Basque Country
The coast from Bayonne and Biarritz, at the point where the long straight sandy beaches of the Landes transform into jagged rocks and cliffs as it speeds towards Spain, and the Pyrenean countryside behind is all Basque country. The region is absoultely stuffed with the best places to stay and with its mixture of mountains, dramatic Atlantic coastline and beautiful countryside it is a hugely rewarding holiday spot.
Family Run
More than anywhere else in France, French Basque hotels are still owned and run by families, generations of them. Arcé in St Etienne-de-Baigorry has seen five generations in charge; others such as Arraya in Sare, Chez Chilo in Barcus and Ithurria in Ainhoa have seen three. This is always a good sign, and when you add the beautiful mountain scenery, the charm of these red and white and green and white Basque villages, the local preoccupations such as pelota and rugby and the superb culinary specialities, you have somewhere special to stay.
Michelin Starred Restaurants
Foodies will love the Michelin-starred hotels on our list. Ithurria in Ainhoa has simple bedrooms, a surperb outdoor pool and a bistro for table-d'hôte lunches as well as a five bed family apartment. Slightly nearer the coast to the west in the traditional Basque village of St-Etienne-de-Baigorry, Arcé also has an outdoor pool accessed over a wooden bridge, lovely rooms some with terraces and huge picture windows in the dining room through which diners can admire the mountian scenery whilst enjoying top class food.
Villages of the Basque Country
The distinctive traditional village architecture of the Basque country features whitewashed houses, often half-timbered which have their shutters and woodwork painted the blood red or rich green which are the Basque national colours. Other colours are unusual in the region. The small churches in basque villages often have balconies running around the inside, and many villages also have a fronton in the village centre for playing pelota.
Biarritz
Its the surfing capital of France, and the increasingly year-round presence of boarders on the beaches and in the cafes and shops of Biarritz has contributed to the town's transformation from a slightly frowsy retirement town to a boho outpost of Paris which has become known as the California of France. We have found some wonderful places to stay in Biarritz which reflect the town's new vibe.
The Hotel de Silhouette has funky but functional modern bedrooms and unusually for Biarritz, a peaceful garden with sun loungers.
Villa le Goéland is a huge hunk of turretted house sitting in a fabulous position right next to the boiling sea with four bedrooms, some with big sea-facing terraces and chunky old fashioned but huge bathrooms.
Minutes from Biarritz, the smart Chateau de Clair de Lune sits in exquisite formal gardens. Bedrooms are in the turn of the Century Chateau or in the much more modern hunting lodge.
Ultra B & B, La Villa Vauréal is family friendly with kitchenettes in all the rooms and extra delicious breakfasts. There are two suites in the house, two chalets and a loft in the garden.
The Edouard VII feels more like a guest house than a hotel, and is delightfully and immaculately French with historical piquancy added by creaky wooden floorboards and old mirrors.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in the Basque Country and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact
The best hotels in Basque Country
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Hotel de Silhouette
Biarritz, Basque Country
Airy and contemporary addition to Biarritz’s hotels in a fun area. A beautiful sandstone building with funky modern rooms and a lovely garden. A charming place to stay in an uniquely secluded setting.
20 rooms from $187City StyleBeach LifeLively - Hip and happening.On the beach - In front of the hotel. -
Villa Le Goéland
Biarritz, Basque Country
See that amazing house? You can stay in it! Wonderful sea facing views, and private terraces to enjoy them from while eating breakfast. Minutes from a fantastic beach, beautifully decorated interiors, and in an outstanding location. Want for nothing more at this perfect country-house beach retreat.
4 rooms from $170Spa - OffsiteRomantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelOutstanding locationRecommended by - Sawdays -
La Devinière
Saint Jean de Luz, Basque Country
Utterly charming and individual B&B in the heart of the old town. An eclectic mix of decoration - china, rugs, objects d'art, paintings, and a wonderful library. Minutes from the beach. A really characterful spot.
11 rooms from $157Beach LifeSailing - Can be booked nearby.Diving - Good diving nearby.Great walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - I Escape -
Château de Clair de Lune
Biarritz, Basque Country
Set in a large leafy estate stands a chateau and, for separate rent, a hunting lodge and a villa - an ideal spot for foodies, families, or groups touring the Basque country. A wonderful restaurant, beautiful grand interiors, and lovely garden. A really magnificent place to explore Biarritz from.
17 rooms from $144Private villas - There is a separate hunting lodge and a separate villa on the estate.FoodiesCountry EscapeFamilies -
La Villa Vauréal
Biarritz, Basque Country
Stylish beautifully painted chambres d’hôte in a fine town centre house with a charming garden. Some rooms have kitchenettes and extra beds - perfect for families. Delicious breakfasts and a library stuffed with books.
2 rooms from $144Four poster beds - For romantics.Romantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelGreat walks - Good for walkers. -
La Villa Hotel
Basque Country
An elegant white painted house a kilometre from the historic centre. 10 classic-contemporary bedrooms decorated in soft pastels. Breakfast on a lovely Italian-esque terrace overlooking secluded gardens. A tranquil spot on a hill above the Nive.
10 rooms from $124Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Great walks - Good for walkers.Local markets - Good for local colour. -
Ithurria
Ainhoa, Basque Country
Family run village hotel with Michelin-starred restaurant. A hotel with a rich heritage and an equally rich experience - delicious food, activities aplenty (tennis, swimming, golf), refreshingly simple rooms, and family apartments. Foodies, families, fun in the sun.
28 rooms from $124Families - Plenty of activities on site and off site for everyone to partake in, from table tennis to golf.Restaurant - Michelin-starred restuarant.FoodiesRemote - Off the beaten track.Recommended by - Fodors -
Arraya
Sare, Basque Country
Delightful, honest family-run hotel in the centre of lovely Sare. It combines the comfort of a modern three-star hotel with the charm of a quintessentially Basque residence - wooden beams, colourful country fabrics, pretty objects d'art, pictures, quaint bed spreads. An excellent restaurant too.
20 rooms from $123Romantic - Good for couples.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.SpaQuirky - An experience! -
Edouard VII
Biarritz, Basque Country
Charming, and oh-so-French address in the city centre. A 19th century mansion keeps its original interiors - wood panelling, wooden floors, and old mirrors - which compliment the rooms' elegant creams and whites. The breakfast terrace is the piece de resistance. Relaxed and family-friendly.
18 rooms from $105City StyleLively - Hip and happening.Lively area - In the thick of the action.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Olhabidea
France, Basque Country
A restaurant with rooms that provides wonderful hospitality and food in a beautiful home. Five charming, but cluttered chambres in individual style - from cosy ‘à l’anglais’ to mustard with mountain views. A delightful menu that uses fresh market produce.
3 rooms from $98Restaurant with roomsCountry EscapeFoodiesSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Arcé
Basque Country
Magical riverside setting in a typical Basque village. Michelin-starred restaurant serving rustic treats such as wood pigeon. Large elegant bedrooms with terraces and mountain views. A peaceful gourmet country retreat.
22 rooms from $92Restaurant - Michelin-starred restaurant.Foodies - Delicious rustic treats.Country EscapeRemote - Off the beaten track.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Travel Intelligence -
Chez Chilo
Basque Country
An adorable family hotel with fantastically rustic food in a lovely village. Fresh and simple bedrooms in pastels and whites and a lovely dining room in which you'll be served the freshest and best of local produce. Plus, a delightful garden, small swimming pool and children's play area.
8 rooms from $77Local markets - Good for local colour.Remote - Off the beaten track.Outstanding locationRomantic - Good for couples.
