Camping Goyenetche in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle: Nature and Discovery

The rounded ridges that stretch from the heights of Sare (at the Saint-Ignace pass), to the gates of Espelette (at the Pinodieta pass), surround the valley of Sare and Aïnhoa to the north, shared geographically with the Spanish villages of Zugarramurdi and Urdax. These crests offer only one point of weakness, dug by the Nivelle, in the district of Amotz of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. This is where the walk begins, near the remains of an old Romanesque bridge, half of which has now been amputated following various floods. The walk will quickly take you to the heights of Saint-Pée along comfortable paths and, if you take care to avoid the pigeon hunting season (October), you can enjoy the changing views from both Saint-Pée and Sare. Old Napoleonic military posts, the redoubts, add a heritage dimension to this walk.

Saint-Pée- (Senpenre in Basque) was established very early in several small districts around the village, at the crossroads of the valleys, and on lands enriched by the bed of the Nivelle. The commercial activity is secular, as is the reception of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The built heritage is therefore remarkable (church, basque houses, wash house, castle, old bridges), the agricultural tradition is still important and Senpere is said to be the cradle of the Basque pelota and the famous wicker glove called Xistera. Before or after discovering this heritage, this tour will take you to some of the many districts of Saint-Pée, discovering here and there some remarkable architecture, old bridges, and the lake, dedicated to water activities and swimming. Don’t forget to bring your swimming costume.

The hike on the hill of Sainte-Barbe, is first of all an incomparable point of view on the valley of the Nivelle and the Basque coast. From the Sainte-Barbe cross to the Sainte-Barbe point, as you can easily recognize the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Socoa fort, the view of the coastline stretching to Anglet. On the mountain side, Jaizkibel, peñas de Haya, la Rhune, Atxuria, Alcurrunz, Artzamendi, Mondarrain, Baigura... The tour of the horizon is complete. With your eyes conquered and your camera saturated, you will then go to meet the wild valley of the Uzkain river, without road access between Ascain and Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. A haven of peace where you can enjoy the freshness of the stream, the songs of birds under the foliage, and observe oaks and plane trees with enigmatic shapes, the trognes.

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.

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.

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.

Flat on the ground floor, in a quiet district, close to Spain, with a view over Pyrenees. Flat on the ground floor, spacious, recently renewed.

Gîte in the summer of a house with another rental in a quiet area 2.5 km from the town. Equipped kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, tel.). Large living room. Living room (TV coul.). 3 bedrooms. (2 double beds. 2 single beds). S.d.b. (bath, shower). Wc. Oil-fired central heating in suppl. (7 €/day). Garage (washing machine, freezer). Large terrace. Non-enclosed courtyard. Garden furniture. Barbecue. BABY ON BOARD.

Furnished flat situated in the district of Amotz at 1,2km of the village and the lake. Close to any businesses.

Apartment located between sea and mountain and a few minutes from Spain. Close to the lake (swimming, water activities), nature activities, visits, hiking trails and all shops. T1 of 40m ² on the ground floor of a Basque style house at the owner with independent entrance. Consisting of a fully equipped kitchen, shower room and a bedroom with a double bed. Terrace, garden furniture and barbecue. Parking on site. Wifi access. Air conditioning. Price includes all charges. Bed linen included and beds made on arrival.

Rent situated in 15 minutes of Saint Jean de Luz and Biarritz, in 3 km of the lake of St Pée, In 300m of the village and any businesses. Attractive apartment, spacious, recently renewed.

Rent situated at 200 m of the village, close to stores and at 2km of the lake of St Pée. Flat on the ground floor, renewed recently.

"Mythology and witchcraft, a hidden side of our history..." Since the dawn of time, creatures, sometimes hostile, sometimes friendly, have inhabited the mountains, rivers and forests of the Basque Country. During this walk, we will evoke some of these characters. There is only one step from fiction to reality, which we will take when we discover the history of witch-hunting and the appalling trials that set the Basque Country ablaze in the 17th century. The village, which was directly affected at that dark time, wanted to pay tribute to these innocent victims with a memorial that advocates tolerance and the duty to remember.

The history of the pelota and the Xistera. At the heart of the history of the pelota to Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, we penetrate into the house Donamartia and all the secrets on the invention of Xistera come to light... 45 minutes of visit to discover the pelota and the Xistera of its creation in today

Detached house located less than 1km from the village in a quiet subdivision. Close to all shops, and 3 km from the secure beach of the lake and its activities. Close to hiking departures. House T4 of 80m ² composed of a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, three bedrooms with three double beds, and a bathroom with shower. Parking and garden furniture with barbecue.

The whole of Europe was periodically affected by witchcraft, and at the dawn of the 17th century, the Basque Country was no exception. Late Christianized, it retained traditions such as carnival celebrations and beliefs in certain characters from Basque mythology. These traditions are supported by the use of a language misunderstood by the rest of the kingdom. To eradicate witchcraft from the province of Labourd, Henri IV organized a commission (including judge Pierre De Lancre) to eradicate witches from the province. It is estimated that De Lancre sent around 80 people to the stake, most of them women. The "Oroit Mina" memorial was built to commemorate this dark period in the history of the Basque Country. This sculpture advocates tolerance and the duty of remembrance to pay tribute to the innocent victims of these trials.

In the gentle curves of a discreet valley, the Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle lake was created by the municipality in the 1960s. With its four streams, it covers 12 hectares and offers gentle facilities and quiet areas (shaded sites or sandy beaches). For those who wish, swimming is supervised during summer, but you can also try canoeing, pedal boats and the water slide.

The history of the pelota and the Xistera. At the heart of the history of the pelota to Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, we penetrate into the house Donamartia and all the secrets on the invention of Xistera come to light... 45 minutes of visit to discover the pelota and the Xistera of its creation in today

Departing from the tourist office, we propose a quiz to discover the village of Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle with your family. Spend around an hour and a half discovering the village's heritage. If you solve all the riddles and find the mystery word, a reward awaits you at the Tourist Office. So, are you ready for the adventure?

Church classified as a historical monument. Dedicated to Saint-Pierre, it is 30 meters long by 15 meters wide and high. The ceiling of the nave is made of wood. Reshaped at the beginning of the 17th century, it has a large altarpiece occupying the whole choir and a ribbed vault in the shape of a scallop shell. The floor is paved with beautiful funeral slabs. The oldest one dates from 1507. Around the nave, three stories of wooden galleries bear witness to a purely regional style. The galleries with balusters where the men take their places, built in oak from the forest of Saint-Pée, bear witness to a great know-how in the technique of wood.

The Parc des Berges de la Nivelle is a public green space located in the heart of the village, on the banks of the Nivelle river and near the church. It is a place conducive to serenity and daydreaming for many walkers. Sculptures on the theme of water run along the promenade. It is equipped with various games for children, a petanque ground, a book box and picnic tables.

This site offers: a fitness trail, 2 tennis courts, a fishing area, picnic areas and a camper area. Everyone, according to his or her taste, can find peace, rest and activities..

The bridge of Ibarron, also called the ' bridge of the Virgin ' dates the XIVth century. Registered on Historic monuments since 1987 and situated on the Compostela way. It allows the pilgrims to cross the river Nivelle.

The Santa Katalina picnic area with tables and benches is planted with trees and around the chapel of St. Catherine, 3 km from the centre.

1300 hectares of forest make the happiness of the nature lovers.

Several atmospheres are proposed to you: the cider house, the shaded terrace under the plane trees with a guinguette spirit and the bar for an aperitif tapas or rations to share. You will taste typical Basque dishes: axoa, marbled eels, cod with garlic, chipirons, Koka flan, rice pudding....The cider house menu: cod omelette or Serrano ham, beef rib or hake Spanish style, cheese, cider at will. Remember to reserve.

Have a break to the Restaurant Pizzeria AINTZIRA (the Lake in Basque), in the lake of St Pée. Enjoy all the flavors of a cooking authentic and brightened up in the colors of the Basque Country. Our team proposes you Basque specialities as well as creative and subtle recipes consisted of the best products of our country, reflection of this country, earth of shepherds and of fishermen. Many of our dishes are cooked a la plancha, way of cooking come from Spain, where all the food - meats, fishes, vegetables - is seized on a platein cast iron. Fishes are proposed according to season and load. You will discover them, as well as day meats

Come to discover a cooking just like the chef Pascal, at the same time simple, fine and greedy. Cooking of country and season: suckling lamb, omelet in ceps, grilled hake, jumped small squids, hot liver in apples and desserts house.

In the heart of the village, a unique and authentic place with a large terrace in front of the classified church. A gourmet cuisine of fresh seasonal products where various local products are combined: chipirons, razor clams, hake and eels...but also meats or Santiago salads. It is possible to privatize the spaces on the ground floor or on the first floor, all air-conditioned. Open every day except Tuesday evening and Wednesday.

Brasserie, restaurant located in the center of the village. Traditional cuisine. Open from Tuesday to Saturday.

In season, open every day except Monday.

Aroberri le bistro is located on the village shopping street in the heart of the village. You'll be welcomed to taste dishes adapted to the season. A special feature of this restaurant is that it produces its own beer, Hizketa, in its microbrewery, making it a wonderful opportunity for discovery. Don't wait any longer and come and discover this restaurant while enjoying its sunny terrace.

In the Olhalde district, in a 16th century Basque farmhouse, Guillaume and Jean Fagoaga offer you two menus with several choices depending on the vegetable garden and the market You will be received in their family home as friends with the possibility of having lunch or dinner in the different rooms or on the terrace with a view of the garden and mountains. Only on reservation.

Quiet and family campsite in Amotz in St Pée sur Nivelle, at 15 km from St Jean de Luz and from Biarritz, 12 km of Espelette, 8 km from Spain and 5 km of Sare. Ideal to discover the Basque Country as well as to make hikes .Rents of mobil homes with 2 or 3 rooms. Warmed swimming pool. Free wifi.

Hotel with 47 rooms and restaurant serving Basque specialities. Garden, shaded terrace and trinquet (indoor pelota court). Half-board available.

Hotel with 47 rooms and restaurant serving Basque specialities. Garden, shaded terrace and trinquet (indoor pelota court). Half-board available.

Detached house, located in the Amotz district, 4 km from all shops and 8 km from the Spanish border. T5 of 120m ² that can accommodate 8 people. It is composed of four bedrooms (two single beds and three double beds), a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a lounge, a bathroom and a shower room. Terrace, garden, garden furniture and barbecue.

The ocean, the mountains, the lake with its leisure center, the Rhune mini-train, Spain: you won't have to choose. You've come to the right place to visit the Basque Country: stay in the countryside, yet close to shops and places to visit. A good restaurant is just a 5-minute walk away. If you like hiking, you can start from the gîte. Maps and information are available. You can also simply relax and enjoy the scenery. The gîte is a 60 m2 duplex. Ground floor: kitchen, living/dining room and bathroom. Upstairs: a bedroom with a double bed, a bedroom with 2 single beds, a shower room and a toilet. Outside, there is private parking for 2 cars, a 500m2 garden and a terrace with mountain views.

Flat on the ground floor, in a quiet district, close to Spain, with a view over Pyrenees. Flat on the ground floor, spacious, recently renewed.

Gîte in the summer of a house with another rental in a quiet area 2.5 km from the town. Equipped kitchen (dishwasher, microwave, tel.). Large living room. Living room (TV coul.). 3 bedrooms. (2 double beds. 2 single beds). S.d.b. (bath, shower). Wc. Oil-fired central heating in suppl. (7 €/day). Garage (washing machine, freezer). Large terrace. Non-enclosed courtyard. Garden furniture. Barbecue. BABY ON BOARD.

Furnished flat situated in the district of Amotz at 1,2km of the village and the lake. Close to any businesses.

Rental located in the Amotz district, 2 km from the village centre, the lake and its activities, close to Spain and hiking departures. Furnished T4 on the ground floor of a house composed of a fully equipped kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, two bedrooms with two double beds and one bedroom with a single bed. Garden furniture with barbecue. Parking space.