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Visit the Museums of the Basque Country, all of them!!

Bayonne
Culture and Heritage

The Basque Country has been inhabited since prehistoric times . Its history is very rich and its culture deeply rooted . Between the ocean and the Pyrenees mountains , it is a land of character, with strong traditions . Numerous museums recount this grand and eventful history and this authentic rural daily life ; they reveal ancestral skills and ancient trades ; and they showcase the arts and crafts that have developed from them, from the Paleolithic era to the present day.

In the museums , you will discover the architectural, movable, and cultural heritage of the Basque Country . You can also immerse yourself in its traditions , influenced by Béarn , through its traditional crafts , old-fashioned games , and gastronomy , to fully appreciate this Basque way of life . This region is also looking to the future… Some sites are at the forefront of technology to offer you unique experiences .

Opening photo: Ospitalea Heritage Education Centre

Photo: Abbadia Castle, Hendaye, Lesley Williamson

Museums about history

A region's history shapes its character… Understanding the major events and anecdotes of the past allows you to better grasp the identity of a territory . Visiting certain iconic places is an immersive experience that lets you delve into the heart of a country !

Biarritz Historical Museum : You will learn all about the history of the city of Biarritz , by exploring several themed areas : the sea, the empire, Biarritz in the world, the ^20th century.
The Bishops' Prison in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: This building housed the bishops of Bayonne during the " Great Western Schism ," without imprisoning them... But it later served as a prison, hence its name! You will find a permanent exhibition on pilgrims and the " Routes of Santiago de Compostela " and temporary exhibitions.

Photo: The Bishops' Prison of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Oiasso Museum in Irun: Let's go on a journey through time, aboard a little train... You visit the Roman city of Oiasso at the museum, then the Santa Elena necropolis , and the Irugurutzeta mines .

Photo: Ossaio Museum in Irun

Saraleguinea Museum in Guéthary : Thanks to the works and donations of the renowned sculptor Georges Clément de Swiecinski , you can journey through the history of Guéthary , as seen by the artist, from the Roman remains of the fishing village to its transformation, in the ^20th century, into a fashionable spa town . Sculptures by Claude Viseux and Dominique André, and mosaics by Michel Duboscq, adorn the magnificent grounds of this neo-Basque residence .
Witch Museum: Zugarramurdi is known as the " village of witches ." Since time immemorial, its mysterious caves have been the site of rituals and sabbaths . This museum takes you on a magical journey through traditions, customs, legends , and the witch hunts of the dark period of the Inquisition.

Museums about local life and Basque culture

The Basque Country's territories are very distinct: Labourd and its Atlantic coast , Lower Navarre , the Basque hinterland , and Soule , at the foot of the Pyrenees . Each has its own character, history, and heritage . Ecomuseums and museums dedicated to life in bygone days, traditions, everyday objects, or sports will allow you to immerse yourself in Basque culture .

Ortillopitz, Basque House of Sare : Through its architecture and furnishings , you are offered an immersion in Basque culture . Everything is there to set the mood!
The Museum of Lower Navarre and Saint James in Saint-Palais: This charming and fascinating museum, recently renovated, presents collections of objects and historical information about Saint-Palais and Lower Navarre in general. Located at the crossroads of three routes to Santiago de Compostela, it also explores the pilgrimage to this holy city in the Basque Country. Discover, through its various rooms, the customs associated with the Basque home and its environment: from crafts and agriculture to architecture, it's a journey through time, know-how, and traditions.
Basque Museum and History of Bayonne : In the ^17th- century " Maison Dagourette ", the collection focuses on life in the Northern Basque Country : its language, culture, rites and traditions , rural and domestic life, crafts, ancient games and regional festivals…
Ospitalea Heritage Education Centre in Irissarry: The Ospitalea commandery was built on the plan of a traditional Basque farmhouse . This exceptional building was therefore chosen to showcase local architecture and heritage .

Photo: Ospitalea Heritage Education Center in Irissarry

Olhaberri Mining and Metallurgical Heritage Interpretation Centre , in Banca: Explore the copper and iron mines of Banca , in the heart of the Aldudes Valley . This is a unique tour of mining heritage from antiquity to the present day .
The Pelota Ecomuseum in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle: Pelota could not have found a better location for its museum. It was in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle that the " xistera ," the small wicker basket used to send the pelota ball further, was created…
Ateka, the Itxassou village evocation center : This museum takes you around life in Itxassou : heritage, history, environment, gastronomy and regional products.

Photos: Atéka - Itxassou Village Memorial Center

The Chair Museum in Came: This museum tells a family story . You will discover the craft and traditional manufacturing methods . This expertise continues to this day, and you can witness the creation of a chair in the adjoining workshop .
Rugby Tattoo Family Museum in Bayonne: Want to know everything about rugby? This museum is for you! Far from being just a tribute to local teams, the museum showcases regional, French, and international teams . But it's also the entire world of rugby that awaits you.

Science and nature museums…

If you're looking for a cultural experience, numerous more general museums will satisfy all your interests. History, science, sports… there's something for everyone.

Bayonne Natural History Museum : This is THE essential museum for discovering local flora and fauna . Located in the Ansot Plain , on the Nive River wetlands , it will reveal all the secrets of this wetland area specific to the region and its endemic species . Its exhibition on the biodiversity of the Pyrenees is also particularly interesting. For the schedule of temporary exhibitions, please visit its website .

Photo: Bayonne Natural History Museum

Cité de l'Océan , in Biarritz: This space provides you with cutting-edge technology to offer you a highly immersive experience in the heart of the ocean .

Photo: Cité de l'Océan in Biarritz

Biarritz Aquarium : Around fifty aquariums showcase aquatic fauna from the most local, that of the " Bay of Biscay ", to the most exotic, allowing you to enter the world of turtles or rays or even witness the feeding of seals !

Photo: Biarritz Aquarium

Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium : This oceanographic museum showcases nearly 200 species from the Cantabrian and tropical seas . With its giant aquarium, transparent tunnel , and touch tanks for some crustaceans, this museum awakens all your senses!

Photo: Donostia Aquarium – San Sebastian

The Abbadia Observatory Castle in Hendaye: Step into the unique world of the somewhat eccentric scientist Antoine d'Abbadie. An eclectic visit , spanning different eras and scientific fields , awaits you.

Photo: Abbadia Castle, Hendaye, Lesley Williamson

Art in all its forms

The Basque Country is renowned for the strong and authentic character of its inhabitants . They are free spirits who need to express themselves… The arts are therefore well represented there, and have been for a very long time. But it is also a land that looks to the world and receives the many influences of the globe by sea! You will find museums there with exotic flavors …

Asiatica Art Museum in Biarritz: This museum takes you on a journey through Asia ! Come and discover a magnificent private collection , comprising several hundred pieces, including masterpieces. With an audio guide (or a printed guide), you will be transported from India to China, Nepal, and Tibet. Come and admire an exceptional collection assembled here by a true enthusiast of Asia.

Museum space of the Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya : It is the origin of art that we propose to explore in these " sanctuary caves ", decorated caves that reveal to us the symbolism of the first inhabitants of the Basque Country, in Prehistory .

Photo: Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya

Villa Arnaga, Edmond Rostand Museum , in Cambo-les-Bains: This is " Edmond Rostand's dream home ." You enter the artist's world , following the events of his life. It's a stroll between imagination and reality , in an enchanting setting, both within the villa itself and in its sumptuous French gardens .

Photo: Villa Arnaga in Cambo-les-Bains, Lesley Williamson

The Bonnat-Helleu Museum of Fine Arts in Bayonne (closed for renovations, reopening in 2025): This is a very comprehensive visit to the fine arts. You will find 7,000 works classified by category: antiquities, decorative arts, tapestries, paintings, sculptures, photographs, graphic arts, coins and medals… It is also the only French museum, with the exception of the Louvre, where you can admire works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo !
Espace Chemin Bideak in Saint-Palais: This former Franciscan convent , at the crossroads of the " Ways of Saint James of Compostela ", offers you a soothing and artistic stroll , through nature, art and life in Lower Navarre .

Museums about local gastronomy

One last, unmissable category in the Basque Country: gastronomy , of course! This region is rich in local specialties . We end on a sweet note with a tour of Basque delicacies .

Basque Museum of Pastoralism and Cheese , in Helette: It is in a traditional " cayolar ," a reconstructed shepherd's hut, that you will learn the secrets of making " l'Agour " cheese . It's a wonderful discovery of the pastoral way of life .
Bayonne Ham Museum : Bayonne ham is well known, but do you know how it is made? We invite you to rediscover the true Bayonne ham , in the oldest charcuterie in the city , the " Maison Aubard ", produced using centuries-old and traditional know-how from breeding to curing .
The Chocolate Workshop and its Museum in Bayonne: Chocolate begins its French history in Bayonne. This is only natural, since it originated in Spain. It was the Spanish Infanta Anne of Austria who was so enamored with it that she couldn't live without it when she married Louis XIII… This museum will tell you this story in detail, followed by a tasting of the "house creations," and for those who want to try their hand at it, a chocolate-making workshop .
Puyodebat Chocolate Factory in Cambo-les-Bains: The chocolate museum was born from the expertise and passion of this artisan. The chocolatier's craft , the tools, the products… everything related to chocolate can be found there. You end your visit with a tasting of " grand cru " chocolates .

Photo: Puyodebat Chocolate Factory, in Cambo-les-Bains

Basque Cake Museum , in Sare: In a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, filled with the sweet aromas of pastries, you will learn all the recipes , production techniques , and decorations of this typical cake . Various tour and tasting options are available.

Photo: Basque Cake Museum of Sare

Other sources of culture…

Local craft workshops are " living museums " that welcome you to discover their trades, their particular know-how and their works.

Workshop boutique Les Couteliers Basque de Bidart: The old folks all had their knife always in their pocket… The knife is more than an everyday tool, it is also a tradition, a know-how and it carries the identity of a region.

Photo: Atelier Boutique Les Couteliers Basque

Don Quichosse workshop and store in Mauléon-Licharre: A visit to the workshop will allow you to better understand its history and its importance to the local economy , to see this very specific manual work and to test this iconic shoe of the Basque Country .

Photo: Don Quichosse workshop and store

That concludes our tour of the museums in the Basque Country . Whatever your area of interest, you're sure to find something to enrich your mind and stimulate your thinking.