Ainhoa & the French Basque Country Journal
History, places and traditions in the French Basque Country
Ainhoa & the Basque Country
Villages, heritage, history and ideas for exploring the region.
Food & traditions
Cheese, local producers, traditional know-how and flavours of the Basque Country.
The house
The story of Maison Labatchenia, the old lime kiln and the transformation of Les Hauts d’Ainhoa.
A New Chapter Begins at Les Hauts d’Ainhoa
After several years of welcoming guests to Les Hauts d’Ainhoa, the time has come for us to take a little break. Bookings are now paused while we think about the next stage of the house and prepare for a few changes in the future. The work has not yet begun, so we...
10 reasons to love the Basque Country in Spring
10 reasons to visit the French Basque Country in spring Spring might just be one of the best times to discover the French Basque Country. The landscape around Ainhoa turns intensely green, the mountains are inviting again, the coast is still relatively...
Exploring the Rich Heritage of Basque Cheese: The Enigmatic Ossau-Iraty
Ossau-Iraty Cheese: A Taste of the French Basque Country Travel through the inland French Basque Country and sheep are almost as much a part of the landscape as the white-and-red houses and green mountains. Their milk is used to make one of the region’s best-known...
Hiking in the French Basque Country: 10 Essential Tips
Hiking in the French Basque Country: 10 things to know before you go The green hills around Ainhoa can look gentle, but walking in the French Basque Country is still mountain walking. Paths can be steep, weather changes quickly and a sunny village morning does not...
A Walking Holiday in the French Basque Country: Why Stay in Ainhoa?
A walking holiday in the French Basque Country: why stay in Ainhoa? If you are planning a walking holiday in the French Basque Country, Ainhoa makes an unusually good base. The village sits at the foot of the western Pyrenees, surrounded by paths, ridges and farmland,...
The Majestic Tale of George Michael: The Persian Cat of Les Hauts d’Ainhoa
The Majestic Tale of George Michael: The Persian Cat of Les Hauts d'Ainhoa Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Les Hauts d'Ainhoa, a charming house resonates with the subtle purrs and regal presence of a feline monarch. Meet George Michael, a Persian cat...