Discover Ainhoa and the French Basque Country

Ainhoa

Discover one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, with its whitewashed Basque houses, red and green shutters, traditional fronton and mountain backdrop.

Walks and nature

Walk straight from Ainhoa into the Pyrenean foothills, from gentle village paths to the Camino, GR10 and longer mountain routes.

Basque villages

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

Mountains

The foothills of the Pyrenees begin around Ainhoa. Explore La Rhune, the Baztan Valley and mountain landscapes on both sides of the French-Spanish border.

Ocean

Spend a 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

Discover the Basque Country through its markets, restaurants and local producers — from Ossau-Iraty and Espelette pepper to seafood on the coast and pintxos across the border.

Planning a short stay? → See our 3-day Ainhoa itinerary

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 Ainhoa with wonderful views across the Basque countryside, while longer routes lead into the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Into the mountains

Ainhoa 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.