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Vacations in Bidart
Bidart, the Basque village by the sea
Being one of the main villages of the Basque Country, Bidart is also one of the most modest. On the Atlantic coast, it is located in the department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in Aquitaine.
In Bidart, traditions, culinary art and board sports are mixed. This charming and pacious city is located on the seaside. It is the ideal village to spend family vacations with your feet in the water in a seaside resort in the South West of France, along the fine sandy beaches of the Basque Country.
Most of the beaches of Bidart are at the base of a cliff. They are very popular because they are not invaded by crowds even during the summer season and allow to practice surfing in a calm environment. We also appreciate Bidart because it is rather calm compared to its neighbor Biarritz, which probably explains why Bidart attracts many families on vacation.
To discover in Bidart
From our camping in Bidart, you can discover the local architectural heritage. Everywhere you can look, the Basque architectural style is reflected on individual houses but also on public institutions.
Bidart is a village that is easy to fall in love with. You will appreciate the calm that reigns there by walking through its flowered streets. This promenade will also allow you to admire the houses with deep colors, a typical feature of Basque architecture. The scenery is as picturesque as it is fascinating. It is in any case sublimated by the white facades of the typical houses of the region. The wooden shutters painted in Basque red, accompanied by red tiles, also contribute to create a warm atmosphere and authentic. Don’t miss the concerts organized in one of the village churches resounding with the songs of Basque choirs!
In summer, a traditional market is held every Saturday morning in the town hall square. Also on this square, in summer, a fair with regional products is organized every Tuesday all day long. Also come and attend an authentic game of basque pelote in Chistera every Tuesday and Friday evening during the summer.
During your stay in a mobile home in Bidart, take the opportunity to visit the most beautiful cities of the Basque coast such as Anglet or Bayonne and discover the Basque countryside, which counts many of the most beautiful villages in France such as Ascain, Sare, Aïnhoa, Ahetze, Arbonne, Bassussarry, Guéthary, Espelette or Cambo-les-Bains.
Bidart is also a city turned towards the sea. Enjoy its beauty beaches, its various activities, without forgetting its historical monuments and religious, namely :
- The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption dating from the 16th century. With a white façade, it has a beautiful wooden gallery inside. This old church is surrounded by the parish cemetery. It also houses statues of Saint James in pilgrim costume, made of solid oak probably dating from the 17th century.
- The chapel Sainte Madeleine built in wood in 1817, was destroyed by a big storm. It was then rebuilt in 1820. According to the legend, this chapel is dedicated to the sailors. Perched on a cliff, it offers a breathtaking view of the Basque coast.
- The Ilbarritz castle built in 1895 to 1897, standing on the hill of Ilbarritz, is an excellent medieval castle of the 19th century. It is considered as a castle with a thousand legends. The organ room and the staircase are classified as historical monuments since 1990. It cannot be visited, however you can admire it from the outside.
- And finally, the ancienne Atalaye from Guéthary to Bidart, a monument dating from the 18th century and which is part of the three classified constructions of Bidart.
To visit in Bidart
From our campsite in Bidart, awaken your taste buds by visiting the Moulin de Bassilour. It is a old mill dating from 1741, located between Arbonne and Bidart. Also take advantage of the visit to discover the milling of corn kernels and wheat with stone millstones. It is an artisanal production of shortbread, Basque cakes, country breads, metures, which are corn flour breads, as well as loaves which are aniseed corn cakes.
Are you in Bidart? The chocolaterie Henriet proposes you a greedy visit in an artisanal and industrial site. You can assist the workers in the work of the laboratory from the cooking to the packaging.
During your stay in a mobile home in Bidart, you will also see the cutler craftsmen who are manufacturers and creators of Basque knives.
To spend pleasant moments with your family, don’t hesitate to visit the Bid’A Parc, which is a family leisure park, combining merry-go-rounds, inflatables and animal park.
Website of the bidart tourist office : www.bidarttourisme.com
Coastline and beach in Bidart
The six beaches of Bidart extend over five kilometers and are supervised in season.
They offer many possibilities in terms of nautical activities such as surfing, bodyboarding or stand-up paddle; they are all home to recognized surf schools.
They are ideal for promenades and farniente, they also offer a beautiful panoramic view of the Pyrenees.
North of the city is the beach of Ilbarritz. Appreciated among other things for its walk and children’s games, it is accessible to people with reduced mobility. A stone’s throw away is the plage of the Pavillon Royal, recognizable by its particularly wild decor.
The Erretegia beach is located below a cliff. Starting point of the Coastal Path, it is home to a petanque ground and surf schools. The center beach attracts many families and surfers. In addition to the surf schools, there are also many restaurants.
The Uhabia beach is also close to shops, bars and restaurants. It is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Parlementia beach is the most southern part of the city. Particularly appreciated by surfers, this stage of the Coastal Path offers a fascinating panoramic view from Hendaye to Biarritz.
Leisure and activities in Bidart
Several activities await the holidaymakers on the Basque beaches, from simple walks with family or lovers to water sports.
They allow to taste the joys of gliding; holidaymakers can also try out specific activities or take advanced courses, by contacting the surf schools established on the beaches.
The golf enthusiasts will appreciate the services of the Ilbarritz International Training Center and its nine-hole course with ocean views. The tennis amateurs will find satisfaction at the Tennis Club of Bidart. As for the Ona Pilota workshop, it welcomes those who want to learn about the Basque pelote.
The walking tours will delight nature lovers and budding explorers. Starting from the beach of Erretegia, the Coastal Trail allows to enjoy beautiful panoramas and to discover beautiful seaside destinations like Guéthary, Ciboure, Saint-Jean-de-Luz…; the most daring will push their adventure as far as Hendaye, and even on the other side of the Spanish border.
The thrill-seekers will perhaps be tempted by a quad ride, to conquer the hinterland and the Basque mountains.
