your visit to the castles… The most beautiful markets in the Basque Country await you for local and seasonal shopping.

Photo © NB64 CC BY-SA 3.0

No. 4: The Castle of the Barons of Espelette

The Château des Barons d'Espelette is an imposing building in the heart of Labourd. This former 11^th century castle has a very distant history to tell you! Presbytery until the end of the 1960s, today it is both a town hall, a library and a tourist office.

The site is accessible free of charge, in free visit, all the year. It houses a permanent exhibition on the history of the region.

Idea for a completely maritime visit: visit the lighthouses of the Basque Country, these sentinels of the seas!

Photo ©A1AA1ACC BY-SA 4.0

No. 5: The Château d'Olce in Iholdy

The Château d'Olce is a beautiful 17^th century residence, built on an old estate from the Middle Ages. Its architecture is in the pure classical style. It has a somewhat mysterious charm, typical of the interior of the Basque lands. At the foot of the castle, extends a garden with geometric lines and a wooded park.

Guided tours are open to the public from April to September and last an average of 45 minutes. They take you from the outside to the inside of the castle and allow you to appreciate its long history. On the other hand, the castle is not very well indicated and can be difficult to access.

Has all this whetted your appetite? Here are the gastronomic delights of the Basque Country not to forget to taste during your stay.

Photo © Harrieta171 CC BY-SA 3.0

Here is our tour of the castles to visit in the Basque Country which ends. There is no doubt that you will discover the fabulous history of this region!

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