Uncover Briscous: charms of Pyrénées Atlantiques

This walk follows the educational path of the Urcuit commune, and uses a number of panels to introduce us to the wetland environment of the barthes, and its flora and fauna. It's a fun loop or a round trip. The sports trail on the other side of the road completes the walk. Don't forget to visit Urcuit and its church of Saint Étienne, with its rich Basque heritage.

The village of Urcuit overlooks the bed of the river Ardanavy and the barthes of the Adour, floodable meadows. Ditches, dykes, canals and flap gates ensure that the effects of the tides entering the land via the Adour estuary and its tributaries are controlled. The Ardanavy is no exception to the rule and it is not uncommon to observe significant differences in water level in a few minutes, or to see the current flowing upstream. From the barthes of Alçouet, grazed by horses, to the banks of the Ardanavy, the walk is very comfortable and does not care about the moods of the tides. Dykes, cycle paths and towpaths take turns from one bank to the other to take you through a mosaic of natural environments combining waterways, meadows and wet woodland. Fauna and flora will be presented to you at the end of the walk by instructive thematic panels.

The day begins with a stroll along the banks of the Adour and in the middle of the Aquitaine polders that are the barthes, ideal for bird watching. From Guiche, a tributary of the river, the Bidouze, offers itself as a guide in this crossing of the Pyrenean piedmont. The ports of Guiche, Bidache or Came keep the memory of the river trade of yesteryear, while the bucolic towpaths draw their curves in symbiosis with the meanders of the Bidouze. Almost halfway along the route, the route suddenly rises above Came; the Pyrenees loom large on the horizon, and climbs and descents follow one another. The perched villages have beautiful heritage assets, the influence of Basque architecture becomes more present as we approach Saint-Palais, a picturesque little town and a pleasant stopover on the banks of the Bidouze.

The day begins with a stroll along the banks of the Adour and in the middle of the Aquitaine polders that are the barthes, ideal for bird watching. From Guiche, a tributary of the river, the Bidouze, offers itself as a guide in this crossing of the Pyrenean piedmont. The ports of Guiche, Bidache or Came keep the memory of the river trade of yesteryear, while the bucolic towpaths draw their curves in symbiosis with the meanders of the Bidouze. Almost halfway along the route, a heritage stop can be considered in Bidache, then the itinerary will resume on the heights of Came, in the direction of Béarn. Castles and watchtowers greet the entrance to the territory of Gaston Fébus and a providential greenway will allow you to span the valley of the Gave d'Oloron, easily reaching the spa town of Salies-de-Béarn, the city of Salt and its architectural nuggets.

CIRCUIT CLOSED IN THE RAILROAD BRIDGE AREA UNTIL MID-FEBRUARY This hike, accessible to all, begins on the banks of the Adour, at the old fishing port of Urt. You'll notice its paved slipway with steps to enable boats to be loaded and unloaded whatever the water level of the Adour, subject to the tides. It's a place steeped in history, where salmon and shad fishermen live on. After wandering along the banks of the Adour, the route heads inland, discovering under the trees the Ardanavy river, a secret tributary of the Adour river, and the Etchepette barthes, flooded woods. A sensitive and original natural environment where biodiversity is fully expressed: water irises, water lilies, willows, plane trees and alders, egrets and herons, discreet otters and cistude turtles.

The village of Lahonce occupies a real balcony on the fertile valley of the Adour; it is here, at the crossroads of the waterways and other trade routes, that the monks of the Premonstratensian Order built an abbey in 1164. In turn a bastion of evangelisation, an agricultural building, a military hospital and finally a parish church, the Romanesque building has kept its integrity over the centuries and has recently been renovated. If the abbey is the main attraction of this walk, discovered from all angles, its immediate environment is also in the spotlight. Along discreet paths where you might think you are a convert and in search of a place of meditation, the route visits a wooded valley with lush vegetation, a forest of abundance where mosses and ferns are at their best, then it goes through the heights of the village among the houses of traditional architecture.

The last wetland on the left bank of the Adour before the Bayonne conurbation, the barthes of Lahonce is a real green lung and a place of passage and food for birdlife (marsh harrier, white eland, little egret, falcon, stork). The barthes are a mosaic of environments, with meadows, hedges, fields and waterholes, a real ecological corridor between the Adour and the first hills of the Basque Country. Its classification as a sensitive natural area is therefore highly justified. Starting from the Arbéou lake, this itinerary, which has been gently laid out for walking or cycling, is accessible to all (no problem of hypoxia, the path does not exceed 2 m in altitude!). It first visits the residential areas along the river, then glides along the edge of the barthes with the regulation canals as its common thread.

The tour of Lac d'Arbéou offers a pleasant walk for all ages in a peaceful countryside setting. Its proximity to the Adour river, with its ponds, barthes and streams, makes it an unspoilt wetland. The Prémontrés abbey and its history, and the views over the Adour plain from Lahonce, give this site great appeal.

The commune of Mouguerre sees its territory divided into two parts on either side of the A64: to the north, the main town, to the south, the district of Elizaberry which sits on a peaceful hill. Numerous residences are spread out along the ridge and life is organised around the playgrounds (trinquet and wall on the left), the schools and the bar-restaurant. The Elizaberri walk (in Basque) starts with wide paths on the ridge, often panoramic, sometimes on Mount Ursuia which tries to grow taller over the forests, sometimes on isolated houses or the town of Mouguerre and its powerful bell tower. After observing the passerines fluttering in the hedges or picking blackberries, it continues along a more intimate path in a cool valley, where the passage through a beautiful oak grove covered with ferns will delight young and old.

A pleasant walk in a preserved and wooded environment (Natura 200 zone). In winter, you can have the chance to observe the flight of the grey cranes. On the way back from your walk, don't hesitate to stop at the observation tower of the Lesgau reserve. The CPIE Seignanx Adour is a place to visit (garden), exhibition and nature animations. Be careful, the path is not accessible during the hunting season.

Denis welcomes you to his magnificent gîte for 6 people (up to 8 with extra bedding) in Hasparren, in the Elizaberry district, in the heart of nature. Just 20 minutes from Bayonne, this apartment has been entirely renovated with taste and quality materials: stone, wood and solid antique furniture... The farmhouse is surrounded by meadows, streams and forests, in an exceptionally peaceful setting, with no traffic noise. The path from the house leads to numerous walks on the Hasparren moors, a protected natural area with a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. The farm produces organic permaculture fruit and vegetables with the greatest respect for nature, and is available for purchase. Need advice? Denis can advise you on activities and outings.

Discover the natural and human heritage of the mountains, through a range of hikes. Half-day, full-day, nocturnal or itinerant... Hiking, snowshoeing, joëlette, orienteering courses, trail outings. Outings adapted to each person's pace, punctuated by activities focusing on the environment that surrounds us.

15 minutes from the beaches, the "ARTZAMENDI" wooden chalet is built on a terrace "in the trees", in the middle of a forest, in the peace and quiet of a property of over 2 hectares of large oak and chestnut trees. Maximum comfort, for 2 adults (+ 2 children under 10 max): 1 bedroom for 2 people plus a sofa bed in the living room, 1 kitchenette and a shower room, washing machine, fridge, electric hob, TV with TNT, wifi. This wooden chalet, its neighbors and the dwelling house are set on a small hill. The property is well protected from prevailing winds and storms. Reception: owner nearby.

Located in the center of the village of the Bastide Clairence, this pretty 2 room apartment will seduce you. On the ground floor of a beautiful Navarrese house, it offers a bright space with soothing colors. A fitted kitchen open onto the living room, with a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, separate wc, shower room with Italian shower, separate bedroom with its storage space.

Commentated visit of Labastide Clairence and discovery of its heritage: Arceaux place, church, catholic and Israeli cemetery, navarraise houses.

At the gateway to the Atlantic Ocean and the mountains of the Basque Country, the village of La Bastide Clairence is labelled Plus Beau Village de France. The motorway is accessible in 5 minutes, the town of Hasparren is 10 minutes away and many points of interest (the leisure base of Baïgura, the caves of Isturitz, the villa Arnaga...) within a radius of about 20 minutes Slightly out of the village, Christina and Peyo welcome you in their authentic 18th century Basque house. You will enjoy the serenity and charm of the countryside, the garden, the swimming pool and a magnificent view of the Basque hills. From the house, you will have the possibility to take many walking routes. Degressive rates are set up according to the period and duration of the stay.

Apartment located in a quiet area in the countryside, in a basque style house 4 km from the village centre in the Ibarre district. The A64 is 3 km away to access the beaches of the Basque coast, Anglet and Biarritz. On the first floor of a detached house, the apartment has its own access and an independent entrance. 15 km from the town of Hasparren and close to tourist sites such as the Bidache castle, the Pop de guiche leisure centre, the Sames lake, local producers including kiwi, Gascon and Basque pork with visits to farms.

Perbos 1556 is located in La Bastide-Clairence, 1.5 kilometers from the center of the village, one of France's most beautiful. Cécile and Salvo have renovated an old Basque farmhouse in keeping with its authenticity, while providing all the comforts you need for a rejuvenating stay. You can enjoy the swimming pool, the lush garden and practice on the putting green before discovering the many golf courses in the area. A private sauna is also available on reservation. The house offers 5 bedrooms, including 4 suites with fully equipped kitchens. A buffet breakfast featuring local produce and homemade dishes is served in a room warmed by a wood-burning stove, or on the terrace, weather permitting.

Gite fitted out on the first floor of the owners' house including also guest rooms. Take advantage of a private terrace (on the first floor) with garden furniture and a barbecue for a moment of conviviality. The large wooded and flowered park of 2 hectares will make you fall in love with it and you will even discover a mill of the XIV th century. Heated swimming pool and recharging point for electric cars.

This independent south-facing gîte, in a duplex of 73 m2 air-conditioned, 2 bedrooms, all comfort, large terrace, green area with trees, for a quiet stay, 400 m from any shops. Mr Hiribarne always available and good advice for the best of your stay. Ideal also for a thermal cure at 7 km (package cure according to season). Wifi.

10 minutes from Hasparren and the listed village of La Bastide Clairence, Anne Rozès' canning factory is located in the village of Briscous near the motorway Since 1970, the Anne Rozès cannery transforms into delicious preserves everything that can be cooked from duck and pork, such as foie gras, duck rillons, Espelette pepper pate, and the famous black pudding according to Christian Parra's recipe. You will also find the cooked vegetables that have made our reputation throughout the south-west and far beyond, in delicatessens and starred restaurants. Come and discover our piperade, our garbure and our jams that will delight gourmets. Visit of the workshop by appointment.

A landscaped path, playful and instructive, it is carried out on foot in a lush nature bordered by the Ardanavy River which breathes to the rhythm of the tides. Interpretation panels help you discover this environment A well-maintained, stony path, it runs along the Ardanavy River up to its confluence with the Adour. On foot or by bike, you will enjoy a calm and preserved environment. For the more sporty ones, there are a few modules in place. Angling is allowed with a permit. The path is classified as a Sensitive Natural Area.

Situated in a Natura 2000 area, the Hasparren moors are made up of a hilly landscape divided into a panel of plots of land, here for grazing, there for cultivation, and there for meadows. The valley bottoms are traversed by small white watercourses and are not exploited. They are therefore naturally wooded, and crossing this mosaic of landscapes allows you to discover all its richness. On the bird of prey side, the regular overflight of vultures sets the tone, but we will also observe the migrating bondrée and especially, with a little luck, the booted eagle, nesting in the area. On the passerine side, the warblers are indeed there, but also the red-backed shrike, yellow and willy buntings, pipits, and the low moorland character of certain sectors, as a migratory stopover before the Pyrenees, may very well reveal some rarer species...

Les Acacias farm is located in Urt, 15 km from Bayonne. Johan took over from his father to raise pigs fed on locally grown, GMO-free cereals. Raised to maturity, they provide a marbled meat in the tradition of pig breeding of yesteryear. Johan will be pleased to explain his profession as a breeder and all the steps of the breeding and meat processing. In the shop, a wide choice of fresh meat, cured meat including the famous Bayonne ham, and preserves are available. There are also products from local producers.

Espace Découverte Bastidarra is located near the listed village of La Bastide Clairence, 20 minutes from the Basque coast. Products made from cow's, ewe's or goat's milk are produced on site. The dairy produces stirred and steamed yogurts with South-West fruit jams or natural flavors. The farms are located less than 20km from the dairy and are part of a sustainable agriculture program. Guided tours are available on reservation, such as the guided tour and tasting of milk-based products offered in the mornings, as well as immersive tours. The store offers a wide range of local products: wines, beers, cheese by the slice, groceries, preserves...

EARL Le Bosquet, under the name La Boite à Canard, is a family-run duck and beef farm, created in 1984 by Jacques Diribarne in Urt (15 km from Bayonne). Since 2015, a workshop for the processing and direct sale of duck products has been set up on the family property La Boite à Canard offers a wide range of processed products, but also fresh meat from fat ducks. Find preserved duck confit and foie gras 100% made by us from the ducks of the farm. Do not hesitate to discover the various products available on our online shop and to place your order in some clicks.

The Montauzer production workshop is located in Bardos, 20 minutes from Bayonne. The shop is open on weekdays all year round and displays its products harmoniously alongside other local products from the Basque Country, Bearn and the Landes The Montauzer family, which has been working for three generations, makes pâtés, blood sausages, andouilles, sausages and confits, and duck foie gras made from fattened ducks raised in the Landes. Its flagship product, Ibaïama ham, is made in the traditional way of cutting up and salting with Salies de Béarn salt.

The Abbaye de Belloc is located in Urt, near the classified village of La Bastide-Clairence An Ardi-Gasna type tomme is matured there between 4 and 12 months, depending on the season. It is characterized by a firm and elastic texture, a bloomy rind, and a fruity flavor. The store also offers a selection of monastic products, as well as various books Since 1875, the Benedictine brothers have dedicated themselves to work and prayer. Inheriting the know-how of the Basque shepherds, they elaborated in 1959 their own cheese made from pure sheep's milk. In 1994, the brothers specialized in maturing. A new team from the association Habitat et Humanisme took over the community in 2021. A change of direction has taken place but the maturing activity continues.

The Barthes de l'Adour are vast wetlands interspersed with ditches and canals with rich and varied natural environments ranging from grazed or mowed meadows to the large oak forests of the Adour, 17 of which are targeted by Europe (oak groves and alder and alluvial oak groves, raised bogs, amphibious lawns, aquatic grasslands, megahorbaria, etc.). This mosaic of environments is home to a remarkable fauna and flora typical of wetlands, 47 of which are targeted by Europe (White Stork, European Cistude, Otter, Barbastelle, Marsh Copper, Sea Lamprey, Gomphe de Graslin, Four-leaved Marsilyn...).

Its history from 1164 to the present.

In the heart of the village, a brand new address in a contemporary, chic and sober decor. After different experiences around the world, Jean-François and Didier have decided to share their know-how in their beloved native Basque Country Tasty, delicately prepared dishes will seduce your taste buds (fish, meat) but also grilled on a wood fire (in the evening during the week, and at lunch and dinner on the weekend) and succulent desserts. To discover without delay! In 2015, the inspectors of the Michelin guide award them the Big Gourmand.

At exit N°4 off the A64 freeway, you'll find Le Repère restaurant on your left. Whether you're passing through or staying for a while, sit down to a warm welcome at one of Pantxo and Amandine's tables. Here, French cuisine is good. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of delicious dishes, and taste a fascinating parfait. Friendly staff will welcome you all year round. Dignified service is what guests love here. There's a quiet atmosphere, and you can enjoy lunch on the terrace.

Traditional menus, elaborate menus, possibility of wedding reception, baptism, communion...

Pizzas, daily specials, à la carte menu.

The Auberge de l'Estanquet is located in the heart of the village of Urt, at the crossroads of the Basque Country and the Landes. Situated 14 minutes walk from Urt train station, this friendly hostel is also 9 minutes walk from the banks of the Adour river, and 15 minutes from the Bidache castle. We welcome you all year round in our traditional restaurant and hotel for lunch or dinner. A traditional cuisine of quality, home-made, for the pleasure of all: foie gras, tarte Tatin..

Restaurant, bar, tearoom, delicatessen, bookshop, our establishment is all this. It is also a place of animation and exhibition which have in common the wish to promote culture and local products.

The Iduki Ostatua restaurant is located at the entrance of La Bastide Clairence, one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France". At the place called Pont de Port, park along the river Joyeuse, in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks. You can enjoy the shaded terrace of this typical Basque building.

Beautiful character gite fitted in an old basque farmhouse situated in a 5 ha property, on the heights, in a quiet area with panoramic view on the basque hills. Ground floor: Fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, wood stove). Large living room with relaxing area (fireplace, armchairs). Living room (colour TV). W.c. Storeroom (washing machine). Adjoining studio with day room (fitted kitchen with washing machine, dishwasher), sanitary facilities (shower, wc) and sleeping accommodation (1 double bed). 3 bedrooms. (2 double beds, 2 single beds). Bathroom/wc. Large landing with relaxing lounge. Electric heating in suppl. wood provided. Parking, terrace, garden furniture, barbecue. Gîte allowing semi-independence for 2 people of the group (studio). Beds made on arrival, towels and house linen provided in July - August

Enjoy a peaceful stay in the countryside in this beautiful new house in Basque style Situated in a quiet environment and with a breathtaking view of the Pyrenees mountain range, this accommodation offers all the comfort and facilities necessary for a pleasant stay with family or friends. The village of Briscous is ideally placed to discover the Basque Country: 20 minutes from the beaches of Anglet, 15km from Bayonne, the walking and hiking trails in the village, the pedestrian and educational trail of the Ardanavy (to discover the local fauna and flora), and so many other possibilities according to your desires ..

Urcuit apartment 4 persons (unclassified) Apartment T3 in house with independent entrance. Nice living room on the ground floor with fireplace Upstairs two bedrooms, each with a 1.40m bed Large shower room and separate WC Located near the departmental road near the bus stop 15 minutes from Bayonne and 30 minutes from the beaches. Parking, terrace, garden furniture and playground equipment Weekly rental.

BARCAROLA is a traditional Basque house, from the end of the 18th century, located 1.5 km from the pretty town of Urt, on the heights of the Adour valley. A few kilometres from Bayonne and Biarritz, Bégoñavous welcomes you as a friend in one of the 5 bedrooms in the heart of the building. Enjoy an Iberian-style breakfast (bread rubbed with garlic, tomato and olive oil, cheese...) before going to brown yourself on one of the Basque or Landes beaches of the Atlantic coast, or take a bike ride on the banks of the Adour river or prefer a short hike on the Pyrenean peaks ... The mistress of the place will know how to make you appreciate her way of life and will propose you to take advantage of the terrace and the garden. The prices are adapted to the different periods of the year and/or to the length of your stay, don't hesitate to ask for more information... Come quickly.

Barcarola, a traditional Basque house from the late eighteenth century, is located in the French Basque village of Urt (Ahurti in Basque), on the banks of the river Adour, 15 minutes from Bayonne and 50 minutes from San Sebastian

Beautiful independent gîte fitted out in an old farmhouse on the heights. Panoramic view on Basque hills. Gîte 8/10 pers. Ground floor: Equipped kitchen area (fridge-freezer, microwave), living room, lounge area (DVD player, Tel. fireplace/insert). Laundry room (washing machine). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.). S.d.b. (bath and shower). Wc. And. 3 large bedrooms (1 bed 160, 2 single beds. 2 single beds 90). Water closet. Wc. Terrace, courtyard, garden, parking, table tennis, garden furniture, barbecue. Beds made on arrival, free wood. Presence of cows.

Gîte on the ground floor of the owner's house, with private access and terrace. Gîte 2/3 pers. Living room/kitchenette/living room (TV, couch, microwave). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.). S.d.b. Wc (washing machine). Parking, terrace, small garden, garden furniture, barbecue. Gite located in a quiet area of the small village of Urcuit, 15 km from Bayonne and the Basque Coast. Hiking trails along the Ardanavy river at 5 min. walking distance (health trail). Poss. loc. sheets + linen. BABY ON BOARD.

Gite fitted on the ground floor of a house with a year-round rental, nearby exit A64 (300 m). Access by 2 steps. Equipped kitchen area (washing machine, gas cooker, oven, dishwasher), living room/lounge area (colour TV). 2 bedrooms. (1 double bed. 1 bed 120). Water closet/wc. Electricity in addition. (4,5 €/day). Parking, enclosed courtyard, garden furniture, barbecue. Gîte located 10 mn from Bayonne and the Basque Coast (beaches...). Poss. loc. sheets + towels.

Pleasant gîte in the summer of the owners' house. R.d.c. Garage (washing machine). And. fully equipped kitchenette (dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer), living room (sofa, colour TV), 2 bedrooms. (2 double beds, 1 single bed, baby bed), water closet, wc. Gas central heating in addition. Private enclosed and shaded site, garden furniture, barbecue, children's games. Quiet and restful site with nice view. Poss. loc. sheets + towels.