Bidart, a trip to a typical Basque village

A few steps from Biarritz, there is a charming village lulled by the sea: Bidart. Less known than Biarritz , Bidart is nevertheless a very pleasant stopover for visitors who wish to discover the Basque coast : typical architecture, rich history, lively squares and sporting activities for all!

A hike on the coastal path

Bidart is the starting point of the superb coastal path which covers 25km of breathtaking coastline (in the figurative sense only, don't worry!). It connects Bidart to Hendaye by a developed path which sometimes passes through nature and sometimes through town. The opportunity to appreciate the magnificent towns of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure, Urrugne …

Taking this path means admiring the beauty of the Basque landscapes and learning more about geology, waves, fishing, etc. thanks to signs scattered throughout the route.

• To organize your stay in Bidart, go to the town's Tourist Office, the office is located on Rue Erretegia!

Sports Getaways in Bidart, between beach and nature

In addition to the numerous hikes which offer superb views of the sea and the mountains, it is possible to practice sporting activities to enjoy the landscape! So get started:

• Catch a wave while surfing. Are you beginners? Why not learn or improve with the Snowboarding School
  

• Hit the ball during a game of Cesta Punta. Basque pelota is a beautiful sport and making chistera is an art ! We have put together an article for you on the subject.
  
  In Bidart, you can even take lessons in a friendly atmosphere with Ona Pilota!

Photo by Ona Pilota

All year round in Bidart, you can go to the beach , it is even one of the main attractions of this charming town. There are 6 beaches in Bidart (from north to south):

• Ilbarritz beach: This is the one bordering Biarritz, easily accessible. Swim on this family beach with the magnificent Ilbarritz Castle watching you...
  
  
• The Pavillon Royal beach: ideal for discovering marine fauna among its rocks. It is a wild beach, which is not always easy to access but popular for its natural atmosphere.
  
  
• Erretegia beach: the one at the start of the famous coastal path. Perfect for surfing. It's not easy to park there, but its atypical side will charm you!
  
  
• Center beach: as its name suggests, it is the closest to the village center and the one where families like to go.
  
  
• Uhabia beach: easy access parking and with Handiplage with tiralos available in summer (be careful in season, few places), it is served by a shuttle from the village and it is crossed by the river of the same name .
  
  
• Parliamentia beach: Bordering Guétary, it is bordered by the Whale Trail. It is a beach that remains quite intimate because it is far from the center and not very accessible. You will like it for walks at low tide (because there is little sand at high tide).
  

Discovering the center of Bidart

I loved taking a stroll around Place Sauveur Atchoarena. At 360° you can admire the beautiful white and red Basque buildings, a clear view of the surrounding mountains and the beautiful fronton of the city. When the sun is out, the square comes alive and epicureans gather on the many restaurant terraces. It is also on this square that the market takes place every Saturday morning. If you are in the area, don't miss this event to stock up on regional products !

A little drink on Place Sauveur Atchoarena?

The superb Basque houses

The rest of the week, you can stock up at the attractive Etxe store. Peio which offers a number of Basque specialties: wines, cheeses, cold meats, Espelette pepper… you won't be able to leave empty-handed!

Gourmet stopover at Etxe Peio

We stock up on good things!

For a little gourmet break , I advise you to stop at the Les Six saison restaurant. You can enjoy refined and delicious dishes, with an unparalleled view of the mountains and the ocean.

Six Seasons Restaurant

Other restaurant tips for eating like a gourmet in Bidart:

• At Auguste, we eat local cuisine and seafood specialties, sit on the terrace and enjoy!
• For fans of bistronomic cuisine, that is to say simplicity combined with quality, we recommend the Etika restaurant with local, seasonal cuisine and with a strong emphasis on vegetables.
  

The most beautiful viewpoint in Bidart

Around the chapel, you can spend hours contemplating the view

200 meters from Place Sauveur Atchoarena and the entertainment, there is a little corner of paradise which offers an incredible view of the ocean. People come there to admire the view but also to enjoy the serenity of the place. Perched just off the cliff, overlooking the sea, the Chapelle Sainte-Madeleine was built in the 1800s to protect sailors who went whale hunting. It is also a place of pilgrimage on the way to Santiago de Compostela.

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