Friday 8th – Sunday 10th June 2018

We were lucky that the small hill top town of Bidart was just a short walk or cycle ride away from our base, although the journey up to the town took a little more effort than the return 😉  The well known resort town of Biarritz and its international airport was also only about 6 kms north from here, although we never visited during our stay.

Close by were several beaches, also within walking distance but you could also drive and park close by too.

Central beach was probably the largest beach in the resort although it was definitely not the prettiest or the cleanest beach we have come across. On the left of this beach in the direction of Guéthary, or as someone with a sense of humour had posted in the town, Guéthappy, there was Uhabia beach which is separated from it by small rocks.

Central beach to the north was particularly popular with surfers. From here you can follow the road towards Bidart town centre, passing a range of traditional Basque houses.

Following a sign post we followed the residential road back the coast and Erretegia Beach, at the bottom of a green cliff, where there is more car parking available.

There is a coastal trail, Le Sentier du Littoral au Pays Basque, which is accessible from Bidart. It’s a 25 km, 6 hour walk if you fancy it.

We chose not to head down to the beach, but followed a set of steps through the trees back up towards the town and the main central area.

Although most of the little roads around the town are hilly they are not too much of a challenge.

As we approached the central square, we passed several shops, tourist and general, as well as a plethora of hotels and restaurants.

The Town Hall square is a delightful spot where you can sit at one of the bars and enjoy the views down towards the lower part of the town or watch the lads honing their Basque pelote skills.

The town hall, old post office and delightful church, whose bells can be heard back at the campsite are also located around the square.

Something we enjoyed very much whilst in Basque Country was the cross-border cultural influences which impacts all areas of life, including the language, the typical Basque house, characterised by its sloping roof, whitewashed frontage adorned with colourful woodwork , as well as the symbol of the flag Ikurriña,  the Lauburu cross. It was interesting to note that even the modern dwellings of Bidart still maintain the traditional style.

Not forgetting the typical food and drink of this region!

Just out of the town along the busy D180 towards Biarritz you will find a much more modern part of town with several large supermarkets and shops to meet all your requirements, as well as another popular beach and golf course.