Discover Ainhoa and the Basque Country

Ainhoa

Discover one of France’s most beautiful villages, with its whitewashed Basque houses, red and green shutters, traditional fronton and wonderful views towards the mountains.

Walks and nature

Footpaths lead from Aïnhoa into the surrounding hills and countryside, from gentle village walks to longer routes through the beautiful Basque landscape.

Basque villages

Explore the characterful villages of the French Basque Country, from nearby Sare and Espelette to the historic streets of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Mountains

The foothills of the Pyrenees are all around us. Discover La Rhune, the Baztan Valley and spectacular viewpoints on both sides of the French-Spanish border.

Ocean

Spend the day beside the Atlantic in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary, Bidart or Biarritz, with beaches, coastal walks and plenty of places for lunch by the sea.

Food & markets

Taste the Basque Country through its markets, village restaurants and local producers — from Ossau-Iraty cheese and Espelette pepper to pintxos just across the border.

From the doorstep

Some of the best days here begin without the car. Walk down into the village for coffee or lunch, or head straight into the hills on the paths surrounding the village. The Chapelle de l’Aubépine sits above Aïnhoa with wonderful views across the Basque countryside, while longer routes lead into the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Into the mountains

Aïnhoa sits at the foot of the Pyrenees, with an extraordinary variety of landscapes within easy reach. Spend a day around La Rhune and Sare, cross into the Baztan Valley, or simply follow one of the quiet mountain roads through forests, farms and small Basque villages.

From the mountains to the Atlantic

One of the pleasures of this corner of the Basque Country is how easily you can swap the mountains for the sea. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Guéthary, Bidart and Biarritz offer beaches, coastal walks, surfing, cafés and long lunches overlooking the Atlantic.

Taste the Basque Country

Food is part of everyday life here. Ainhoa has excellent places to eat within the village, including the Michelin-starred Ithurria, while nearby markets and producers offer local cheese, charcuterie, Espelette pepper and other Basque specialities. And just across the border, San Sebastián and its pintxos bars make a very tempting day out.