Top 10 cool visits in the Basque Country!

Bidart
Top 10 cool visits in ...

You're hot? During the summer season, but also afterwards during the Indian summer in the off season, the Basque Country can become a very hot region where one seeks freshness. Wondering what to do in the Basque Country when it's too hot? Here is a top 10 of the best ideas for staying cool. With the children, think about these activities between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m., to protect them from the hottest rays.


Photos of the article: see credit in the Alt of the image.

Credit: Côte de Bidart Photo by Lamax / AdobeStock

1- Visit the caves of the Basque Country

Come and visit these sanctuaries nestled under rocky massifs! The decorated caves or caves with concretions open their doors to you and the good news? It is on average 13 degrees, you will even have to think about taking a little wool! Cave of Sare, Isturitz, Oxocelhaya or La Verna, their atypical geologies are interesting and will please the whole family.

2- Immerse yourself in the Museums of the Basque Country

Museums are also great ideas for learning while staying out of the sun. Some are air-conditioned, others are cool. Remember to make these visits in the middle of the day before going to the beach when it is less hot!

To make your choice, read our article on the Museums of the Basque Country!


Villa Arnaga, photo by Lesley Williamson
Villa Arnaga, photo by Lesley Williamson

3- Play castle in the castles of the Basque Country

Do you like beautiful heritage? The architecture? The story? Come and visit the Castles of the Basque Country, they are numerous and fascinating, they reflect an era, a lifestyle. Near the coast or further inland, their thick walls will protect you from the heat.

The Abbadia Observatory Castle, information sheet
The Abbadia Observatory Castle, information sheet

4- Lakes and leisure centers for swimming and playing in fresh water

Unlike fine sandy beaches, lakeside beaches are green oases. Set up your towel in the grass under a tree, have a picnic, enjoy the freshness of fresh water. The lakes often offer leisure bases for games on the water, on inflatable structures, with slides... You can also, when the weather is cooler, rent a pedalo or a SUP!

Read our article on leisure bases, lakes and places to swim in the Basque Country (outside the ocean)


Lake of Saint-Pée sur Nivelle


5 The D'holzarte footbridge, to gain height

Attention, chills guaranteed on a suspension bridge 150 meters high and 70 meters long, in the town of Larrau. The Footbridge of Holzarte is a curiosity for those who are not afraid of heights! Completely secure and in a beautiful natural environment, it is the ideal place to cool off.

The Holzarte Footbridge, photo by Lesley Williamson
The Holzarte Footbridge, photo by Lesley Williamson

6- Take a boat trip

It's less hot on the water! The boat trips are very popular in the summer to take advantage of the iodized spray. From the ports of the Basque Country, boats of all categories, of all styles, take you for sea trips or fishing trips!

7- Surfing, it's less hot in the water!

Going for a swim to cool down, okay, but playing ball in the water isn't your thing? How about taking a surf lesson? There are spots for all levels in the Basque Country. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, surfing is a very popular activity!

8- Go to the market, early in the morning!

Come on, we get up early, we take our basket and we will discover the colorful stalls of the markets of the Basque Country. Hams, Espelette peppers, cheeses and pastries line the stalls with enticing products and aromas. Anglet, Ahetze, Ainhoa, Arbonne or Bayonne, find a cultural and gastronomic heritage with berets, espadrilles and makilas.

The Halles de Bayonne on the left, on the banks of the Nive. Photo © Rostislav Ageev | AdobeStock
The Halles de Bayonne on the left, on the banks of the Nive. Photo © Rostislav Ageev | Adobe Stock

9- Visit parks and gardens to find freshness

They are perfect for a little well-deserved shaded break. The gardens are full of exuberant and colorful plants, which will appeal to lovers of flora and make children curious. Some gardens are free, these are the municipal gardens, others have a small entrance fee.

Bayonne Botanical Garden


10- Visit Bayonne Cathedral

One last idea to stay cool, Bayonne Cathedral is a place as beautiful as it is relaxing. The Bayonne Tourist Office offers guided tours, don't miss them to find out more about this imposing building.

The visits are over! And for the early risers, here's a little bonus with a 3-hour walk between Sean-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye to discover the Socoa Fort and Château d'Abbadia.


Did you like our article? Find more on the Basque Country Guide blog. We are also on social networks, come and consult the Facebook page of the Basque Country Guide, as well as our Instagram account @guidedupaysbasque


Back to "Rest and relaxation"

You will also like

Kaliko, a hotel-restaurant ideally located between the sea and the river in Bidart

Kaliko, a hotel-restaurant ideally located between the sea and the river in Bidart
Kaliko, a hotel-restaurant ideally located bet ...

Bidart

Bidart, a trip to a typical Basque village

Bidart, a trip to a typical Basque village
Bidart, a trip to a typical Basque village

Bidart

Les Couteliers Basques, unique and quality knives to discover in Bidart

Les Couteliers Basques, unique and quality knives to discover in Bidart
Les Couteliers Basques, unique and quality kni ...

Bidart

Artisanal cutlery in the Basque Country: heritage of ancestral know-how

Artisanal cutlery in the Basque Country: heritage of ancestral know-how
Artisanal cutlery in the Basque Country: herit ...

Bidart

The most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country

The most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country
The most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country

Bidart

To discover around

Bidart

Bidart
Bidart

At the heart of the Basque Coast, spread out over a 5km coastline, and on the side of cliffs, the village of Bidart ...

Bidart

Central beach, Bidart

Central beach, Bidart
Central beach, Bidart

As its name suggests, it is the beach closest to the pretty center of Bidart. It is pleasant with 2 restaurants ...

656 m - Bidart

Erretegia beach

Erretegia beach
Erretegia beach

This beach, supervised in summer, is in a natural setting to be preserved. It is located at the exit of the center ...

742 m - Bidart

Bid'A Parc

Bid'A Parc
Bid'A Parc

Opening March 29 The Bid' A Parc welcomes you from April 2 on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and public ...

824 m - Bidart

Uhabia beach

Uhabia beach
Uhabia beach

In the extension of the beach of the Center, separated by a few rocks where children like to play (but beware that ...

1,2 km - Bidart

Ride around

Le sentier du littoral de Bidart à Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Le sentier du littoral de Bidart à Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Le sentier du littoral de Bidart à Saint-Jean- ...

Bidart

Walking

La balade du patrimoine de Bidart

La balade du patrimoine de Bidart
La balade du patrimoine de Bidart

109 m - Bidart

Walking

La balade du patrimoine de Bidart

La balade du patrimoine de Bidart
La balade du patrimoine de Bidart

133 m - Bidart

Walking

Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "Les durs de l'Atlantique"

Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "Les durs de l'Atlantique"
Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "Le ...

134 m - Bidart

Walking

Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "Des sources, des baleines et des marins"

Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "Des sources, des baleines et des marins"
Parcours de Géocaching avec Terra Aventura "De ...

136 m - Bidart

Walking