Camping ALEGIRA: adventures in Souraide, Pyrénées Atlantiques

From the Col de Pinodieta, the route leads to Cambo-les-Bains via the Urzumu hill and the Bergerie hill. This spa town boasts a rich heritage, including the sublime Villa Arnaga. On the way, you can make a detour to Espelette to discover the village and its famous chilli pepper.

Itinerary intended for a hiking public, this loop allows the discovery of two massifs of the Pyrenean piedmont. The ascent of Mondarrain allows first of all the discovery of Espelette's districts and its beautiful houses. It is then a more mountainous atmosphere which awaits the hiker on the sides of this famous mountain. Many curiosities are to be discovered there such as the wetlands and their carnivorous plants or the betizu, small wild cow of the Basque Country. Once the summit is climbed, the view on Labourd is surprising. The path continues in the zones of estives where it will be possible to meet cows, horses, ewes before joining the massif of Soporro. The viewpoints are numerous and the progression, easier, allows to take full advantage of the numerous natural curiosities which offer the course.

Itinerary intended for a hiking public, this loop allows the discovery of two massifs of the Pyrenean piedmont. The ascent of Mondarrain allows first of all the discovery of Espelette's districts and its beautiful houses. It is then a more mountainous atmosphere which awaits the hiker on the sides of this famous mountain. Many curiosities are to be discovered there such as the wetlands and their carnivorous plants or the betizu, small wild cow of the Basque Country. Once the summit is climbed, the view on Labourd is surprising. The path continues in the zones of estives where it will be possible to meet cows, horses, ewes before joining the massif of Soporro. The viewpoints are numerous and the progression, easier, allows to take full advantage of the numerous natural curiosities which offer the course.

This itinerary allows a discovery of the heights of the village of Espelette by offering to the mountain biker very beautiful points of view. First on road and wide tracks, the route takes the hiker on the slopes of the Errebi mount and the three crosses pass. A nice easy descent where you can enjoy yourself followed by a steeper ascent to reach the Zuharreta pass where a more mountainous atmosphere can be felt. It is on the Mondarrain that a more technical portion will require a particular vigilance with a descent of the bicycle advised by places. The view over the Labourd to the ocean is amazing. The only thing left to do is to go down to the village of Espelette where a visit is a must.

This very easy itinerary is ideal for families or those not used to long hikes. Alternating between inhabited areas and other more wild areas, the route allows the discovery of a part of the rich Basque heritage. The hiker will be able to enjoy the beautiful houses with their typical architecture but also a green setting where the Manex sheep graze against the backdrop of the first peaks of the Basque Country. A village known for its red pepper, the passage near the interpretation center of the Espelette pepper and the workshop of the Espelette pepper offers to the walker the possibility of knowing more about this plant originating from South America and brought to the Basque Country in 1650.

Let's say it without detours, the Méhatché pass is certainly one of the most difficult Pyrenean passes to climb by bike, if not one of the most difficult in France. Very often, the slope is in the range of 15 to 20% (certainly in a grandiose setting), too steep for the classic gear ratios of road bikes (a mountain bike will be better suited). Approached by the very short but formidable Légarré pass, the challenge is like a real "construction site", which must be tackled with excellent physical fitness and good preparation.

Espelette is one of the most famous villages of the Basque Country, especially for its pepper. It's close to Espelette that we propose you a small pleasant hike, in a typical Labourd scenery. And if sometimes the slopes are steep, the effort will always be rewarded by a panorama up to your expectations. Thus, in good weather, you will have the opportunity to see La Rhune or even the Atlantic Ocean. Not forgetting that the pottoks and the sheep will be your guests of the day in these low altitude meadows. The itinerary is varied, alternating between pasture and forest.

Ainhoa, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, invites you to discover the softness of its environment. The shimmering half-timbered houses of the village centre are followed by a peaceful countryside dotted with isolated farms. A sustained but relatively short climb in the company of pottoks and flocks of sheep takes you up the hillsides and mountains. Then follows a magnificent open balcony path, offering a vast panorama of Spain, the Nivelle valley, the Rhune and further on, the coast. Three huge white crosses proudly dominating the village of Ainhoa and facing the pyramidal summit of Atxuria guide your steps towards Notre Dame de l'Aubépine, a divine place for a picnic. Here, splendid Basque steles add to the spiritual dimension of this unique viewpoint.

This short hike, after a tough ascent to the calvary, goes over rounded ridges on easy tracks and paths with little difference in altitude. The view is beautiful over the Labour plain and the valleys that go down into nearby Navarre. It can be combined with the hike to Bidarray. It will then be a stage of about 7 hours.

This MTB circuit starting from Ainhoa has all the ingredients of a modern all-mountain MTB route: rolling tracks on the way up, fun trails, short portage zones, panoramic descent on single-track. It is true that some sections are physical to get to the top of Ainhoa or to reach the Zuharreta pass (unless you have electric assistance), but the pleasure of riding on the back of Mount Bizkailuze, on the green pastures treaded by the sheep, will quickly make you forget the efforts made. The view is incredible and the photo break is unmissable. And it's a fantastic descent that awaits you on the Haizagerri ridge, a straight 2 km track in the middle of the mountains, facing the Rhune, combining riding and panorama. A sporting loop that will delight experienced mountain bikers.

Leaning against the 17th century church, in a typical district of the village of Itxassou, the hotel ** restaurant du Chêne is a beautiful 17th century country inn On the hotel side, you will discover 15 charming rooms where rustic and modern styles are combined with beautiful acidulous colours. Its garden is furnished with armchairs and deckchairs inviting you to a moment of relaxation facing the mountains. In the restaurant, an inventive, generous and gourmet cuisine, to be enjoyed in a room with blue beams or on one of its 3 terraces.

70m2 apartment located in the owner's house on the 1st floor of a renovated farmhouse. The gîte comprises 2 bedrooms, a large living room with fitted kitchen, bathroom and separate toilet. There's a barbecue area with a breathtaking view of the mountains. A heated swimming pool shared with the owners is at your disposal, as well as a boulodrome, badminton, darts and pool games. Parking is available on the property. For hikers, there are several starting points from the house.

Apartment located on the ground floor of the owner's house in the village of Souraide. The gîte is equipped with a kitchen, a living room and two bedrooms: 1 double bed, 2 single beds, sofa, shower, terrace, heating, parking. Very pleasant outdoor space with terrace and garden furniture with view on the countryside.

Fully renovated farmhouse in Espelette, 1km from the center, with a surface area of 120m² and a 30m² terrace. Enclosed garden at the front of the house, fully-equipped kitchen, wifi connection, pool table in the living room. Two bedrooms with 160cm beds, two sofas and a sofa bed. Bed linen provided on request. Central heating + air conditioning, shower, billiards table, parking, garden, terrace, cot, baby bath. Pets allowed. Rental from May to September. Weekend rentals available.

Detached house on 2 levels located 2km from village center. Very quiet location with beautiful views. 3 double beds, 1 single bed, 1 folding bed, bathroom, shower room, garden, terrace, heating and parking. High chair available. Ideal location for nature lovers, with the GR8 at the foot of the house. Seaside resorts 20 minutes away and the border 6km.

Guided tour of village : château, church, Labourdine houses, pottok ponies, etc. A look at the customs and traditions of the Basque Country. Capital of the pimento pepper, Espelette is also the birthplace of several famous personalities (Armand David whom discovered the panda in China, Agnes Souret the first miss France).

Hôtel Euzkadi is located in the center of the village of Espelette, close to the pediment, the castle and the market square. Enjoy a pleasant stay in this peaceful village, typical of the Basque Country. The region?s finest points of interest are just a short drive from our hotel. Hotel Restaurant Euzkadi has been owned by the same family since 1873. From a well-known inn, thanks to the large markets held every Wednesday in Espelette, the hotel restaurant has been transformed over the generations, and today boasts 27 rooms, a large dining room, a bar, a cellar and private parking. Today, the 5th generation of the family is constantly striving to combine tradition and modernity. Respectful of our heritage, our territory and our terroir. Proud to carry on and pass on the family heritage.

Fully-equipped studio located on the 1st floor of the owner's house in a quiet residential area, 600m from the pedestrian street and Espelette town center. The apartment comprises a bedroom, living room, kitchenette and bathroom with walk-in shower. The property has a lovely garden. Car parking available.

Close to the town of Espelette, Ezpondakoborda is nestled in a green setting of more than three hectares offering visitors a true haven of serenity, in a bucolic and rejuvenating setting. Large room of 27m² on the ground floor with independent access, mini-refrigerator, coffee maker and kettle, adjoining bathroom with Italian shower and separate toilet. South facing terrace.

Situated on a farm 3km from the village, this detached rental enjoys a privileged location in the quiet countryside. The gîte comprises a fully-equipped kitchen opening onto the living room, three bedrooms and a bathroom with walk-in shower. 3 double beds, shower, garden, terrace, parking, heating, air-conditioning. Beds made up on arrival. This rental is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Dating from the 12th century, the church of Souraïde is dedicated to Saint James the Greater. Located on the Batzan road, Souraïde developed during the Middle Ages by welcoming pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, hence the dedication of the church. Rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, the building was equipped in the 19th century with a gabled bell tower characteristic of the churches of Labourd. Inside, the single nave is surmounted by two floors of galleries. In Basque churches, men are separated from women during masses and must sit high up in the galleries reserved for them. Decorated with tapestries, the altarpiece houses several statues of Saint James. As for the four glass windows, they were made by a Toulouse craftsman, Henri Gesta, in 1924. The church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, listed by the Monuments Historiques, was restored in 1968.

Pimento peppers throughout the world, its virtues and numerous uses. The visit finishes in the chateau tower consecrated to the Espelette pepper. From the seed to the powder passing by the pepper rope, discover all the stages of manufacture.

Lurretik is a store located in the center of the village. Farmers and producers of Espelette chilli pepper for several generations, we defend a sustainable agriculture on a human scale and respectful of the environment and traditions. Store of local products : Espelette chilli pepper, gastronomic preserves, Ossau Iraty farm cheeses, Idoki farm products, products of the 7 provinces. Guided tour of the farm every Tuesday and Friday at 11am from May to the end of October. Group visits by appointment.

The church of St Etienne dates from the 17th century. It was listed as a historical monument in 1925 and is considered one of the most beautiful in the Basque Country with a keep bell tower, a renaissance portal, 3 floors of galleries and a 17th century altarpiece. In the vicinity of the church, a cemetery of discoid steles has been set up to preserve our heritage and pay tribute to our ancestors.

Since 1993, Antton Chocolatier has been perpetuating the chocolate tradition of the Basque Country. The chocolatiers share their passion by inviting you into the workshop. The visit accompanied by a guide lasts about thirty minutes and is friendly and educational. The tour begins with panels retracing the main stages in the transformation of the bean into chocolate. The visit continues in the workshop decorated like a Basque kitchen where you can see the chocolate makers at work. The chocolates bear Basque names and decorations and the specialities display their colours: Espelette pepper, cherry, Izarra, Salies de Béarn salt blend with pure cocoa butter chocolates to delight the taste buds of gourmets.

The Barons of Ezpeleta had a castle built around the year 1000. Baroness Juliana Henriquez died without descendants in 1694, and bequeathed the castle to the inhabitants of Espelette. In 1997, an archaeological survey on its periphery, in the form of trench borings, revealed the remains of a fortress from the late Middle Ages. These vestiges are in fact those of a vast enclosure flanked by 5 towers, in the shape of an irregular polygon which, it seems, extended over the whole district. The corner tower was listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments in 1937 and the entire castle in 1993. It houses permanent exhibitions.

Father Armand David was one of the first to reveal China to the West. This Lazarist missionary made a huge contribution to the natural science movement of the 19th century. His expeditions in China enabled him to show to Europe as a whole, species of animals such as the Panda and Stag of father Armand David as well as new species such as the Buddleia (butterfly tree) or the Davidia Involucrata (Tissue tree).

In 1920 the most beautiful woman in France was in Espelette. After the First World War a Parisian journalist took the initiative of starting the first national beauty contest "the most beautiful woman in France". Miss Agnès Souret, 18 years old, won the contest.

Welcome to the Atelier du Piment, a place of work and life created in 2002, where you can meet authentic and tasty people. From the field to the tasting, the Atelier du Piment team will make you discover all the secrets of a unique production in the world : the production of Espelette chilli pepper. Origin and tradition, know-how and quality are the key words of this culture. According to the season of the pepper, visit the exploitation, from the greenhouses to the room of the ovens or play with your family through the fields during a playful discovery tour. Your visit will end with a tasting of our chili pepper in all its forms and you will appreciate the explosion of flavors caused by its marriage with our local products. Visits for groups and culinary animations on reservation.

The Kukulu Farm is located in the interior of the Basque Country in Espelette. Since 1890, that is 4 generations, the farm has been making its sheep's cheese. In the era of sustainable development, it works by and for the maintenance of the primitive base of the cheese: raw milk. The farm is open to the public according to the signposts. You will discover our ewe's flock, our production laboratory and our maturing cellars. Tasting of all our raw milk cheeses: semi-dry and old ewe's cheese; ewe's cheese with Espelette pepper; fresh and semi-dry goat's cheese; cow's cheese; mixed ewe/cow and ewe/goat cheese. Direct sale at the farm. Mini-farm in summer.

3km from Espelette in the small village of Souraide, Bergara is a family restaurant run by the Massonde family for 5 generations You can discover a simple and authentic cuisine, highlighting the good products of the region: ham from Aldudes and its chilli ice cream, marbled wild eels, hake, milk-fed lamb from the Basque Country or even ewe's milk cheese, Basque cake... You can relax on the terrace or in the air-conditioned dining room, in a quiet place but ideally located to discover the region.

Located in the heart of Espelette, a small emblematic village of the Basque Country, Etchehandia offers in its restaurant emblematic and traditional dishes reworked with care by our Chef and his team. A large Basque building dating from 1555, recently renovated, the restaurant welcomes you inside with a breathtaking view of the Rhune on the first floor, or outside with a lively terrace on the street side and a calm one in the garden. Epicurean friends and gastronomy lovers, we offer you a traditional, typical and greedy cuisine. By coming to our place, you make the choice to taste delicious dishes prepared with passion, for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds. Our cuisine is a reflection of the Basque Country, of the Eusk'art of living and of our local products, of course! It is also a reflection of our chef and the whole team; a mix of bon vivants and explorers.

The Pottoka restaurant is located in the heart of the village of Espelette. It embodies the modern and the old with a lot of taste and simplicity. On sunny days, we offer you a covered terrace. Here you can eat a cuisine elaborated with fresh products where you can feel a real creativity. And the snack corner, Krakada in Basque where you can find pâté, ham, chorizo... And even salads in the summer season, without forgetting ice creams and homemade pastries. It is on our side bar and its lemonade area that you can enjoy a beautiful terrace overlooking the town. Closed in the evening

The hotel restaurant Chilhar is located in the heart of the village of Espelette, in the calm of a small typical street. The restaurant proposes you its card realized exclusively from fresh and local products. The home-made is the watchword of this establishment which leaves the place to the traditional cooking: piperade, chipirons, axoa of veal, Basque cake will be able to seduce you.

Small traditional restaurant located in the main street of the village and offering family, local and seasonal cuisine. To welcome you an indoor room with bar and a small outdoor terrace overlooking the street. You will be able to taste our specialities: rib of beef, fish from the fish market of St Jean de Luz, hake risotto with ceps.

Pika Ostatua, located in the heart of the village of Espelette, offers traditional, tasty cuisine at lunchtime, with homemade recipes based on fresh, local produce: veal axoa, Basque chicken, txilindron lamb, hake, ewe's milk cheese with cherry jam and Basque cake. In the evening, you can dine to your heart's content, with cassolettes, tapas, planks or a meat and fish menu for those with a sweet tooth. Open every day for lunch and dinner during the summer, you can enjoy our large, shady terrace, which welcomes the sun all day long. We also offer musical entertainment and a varied menu of local drinks. Our watchword is conviviality! Ongi Etorri at PIka Ostatua!

Former village bakery, transformed into a Brasserie Glacier. The old red brick oven brings an old-fashioned note to the retro-style room. The terrace of the brewery is in the heart of the village. The Brasserie provides a service from 8.30am to 7.30pm every day and offers fresh centrifuged fruit, Italian coffee, homemade pancakes, ice creams from the artisanal farm, Iberian and local charcuteries, paninis, sandwiches. Everything is cooked with local products.

The restaurant is located in the heart of the charming village of Espette, well known for its peppers. We propose a traditional Basque cuisine and work with local suppliers and producers. Beautiful covered terrace overlooking the garden, another one on the street side. The preparations are home-made, with love, by our Chef and his team. You can find on our menu, the local star: the Axoa of veal. We also offer local products for drinks: Irouleguy wine and brandies from Jean Brana, liqueurs from Egiazki, Akerbeltz craft beers. We welcome groups up to 70 people. Privatization for events.

From the inevitable veal axoa to Espelette chilli pepper, Spanish hake, or other more personal proposals, you can choose between the tree-filled terrace with a breathtaking view of the summit of the Rhune or the warm and friendly room which has kept its authenticity Formula at 25 euros and card. Everything is homemade.

The campsite Caravaning Alegera *** welcomes you in a green setting of more than 3 ha, where calm and rest remain its priority. The campsite offers 207 delimited pitches and 24 mobile homes for 4/5 people. View on mountains and countryside. Situated 200 m from the village with its pediment, its church, its two hotel restaurants and its half-timbered houses, Souraïde plunges you into the pure Basque tradition The campsite is located on two communes Souraide and Espelette.

Studio of 24 m² located on the ground floor of a house of Basque architecture in the charming village of Souraide. The kitchenette is equipped with an oven and a microwave. Sleeping accommodation is in the same room with 1 double bed and television. Bathroom with shower and toilet. The furnished apartment is also equipped with a 2-seater sofa. You will be able to enjoy a garden and a terrace, a car park is at your disposal. Rates for the curists.

In Souraide, apartment of 24 m² located on the 2nd floor in the left wing of the owner's house. The kitchen is independent with oven, microwave and television. The bedroom is equipped with a double bed (140 cm). The bathroom includes a shower and toilet. A balcony facing south is also accessible. A private car park is at your disposal.

Beautiful gîte entirely renovated in 2017, fitted on the ground floor of the owners' house Equipped kitchen (fridge-freezer, microwave, ceramic hob), living room/lounge, 1 bedroom (1 bed 140). Shower room, WC, washing machine in annex Gas central heating included, sheets and towels provided, bed made on arrival, WIFI connection Common ground not closed, terrace in open courtyard, private parking, garden furniture, plancha.

Gîte on the ground floor of the owner's house with another gîte. Living room/kitchenette (washing machine, dishwasher, colour television), 2 bedrooms (2 double beds). Bathroom with italian shower Wc. Gas central heating at extra charge. Enclosed land, garden furniture, barbecue. Household linen provided, the bed is made on arrival. Quiet place. Walks and hikes nearby.

Gîte on the ground floor in the owner's house with another gîte. Living room/kitchenette (washing machine, dishwasher, colour television), 1 bedroom (1 double bed, 1 single bed), bathroom with Italian shower. Wc. Electric central heating at extra charge. Enclosed land, garden furniture. Barbecue. Household linen provided, the bed is made on arrival. Walks and hikes nearby. Quiet place.

Pretty single storey apartment, at the back of the owners' house, 1 km from the St-Pée-sur-Nivelle swimming lake. Equipped kitchen (microwave, fridge -TOP), living room, sitting area, 2 bedrooms (1 double bed, 3 single beds), shower room, wc. Electric heating in supplement. Private access. Parking, courtyard, terrace, garden, fronton, garden furniture, barbecue. Possibility to rent sheets and towels. Baby equipment. Hikes starting from the gîte.

In a quiet environment , this house / villa of 80 m² (about 860 ft²), with a land size of 1000 m² (about 0,25 acres) has 4 rooms including 3 bedrooms. The open kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, dryer and washing machine. The adjoining living room is equipped with a sofa and a television. The bedroom has a double bed (140 cm). Bathroom with bath and shower. The toilets are independent Outside: garden, parking, plancha, garage and terrace. Close to Espelette, a few minutes from Saint Jean de Luz, Souraïde is a small village in the back country. Here in the middle of nature, in a hilly landscape on which the higher peaks of the Pyrenees stand out. It is a good starting point for long walks or to discover the beautiful traditional villages of the surroundings...

In a quiet environment , this house / villa of 116 m² (about 1247 ft²), with a land size of 502 m² (about 0,13 acres) has 5 rooms including 4 bedrooms. The open kitchen is equipped with an oven, microwave, fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher, dryer and washing machine. The adjoining living room is equipped with a sofa and a television. The 3 bedrooms have a double bed (140 cm) each. Bathroom with bath and shower. The toilets are independent Outside: garden, parking, plancha, garage and terrace. Close to Espelette, a few minutes from Saint Jean de Luz, Souraïde is a small village in the hinterland. Here in the middle of nature, in a hilly landscape on which the higher peaks of the Pyrenees stand out. It is a good starting point for long walks or to discover the beautiful traditional villages of the surroundings...

Individual house of 100 m² composed of an independent kitchen equipped with an oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator with freezer compartment, washing machine and dryer. The living room is equipped with a sofa and a television. The 3 bedrooms each have 1 bed in 140. Bathroom with shower. The toilets are independent. Animals are welcome in the rental. Outside: garden, parking, barbecue and terrace. Close to Espelette, a few minutes from Saint Jean de Luz, Souraïde is a small village in the back country. Here in the middle of nature, in a hilly landscape on which the higher peaks of the Pyrenees stand out. It is a good starting point for long hikes or to discover the beautiful traditional villages of the surroundings...