Urtubie Castle Visit a Historical Monument near Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Urtubie Castle in Urrugne: a must-see in the Basque Country near Saint-Jean-de-Luz

What to do in the Basque Country? Discover Urtubie Castle

Just 3 kilometers from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Château d'Urtubie is one of the must-see attractions in the Basque Country. Located in Urrugne, between Hendaye, Biarritz and the Spanish border, this historical monument offers a unique immersion into almost seven centuries of history, in the heart of a magnificent 6-hectare park.

For visitors looking for a cultural activity, a family outing or a sightseeing idea near Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the Château d'Urtubie is an unmissable stop during a stay on the Basque coast, in good weather or in the rain!

One of the oldest inhabited castles in the Basque Country

Built in 1341, the Château d'Urtubie has belonged to the same family since its origin, which is quite exceptional in French heritage. For over 680 years, generations (24 at present) have succeeded one another in this historic residence, which has witnessed the major periods of French and Basque history.

Urtubie Castle, fortified in the Middle Ages and later enlarged in the 16th and 18th centuries, boasts an elegant and harmonious architecture. Its furnished rooms, family heirlooms, and period pieces allow visitors to discover a living and authentic heritage. This castle has retained its unique character, making a visit truly worthwhile.

Over the centuries, the castle has hosted several major historical figures. King Louis XI stayed there in 1463. In 1654, Louis XIV, who would marry in Saint-Jean-de-Luz a few years later, raised the estate to a viscountcy. Later, the Napoleonic Wars led Marshals Soult and Wellington to frequent the castle. It was spared during the French Revolution.

A guided tour of the ramparts followed by free exploration of the castle

At certain set times of the day, a guide accompanies visitors onto the old castle ramparts for a presentation of approximately twenty minutes. From this historically significant site, the guide recounts the evolution of Urtubie Castle against the backdrop of French history, the history of the Basque Country, and the history of the family that still lives there today.

This introduction helps to better understand the transformations of the castle over the centuries before setting off to discover the three levels open to visitors.

Urtubie Castle offers a particularly popular option: visitors receive explanations from a guide and then freely explore the monument at their own pace.

A self-guided tour with an audio guide on your smartphone in 11 languages

After the presentation on the ramparts, everyone continues the visit at their own pace thanks to a complete audio guide on smartphone or a paper copy available at reception.

Visitors discover furnished living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, a library, as well as historical objects, family mementos, and numerous anecdotes that bring to life more than six centuries of history.

The audio guide is available in French, English, Spanish, Basque, Italian, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

Highly appreciated by French, European, and Asian visitors, it allows everyone to fully enjoy the visit at their own pace and according to their interests and in their own language.

A must-do family activity near Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Urtubie Castle is one of the most popular family activities around Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye and Biarritz.

The complete tour of the castle, the park with the chapel, the orangery, the medicinal plant garden usually lasts between one and a half and two hours.

An exhibition on the history of the witch hunt in Labourd in 1603 is on display in the former dungeons of the castle…

Adults and children alike can enjoy traditional wooden games set up in the park, as well as a free smartphone treasure hunt. This fun activity is available throughout the season, from April 1st until the end of the All Saints' Day holidays.

Our canine friends are allowed in the park when kept on a leash and can accompany their owners inside the castle when carried.

A lovely shop offers the opportunity to take home a souvenir of the castle.

A 6-hectare park to discover

Urtubie Castle also invites you to stroll through a 6-hectare park that is particularly flowery in spring and summer.

An audio guide dedicated to the gardens allows visitors to discover the different areas of the estate, including the chapel, the former herbalist's office, and the 18th-century orangery. It also provides access to the Medicinal Plant Garden.

In the 18th-century Orangery, an exhibition is dedicated to the benefits of plants from the Basque Country, offering an original perspective on local traditions and know-how.

A must-see between Biarritz, Hendaye, and Spain. It truly deserves its place in the Top 10 places to visit in the Basque Country.

Thanks to its privileged location just 9 kilometers from the Spanish border, the Château d'Urtubie is an ideal visit for holidaymakers staying in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Urrugne, Hendaye, Ciboure, Biarritz, Bayonne or in the neighboring towns of Spain.

What to do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz? What to visit near Hendaye? What are the must-see historical monuments in the Basque Country?

• Urtubie Castle answers all these questions by offering a complete experience combining heritage, history, nature and family activities.

Practical information

• Urtubie Castle is open 7 days a week from April 1st to October 31st, as well as during the All Saints' Day holidays.
• Free parking is available in front of the castle, a bicycle rack is also available, the castle is located on the route of a cycle path linking it to Saint Jean de Luz.
• Easy access from the A63 motorway, exit n°2 Urrugne, 1km from the exit.

Opening hours of Urtubie Castle:

• Urtubie Castle is open 7 days a week from April 1st to October 31st and during the All Saints' Day holidays.
• From April 1st to July 13th: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:15 pm to 6 pm,
• From July 14th to August 31st: 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6:15 pm.
• From September 1st to 30th: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:15 pm to 6 pm,
• From October 1st to 31st: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:15 pm to 5:45 pm

The architectural evolution of the castle against the backdrop of French history and the family's history will be explained by a guide at:

• From April 1st to May 31st: 11:15 am, 3 pm, 4 pm
• From June 1st to July 13th: 11:15 am, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm
• From July 14th to August 31st: 11:15 am, 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:15 pm, 4:15 pm, 5:15 pm
• From September 1st to 30th: 11:15 am, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm
• From October 1st to November 1st: 11:15 am, 3 pm, 4 pm

Prices (Park + Castle):

• Adults (over 16 years old) €9.50
• Students €8.00
• Children (5 to 16 years old) €5.00

Guided tours of the park and castle via smartphone audio guide in French, English, Spanish, Basque, Italian, German, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese.

• Free for children under 5 years old
• Groups and discounts: please contact us