Camping de la Petite Rhune Jeanmani: Discover Sare, Pyrénées

After having taken the "galzada" of Sare (an ancient paved road), from oratory to oratory, you will discover landscapes as surprising as varied. You will be enchanted by the plantations of plane trees and remarkable pollarded oaks before discovering the village of Ainhoa, another marvel on the route and classified as one of the "most beautiful villages of France". Easy and well-marked itinerary.

A bike ride in the country of Xareta sounds tempting, right? A small country, a valley, in short, shared by four localities, two French ones (Sare and Ainhoa), and two Spanish (Zuagarramurdi and Urdax). There are stories about caves occupied since the dawn of time, others about witches performing rituals, clandestine parties happening, and even smugglers running in the mountains. Here, the border between France and Spain only exists on maps, because geography made it so that we consider ourselves neighbours of villages, we even exchange goods and speak the same language. Even today, we cross each other on the many cross-border roads and paths without knowing if we are in France or Spain. We are in the country of Xareta, that’s it.

Starting from the caves of Sare (which are worth a visit), the ascent of this proud summit offers an immense panorama. The ascent of the French side, which is sometimes sustained, quickly brings you close to the summit ridge, which you will walk along to reach the summit of Atxuria. The route continues in front of the village of Zugarramurdi, the village of witches..., before plunging onto the Spanish side. A wild crossing precedes a more straightforward descent back to the French side, passing at the foot of cliffs made up of innumerable reddish-brown slopes: overhanging, they serve as a refuge and nesting place for colonies of griffon vultures that fly over this idyllic pastoral landscape. As you approach the forest, the hundred-year-old beech trees and the refreshing company of the streams give this gentle valley an enchanting air.

This itinerary starts from one of the most beautiful villages in France, crosses the border behind the Rhune and reaches the Ibardin pass where you can have a snack. Finally, the tough climb to Xoldokogaina and the Calvary mountain will allow you to admire the ocean before going for a dip on the beach of Hendaye.

A magical stage due to the historical wealth of Sare (Roman redoubts and bridges, megalithic parks: tumuli, cromlechs, dolmens, caves...). The riders advance by turning around the Rhune. Unobstructed view of the bay of Txingudi and the Gulf of Biscay. What happiness!

With the beautiful village of Sare as the starting point, this hike honours the built heritage, the old stones, the history and the landscapes by a very varied loop where no place is left to monotony. From a sporting point of view already, since climbs and descents follow one another without transition, never very long, but let's admit it with some steep climbs sometimes quite tough. Small efforts to complete this very varied round between the town hall square and the heights of the Saint-Ignace pass. But above all, on the way, the discoveries follow one another. Treading the cobblestones of the old galtzada (medieval road) is a poignant heritage preamble, followed further on by an old washhouse, the remains of the Napoleonic redoubts or even houses and bordes of traditional construction.

DURING THE WORKS, FOLLOW THE TRACK OF THE GR10 TO THE COL DES 3 FONTAINES Away from the most popular climbing routes, the eastern side of the Rhune massif is not the best known. However, several paths here offer original views of the massif and of the trough-shaped valley of the Nivelle. Starting from Sare, pushed in the back by the first rays of the sun, you will go to the discovery of hills and valleys, crossing half a dozen passes.

From Sare, one of the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country, at the crossroads of the GR10 and the Pyrenees traverse, set off to discover the Labourd region. In a beautiful landscape with views of the Atlantic Ocean, let yourself be carried up to the Pinodieta pass and its view of the first peaks of the Basque Country.

Starting from refreshing streams, a warm-up through chestnut and oak groves will gradually reveal the reverse side of the Rhune, dominating the fog sheets illuminated by the first rays of the sun. After skirting a small canal, the route rises up into the open, giving a wider view of the hillsides. The slope becomes steeper along the edge, then the border, before levelling out on a wide and beautiful lawn. It is then time to climb the last slopes that lead to the summit of Ibanteli. This summit offers a breathtaking 360° view of the Basque countryside, the ocean, the Rhune, the Ibardin pass, the Peñas de Hayas and to the east, the Pyrenees and Atxuria. In this direction you can also see the Lizarrieta border pass, which may be waiting for you for a refreshing break or a typical and hearty lunch..

Starting from refreshing streams, a warm-up through chestnut and oak groves will gradually reveal the reverse side of the Rhune, dominating the fog sheets illuminated by the first rays of the sun. After skirting a small canal, the route rises up into the open, giving a wider view of the hillsides. The slope becomes steeper along the edge, then the border, before levelling out on a wide and beautiful lawn. It is then time to climb the last slopes that lead to the summit of Ibanteli. This summit offers a breathtaking 360° view of the Basque countryside, the ocean, the Rhune, the Ibardin pass, the Peñas de Hayas and to the east, the Pyrenees and Atxuria. In this direction you can also see the Lizarrieta border pass, which may be waiting for you for a refreshing break or a typical and hearty lunch..

Ground-floor apartment in a Basque house 1.5 km from town, at the foot of La Rhune. A pretty medieval lane leads to the village on foot. Nearby hiking trails: GR10 and sentier des contrebandiers. This apartment includes a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave oven, fridge-freezer, washing machine, electric oven, filter and pod coffee maker, toaster and TV. It also includes two bedrooms, each with a 140 cm bed, one of which has a TV. Bathroom with shower and separate toilet. Terrace with plancha and view of the Rhune. Small private garden. Linen not provided (except on special request).

Welcome to Villa Kentatou We are located in Sare, classified among the "most beautiful villages of France". In a quiet place, surrounded by greenery and mountains at the Spanish border, not far from the beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, close to the village of Espelette, a few minutes away from the train of the Rhune and close to the hiking trails. This gîte for 4, will allow you to recharge your batteries and visit our beautiful Basque Country. It includes : 1 bedroom with double bed, 1 main room with equipped kitchenette, 1 dining area and lounge area with sofa bed for 2 (mattress 140), 1 private bathroom with Italian shower and hairdryer, 1 cot for baby, high chair on request. An access and private parking are provided. You can also enjoy a nice private terrace with 1 table and 4 garden chairs.

Welcome to Maison Kentatou. We are located in Sare, one of France's most beautiful villages. In a quiet location, surrounded by greenery and mountains on the Spanish border, not far from the beaches of Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz, close to the village of Espelette, just a few minutes from the Rhune train and close to hiking trails. Our two rooms, Dune and Océan, will enable you to recharge your batteries and visit our beautiful Basque country. Bed linen and towels are provided. Single beds are available. Private bathrooms with walk-in shower and hairdryer. Your own private terrace with garden table and chairs. Private parking available. Sandrine and Thierry will be delighted to prepare a tasty breakfast for you every morning.

Recent apartment located at 1,5km from the village and close to the Basque Cake Museum This apartment with independent entrance has two bedrooms, a balcony accessible from the living room with a view on the mountains and a private parking. Possibility of hiking (GR8 and GR10) from the rental and access to the village by a pretty medieval way.

In Sare, 2km from the center, in the Heguimehar district. In a 17th century house, old farm, in the countryside, quiet, 10 minutes walk from the center by the medieval way, on the GR10 path. Two nice rooms on the first floor with independent entrance. Common living room and lounge (fireplace) giving onto a large garden with terrace and panoramic view.

Apartment in an 18th century house in the Xarbo Erreka district, 1km from the centre of the village, close to the medieval road called Galtzada. Comfortable ground floor apartment, situated in a quiet area with a view of the mountains. On the spot, departure of many hiking trails, on the GR10 in the direction of Ainhoa.

In Sare, in the Lehenbiscai district, a typical campsite in the heart of the Basque Country, in a quiet, shady setting with views of the mountains and La Rhune. Starting point for numerous hikes. Chalets, gites and self-catering cottages for rent from February to December. Near the Musée du Gâteau Basque, the Train de la Rhune, the Grottes and the Maison Basque Ortillopitz to visit. Saint Jean de Luz 12km, Biarritz 25km and Spain 2km.

Gîte in a house with 1 other gîte near a small campsite with a heated swimming pool. Outside entrance indep. 1st st. Equipped kitchen (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave). Living room, sitting area (TV). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.). Bathroom with shower and WC. 2nd floor. 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.) S. of water/wc. Extra electric heating. Large terrace. Barbecue. Garden furniture. Completely renovated gite. Multisports (volleyball, basketball, handball, football). Petanque tracks, games for children, WIFI access

Gîte at the back of a new house with two year-round rentals at the front (not overlooked), a stone's throw from Sare village, shops and summer entertainment. First floor: fitted kitchen (induction hob, oven, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, washing machine), living room, sitting area, 1 bedroom with double bed (140cm) and en-suite shower room, wc. First floor: 2 bedrooms (2 beds 90, 1 bed 160), 1 shower room, wc. Underfloor heating included. Beds made up on arrival. Wifi internet connection. Terrace with garden furniture. Barbecue. Deckchairs. Parking lot. Train de la Rhune departure 4km away. Sare caves, Maison Ortillopitz, hiking trails nearby.

In Sare, in the Basaburua district, 400m from the village and 13km from the beaches, facing the Rhune mountain. Comfortable ground-floor apartment for up to 4 people. The apartment comprises a living room with a 2-person sofa-bed, a bedroom with a double bed (140cm) and a bedroom with two single beds (90cm). Garden, terrace and barbecue. Private parking. Prices according to number of people and period. End-of-stay cleaning and heating service available at extra cost, as well as linen rental.

There are fourteen oratories in the municipality of Sare, five of which are located on the galzada (medieval road) near the centre of the village. They were built according to tradition in the 17th century, following the wishes of the fishermen of Sare. An oratory is a small religious monument dedicated to the cult of a saint. Sare is the Basque village with the most religious buildings.

Here, the conductor of the orchestra is the pastry chef. He's the one who will take you on a tour of the Musée du Gâteau Basque. During the 45-minute discovery tour, savor the chef's demonstration in the reconstructed kitchen, and discover the origins of the Basque cake and its manufacturing secrets. Taste the different stages in the making of Basque cake, from raw dough to baked Basque cake.

1813-1814. The Basque people devastated by Napoleonic troops. Routed by Wellington at Gazteiz-Vitoria on June 21, 1813, Napoleonic troops from Portugal and Spain crossed the passes between Les Aldudes and Hendaye. 2 armies clashed, 112,000 coalition soldiers (British, Spanish, Wellington's Portuguese) and 68,000 Napoleonic soldiers under Marshal Soult in this small territory (11,000 dead). Villages were pillaged and forests burned. It took the villages 30 years to recover from this war. The Basque country coped very well with the presence of the disciplined troops Wellington left behind until the armistice. This monument bears witness to the suffering of the Basque people.

The Omordia picnic area with tables and benches is located in the heart of the village, opposite the Baketu restaurant, adjacent to the children's playground.

The Mendiondoa picnic area with tables and benches is in front of the Mendiondoa wash house in the countryside.

One of the most beautiful churches of Labourd, located in the heart of the village. The church of Saint Martin was raised in the XVIIth century under the cure of Axular. Majestic with its five-story tower, and at its feet the old cemetery Inside, three floors of carved oak galleries with turned wooden balusters. The sundial bears the inscription: Oren guziek dute gizona kolpatzen azkenekoak du hobirat egortzen (all hours hurt man, the last one sends him to the grave). In September 2003, the bell tower burned down in a fire, the new bell (the most sculpted in France) was inaugurated in September 2005.

Presentation of pelote, the equipment : pala, chistera, leather glove, raquets… and pelotes used according to the discipline. Explanations of the different stages of making the pelote balls.

More than 80 lintels have been listed in the commune of Sare. The lintels are stones carved on the facades of houses, churches, oratories, pediments... One finds mainly inscribed on this stone the date of construction of the building and/or the name of the owner if it is a house, and sometimes various inscriptions. The lintels describe and define the Etxe, the house.

Opposite the town hall and close to the church is the pediment. Basque pelota is a sport that is still widely practised in Basque culture today. As in all Basque villages, Sare has its own pelota court. There have been four of them, two of which have disappeared. The oldest one dates from 1803, was raised in 1902 and restored many times between 1919 and 1999. The new pediment, dating from 1977, has two walls, for playing rebot (one of the many specialities of the pelota).

The monument to the dead of Sare is located in the central square of the village. Inaugurated on 11 September 1920, it was created by Maxime Real del Sarte, himself a war-disabled man with his left forearm amputated following a wound near Verdun on 29 January 1916, the author of the monument to the dead of Ascain. The sculpted group "Je t'ai chercher" is a work that was exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1920 under the number 3396. The sculptor, Maxime Réal del Sarte is said to have taken as a model for the soldier lying Charles Eudes, one of his comrades who died at the front. Inscriptions on the monument: BERE SEME GUDUAN HILERI SARAK 1914-1918 (TO HIS SONS WHO DIED IN BATTLE SARE 1914-1918)

Traditional restaurant located 2km from the center of the village, close to the Basque cake museum. Thanks to his years of experience and close collaboration with local producers, he has a great deal of know-how about local products which contribute to the reputation of his table. It has a shaded terrace and a playground for children. Service in the evening only, from 7:30 pm.

Sanitary protocol in place: wearing of the mask requested from the clients, hydroalcoholic gel available, physical distance, wearing of the mask for the staff. In the centre of the village of Sare, close to its shops, the pizzeria Goxo welcomes you for lunch and dinner Located on the GR10 route and at the start of the Xareta hike, this pizzeria is ideally placed for hikers who want to regain their strength. A la carte a varied choice of pizzas to take away: pizzas with local cheeses and flavours. Possibility to compose your own pizza!

Arka, artisan butcher and gourmet bistro in the heart of the village of Sare. On the bistro side, epicurean and bistronomic cooking in agreement with a nice wine list, magnificent terrace facing the Rhune mountain, inside vintage decoration. Adjacent to the bistro is our store with all our preserves and cured meats, of course from local breeds, pigs raised in the open air in the Basque Country, such as the Basque pig from Kintoa, without nitrite salt and without preservatives. In addition, there is a selection of local beers, a wine cellar and liqueurs. To your taste buds for the gourmets and the gourmands. Producer artisan of quality to the culinary college of France, French Academician of the dry hams.

Located in the village square of Sare, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the restaurant Arraya holds the title of Master Restaurateur (100% home-made with 80% local and seasonal products) and is located in a beautiful Basque family home from the 16th century Rémy Le Charpentier, chef, fisherman, passionate about nature and mushrooms, will present you his cuisine, in his image, demanding and creative, inspired by his journey from his roots to the Basque Country. We offer you a quality service, a refined and sought-after cuisine in a pleasant setting. You will have the possibility of installing you in a beautiful dining room or on the shaded terrace.

In Sare, close to the caves, 7km from the town centre and close to the Spanish border, this traditional restaurant with covered terrace will offer you a beautiful view of the valley. On reservation, groups can eat a good méchoui in a cave with candlelight, atmosphere guaranteed! (open for lunch only). Closed on Mondays, closed until further notice, closure linked to Covid. Telephone: 00 34 948 59 91 10

In Sare, near Les Grottes, 7km from the town center and on the Spanish border, come and enjoy the delicious omelettes of Venta Antton. On the restaurant's shaded terrace, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Basque country, while dining on large stone tables from La Rhune, closed until further notice.

Located in the center of the village, the Akoka restaurant offers gourmet dishes and salads to be enjoyed on the terrace You will also find regional specialties such as the famous Basque cake (cream or cherry) home-made. Possibility to buy regional and quality products in the restaurant's store.

It is at the foot of the Rhune, in the village of Sare, in a pretty Basque style house that Ephéméride, vegan restaurant and tea room, is located. Passionate and self-taught, Marion welcomes you with a home cooking 100% vegetal, organic/natural, seasonal and local, in a peaceful and friendly environment Lunchtime catering; 2 starters, 2 main courses, 2 desserts per week which vary according to the seasons, the productions and the inspiration. Tea room during the day; you will find homemade delicacies, fresh juices and vegetables, smoothies, tea, coffee, local artisanal drinks.

At the foot of "la Rhune", an emblematic mountain of the Basque Country, in the picturesque "Ihalar" district, one kilometre from the town of Sare, in a quiet area, our beautiful Basque house welcomes you for a stay to discover an authentic country shared between sea and mountains. You will be able to taste a local cuisine which varies according to the seasons and the vegetable garden only for hotel guests, evening meal at 7pm until mid-December, closing due to Covid.

3-room flat (65m²) on 1st floor of house, 2.5km from town centre and 8km from the border. Sitting/living room with open plan kitchen + washing machine, 1 room with double bed, 1 room with twin beds, bathroom, WC. TV, payphone, terrace with garden furniture, shared garden, parking space.

Lodging in r.d.c. in a house with another location. Gîte 4/5 pers. Kitchen (dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave, washing machine), living room (fireplace, TV, tel. Mobicarte), 2 bedrooms. (2 double beds, 1 bed 110), bathroom/wc. Electric heating in suppl. (6 €/day). Enclosed land, garden furniture, barbecue. Poss. loc. sheets, towels.

One-storey gîte in a house with another (unoccupied) apartment, close to the owners' house, 5 minutes' drive from the village of Sare. Open-plan kitchen (fridge-freezer, microwave, ceramic hob, oven, dishwasher), living room and sitting area (TV). 2 bedrooms (1 bed 140, 2 beds 90), shower room, separate toilet. Beds made up on arrival, towels and household linen included. Wifi internet connection. Pellet stove heating included. End-of-stay cleaning included. Baby equipment on request. Covered terrace with garden furniture and summer kitchen (plancha, barbecue). Private, unheated, above-ground swimming pool (open mid-June to end-September), secured by alarm. Garden with deckchairs. Parking lot. Farm animals nearby (2 goats and 3 hens). You'll enjoy a beautiful view of La Rhune from the jar

Spacious gîte, fitted out on the back side of the owners' house, not overlooked. Independent entrance and access road. Bungalow. Beautiful living room including the equipped kitchenette, the living room, lounge area (internet access by wifi). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 140). Shower room, wc. Enclosed courtyard/parking space for cars, enclosed garden (nice view of the mountains), pleasant private covered terrace/garden furniture and barbecue. Electric heating in suppl. (fixed price 7€/day). For your comfort, the bed will be made for your arrival and towels are provided. Roman way on the spot (walk). Quiet area 1 km from the village and 3 km from Spain.

Pretty gîte on the edge of the owner's house, on a working farm. Fully equipped kitchenette (microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, vitroceramic hob), dining area, living area (colour TV/video recorder). 1 bedroom. (1 bed 2 pers.). Water supply (washing machine). Wc. Terrace, car park, open garden, courtyard, garden furniture, barbecue. Shared washing machine. At 10 mn from Sare, by the roman road recently renovated. Poss. loc. sheets + linen. BABY ON BOARD.

In Sare, 1km from the centre to the Argainea housing estate and 14 km from Saint Jean de Luz. Apartment in a dominant position, with a beautiful view of the mountains and the village. Quietly, in a recent traditional house, large comfortable duplex of 90m² that can accommodate 4 people. Nice terrace with garden furniture and barbecue. Private parking. Internet access.

Ground-floor apartment in a Basque house 1.5 km from town, at the foot of La Rhune. A pretty medieval lane leads to the village on foot. Nearby hiking trails: GR10 and sentier des contrebandiers. This apartment includes a fully-equipped kitchen with microwave oven, fridge-freezer, washing machine, electric oven, filter and pod coffee maker, toaster and TV. It also includes two bedrooms, each with a 140 cm bed, one of which has a TV. Bathroom with shower and separate toilet. Terrace with plancha and view of the Rhune. Small private garden. Linen not provided (except on special request).

Welcome to Villa Kentatou We are located in Sare, classified among the "most beautiful villages of France". In a quiet place, surrounded by greenery and mountains at the Spanish border, not far from the beaches of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, close to the village of Espelette, a few minutes away from the train of the Rhune and close to the hiking trails. This gîte for 4, will allow you to recharge your batteries and visit our beautiful Basque Country. It includes : 1 bedroom with double bed, 1 main room with equipped kitchenette, 1 dining area and lounge area with sofa bed for 2 (mattress 140), 1 private bathroom with Italian shower and hairdryer, 1 cot for baby, high chair on request. An access and private parking are provided. You can also enjoy a nice private terrace with 1 table and 4 garden chairs.

Welcome to Maison Kentatou. We are located in Sare, one of France's most beautiful villages. In a quiet location, surrounded by greenery and mountains on the Spanish border, not far from the beaches of Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz, close to the village of Espelette, just a few minutes from the Rhune train and close to hiking trails. Our two rooms, Dune and Océan, will enable you to recharge your batteries and visit our beautiful Basque country. Bed linen and towels are provided. Single beds are available. Private bathrooms with walk-in shower and hairdryer. Your own private terrace with garden table and chairs. Private parking available. Sandrine and Thierry will be delighted to prepare a tasty breakfast for you every morning.