The coast from Bayonne and Biarritz, at the point where the long straight sandy beaches of the Landes transform into jagged rocks and cliffs as it speeds towards Spain and the Pyrenean countryside behind, is all Basque country. The region offers a mixture of mountains, dramatic Atlantic coastline and beautiful countryside and is a hugely rewarding holiday spot. The Hotel Guru's picks of the 25 best hotels in the French Basque Country range from seaside hotels in St Jean de Luz and Biarritz to country escapes with Michelin star restaurants.
Flickr user Terre et Cote Basq
The distinctive traditional village architecture of the Basque country features whitewashed houses, often half-timbered with their shutters and woodwork painted the blood red or rich green (the Basque national colours). The small churches in basque villages often have balconies running around the inside, and many villages also have a fronton in the village centre for playing pelota. Ainhoa and Sare are both good options as bases for exploring inland.
flickr user Iker Merodio | Pho
Biarritz is the surfing capital of France, and the increasingly year-round presence of boarders on the beaches and in the cafes and shops has contributed to the town's transformation from a slightly frumpy retirement spot to a boho outpost of Paris which has become known as the California of France. We have found some of the best places to stay in French Basque Country in Biarritz, which reflect the town's new vibe. Guethary is another good option for surfers, bang in between Biarritz and St Jean de Luz, but not nearly as well known.
Just remember that if you're planning to visit in the peak summer months, the best places to stay in the Basque Country are likely to be very busy. So do yourself a favour and book well ahead.
Ostapé is a luxury Pyrenean lodge with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Beautiful rooms are scattered in buildings throughout the grounds (you'll be lent a golf buggy for getting around), plus there's an outdoor pool, spa and wonderful food. Sheer bliss!
A grand building overlooking the Bay of Biscay, the Hotel du Palais has interiors opulent with silk drapes and chandeliers, and there are impressive facilities including pampering spa and several dining options.
Minutes from Biarritz, the smart Château de Clair de Lune sits in exquisite formal gardens. Bedrooms are in the turn of the Century Chateau or in the much more modern hunting lodge.
Foodies will love this area and several of our recommended properties in the French Basque Country have Michelin-starred dining.
Ithurria in Ainhoa has simple bedrooms, a surperb outdoor pool and a bistro for table-d'hôte lunches as well as a five bed family apartment. Plus of course stunning Michelin starred dining!
Briketenia is a chic restaurant with rooms owned by the Ibarboure family (gourmet royalty in these parts). The food is simply brilliant, the interiors sleek and contemporary, plus you're very close to wonderful sandy beaches.
L'Auberge Basque is a family friendly gourmet option in a lovely rural location, just 7km from the beach.
Another rural choice with Michelin starred dining is the Hotel Les Pyrenees in the charming village of St Jean Pied de Port. Rooms are contemporary in style and there's loads to do in the area to work off that fabulous food!
Villa L'Arche is right on the beach. Tumble out of bed, wander down the garden and you're there! Spacious rooms are contemporary in style and it's a great choice for families, with apartments as well as rooms and suites.
Hotel du Palais is a luxury choice with direct access to Biarrtz's grand plage. It's a sumptuous stay with enormous spa and excellent dining as well as being family friendly.
Or what about La Reserve? From its clifftop location in St Jean de Luz, it enjoys stunning ocean views and it's just a quick stroll down to the sandy beach or in to town.
Maison Garnier in Biarritz is a charming property with just seven rooms and minutes from the beach. Ideal for those wanting beach by day and city by night.
More than anywhere else in France, the best hotels in the Basque Country are still owned and run by families, generations of them. This is always a good sign, and when you add the beautiful mountain scenery, the charm of these red and white and green and white Basque villages, the local preoccupations such as pelota and rugby and the superb culinary specialities, you have somewhere special to stay.
Arcé has seen five generations in charge of this 22 room hotel in its magical riverside setting in a typical Basque village, St Etienne-de-Baigorry. The excellent restaurant serves rustic treats such as wood pigeon, there's a pool with a view, and large elegant bedrooms with terraces and beautiful mountain views are unfussy and welcoming.
Chez Chilo in picturesque Barcus is an adorable family hotel with fantastic rustic food. There are eight fresh and simple bedrooms in pastels and whites and a lovely dining room, in which you'll be served the best local produce. A delightful garden, swimming pool and children's play area.
Sare's Arraya is a delightful, family-run hotel offering the comfort of a modern hotel with the charm of a quintessentially Basque residence - wooden beams, colourful country fabrics, pretty objets d'art and quaint bed spreads. There's an excellent restaurant too.
Ithurria in Ainhoa has simple bedrooms, a surperb outdoor pool and a bistro for table-d'hôte lunches as well as a five bed family apartment. Plus of course stunning Michelin starred dining!
Le Beaumanoir is a five star haven not far from the beach. Interiors are a clever combination of contemporary and classic, plus there's a superb restaurant, Dom Perignon bar and you'll be picked up from the airport in the hotel's Rolls Royce!
Hotel du Palais is a luxury choice with direct access to Biarrtz's grand plage. It's a sumptuous stay with enormous spa and excellent dining as well as being family friendly.
Jardins de Bakea is a charming option with glorious views. You're a stone's throw from the Spanish border so perfectly placed for exploring both French and Spanish Basque country.
Arcé enjoys a beautiful riverside setting in a typical Basque village. It boasts stunning mountain views, large elegant bedrooms, an outdoor pool and excellent restaurant.
Chez Chilo is a lovely family friendly property on the Eastern edge of the region. Rooms are simple but stylish, there's a children's play area and the food is superb. After a day exploring, come back and chill by the pool.
Situated in the lovely village of Ainhoa, Relais du Silence Argii Eder offers traditional french country syle rooms, a gourmet restaurant and a pool and tennis court.
Whilst many of our Basque country recommendations are hotels and restaurants with rooms, we've found plenty of B&Bs for those wanting something a little less formal.
Maison Maxana is a boutique B&B in a pretty rural village - one of France's most beautiful in fact! It's a chic place full of objets d'art and there's a contemporary art gallery on site.
La Deviniere is a charming B&B in the heart of St Jean de Luz's old town. Rooms are filled with period objets and antiques, and it's a quick walk to the beach.
Les Volets Bleus is a rural property not far from the coast. The vibe is laid back, the interiors rustic-chic, plus there's a lovely outdoor pool for lazy days.
For a traditional basque farmhouse exterior with designer interiors, book a room at Argubel. Just five luxurious rooms guarantee an intimate feel and you're just a short drive from the beach.
Hotel Villa Catarie is situated in Guethary, so perfectly placed for access to the beach. Plus there's a lovely pool and sunny terrace for leisurely breakfasts.
The Hotel de Silhouette has funky but functional modern bedrooms and unusually for Biarritz, a peaceful garden with sun loungers. It's central Biarritz, but for around £145 per night, which is great value.
Still in Biarritz, the Edouard VII feels more like a guest house than a hotel. It is delightfully and immaculately French with historical piquancy added by creaky wooden floorboards and old mirrors. And rooms strt from around £70 per night.
Hotel Laminak is perfect for a low key summer holiday. With just twelve rooms, lovely gardens with pool and an outdoor sauna, it's family friendly and excellent value with rooms from as llttle as €75 per night.
La Maison Oppoca is a pretty 17th century coaching inn in historic Ainhoa. Rooms are contemporary in style complemented by original features and you'll find traditional Basque cuisine in the restaurant. Doubles from €89 per night.
A restaurant with rooms in the charming village of Sare, Olhabidea's five rooms are traditional in style, the food is excellent and prices start at around £80 per night including breakfast.
For a chateau stay that won't break the bank, book the Chateau d'Urtubie. Its rooms and suites are filled with antiques and artworks and you're surrounded by beautiful grounds with a pool. Doubles start from €85 per night.
Biarritz
Charming and oh-so-French address in the city centre. A 19th century mansion keeps its original interiors - wood panelling, wooden floors, and old mirrors - which compliment the rooms' elegant creams and whites. The breakfast terrace is the pièce de résistance. Relaxed and family-friendly.
Biarritz
Airy and contemporary addition to Biarritz’s hotels. A beautiful sandstone building with funky modern rooms and a lovely garden. A charming place to stay, nestled in the town's streets, with great restaurants and a daily market place close by.
Biarritz
Set in a large leafy estate stands a chateau, a hunting lodge and a villa - an ideal spot for foodies, families or groups touring the Basque country. A wonderful restaurant, beautiful period-inspired interiors and lovely garden. A really magnificent place to explore Biarritz.
Saint Jean de Luz
Utterly charming and individual B&B in the heart of the old town. An eclectic mix of decorations - china, rugs, objets d'art, paintings, and a wonderful library. Minutes from the beach. A really characterful spot.
Sare
Delightful, family-run hotel in the centre of lovely Sare. It combines the comfort of a modern hotel with the charm of a quintessentially Basque residence - wooden beams, colourful country fabrics, pretty objets d'art and quaint bed spreads. An excellent restaurant too. A charming country abode.
Sare
A restaurant with rooms that provides wonderful hospitality and food in a beautiful home. Five individually styled, traditional, rooms. Chintz fabrics, beamed ceilings and local art give a quaint feel. A delightful menu with much of the produce coming from the garden. A charming rural stay.
Ainhoa
Charming renovated 17th century inn with Michelin-starred restaurant. A hotel with a rich heritage and an equally rich experience - delicious food, activities aplenty (tennis, swimming, golf), refreshingly simple rooms and family apartments. Foodies, families, fun in the sun.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Barcus)
An adorable family hotel with fantastic rustic food, in a picturesque village. Fresh and simple bedrooms in pastels and whites and a lovely dining room, in which you'll be served the best local produce. A delightful garden, swimming pool and children's play area. The perfect hideaway.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Pyrenees-Atlantiques )
Magical riverside setting in a typical Basque village. Excellent restaurant serving rustic treats such as wood pigeon. Large elegant bedrooms with terraces and beautiful mountain views. Guests are invited to relax by the outdoor pool or the cosy hotel lounge. A peaceful country retreat.
Guethary
A modern villa with a neo-Basque facade. High tech designer rooms focusing on rock'n roll, baroque, or stone spirits, all with private balconies. Walking distance to Michelin starred restaurants and beach sports galore. Ideal for foodies, surfers, and romancers.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
A Pyrenean lodge nestled in the hills with sweeping views over the valley. Giant suites with white washed walls and exposed beams. Swimming pool, spa, and fantastic Basque cuisine. A back to nature experience with comforts designed for romancers, foodies, and even families.
Biarritz
A refined sea side hotel within walking distance of Biarritz's beaches. Just seven individually designed bedrooms with an art-deco vibe, some with private balconies. An intimate and charming hotel with plenty of style right in the centre of town.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Arbonne)
A large country house/B&B set in beautiful gardens. Spacious, elegant rooms with private terraces onto the garden. Charming breakfast terrace, large swimming pool, and outdoor sauna. A great location for families and those on a budget.
Guethary
A gorgeous townhouse hotel in Guethary. Romantic rustic-style rooms and suites filled with sumptuous fabrics and antiques. Beautiful garden, pool, and breakfast terrace. A stunning location for romantics who want to experience the surf, sand and restaurants around.
Saint Jean de Luz (St Jean de Luz)
Elegant family-run chateau. Sympathetically restored bedrooms and suites crammed with antiques and artworks, and seriously impressive public spaces. Beautiful grounds and lovely swimming pool. Within walking distance of a gourmet restaurant. Ideal for foodies, couples, and local explorers.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
A boutique B&B in an historic house. Chic rooms and suites have contemporary furnishings and all the mod cons. Works of art and objets d'art fill every corner, plus there's a large swimming pool and sun bathing area for relaxing, and lunch on request. A quiet base for local exploring.
Biarritz
A luxurious Five Star hotel close to the beach. Contemporary rooms in Baroque style have large marble bathrooms. An outdoor pool, library and excellent bar. Superb regional cuisine and plenty of intimate spaces to relax in. Dramatic, romantic and understated.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques (Arcangues)
A laid back rural property not far from the coast. Chic rooms are modern with hints of the rustic; exposed beams and white washed furniture. Charming gardens to enjoy a game of boules, plus an outdoor pool. Excellent value, very relaxing, and plenty of coastal activities to get involved in.
Guethary (Bidart)
A charming hotel right on the beach. Contemporary rooms are large, with sea views and splashes of colour, and roomy apartments are ideal for families. Shady terrace to enjoy the views, and the garden directly links to the beach. Laid back, chic and sunny.
Saint Jean Pied de Port
A charming hotel in rural Basque country. Contemporary chic rooms and suites with all the mod cons, polished wooden floors, and elegant furnishings. Fabulous Michelin starred restaurant, pool, and lovely terraces. Excellently placed for local sightseeing.
Ainhoa
A pretty 17th century inn in the historic village of Ainhoa. Traditional rooms keep their charm with exposed stone walls and wooden beams yet have a fresh contemporary feel. Regional cuisine is served in the restaurant. Plenty of outdoor pursuits in the area. Inexpensive, ideal for a country break.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
A charming property with lovely views of the Basque Country. Pretty rooms, traditional in style, with chintz fabrics and sash windows. Contemporary, well appointed bathrooms. Gourmet regional cuisine, a stunning outdoor terrace for dining and a great wine list to boot. An ideal country getaway.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
A trendy rural abode in stunning scenery. A perfect merging of traditional design and simple Scandinavian style modernity. Rooms feature floor to ceiling windows, light wood, crisp white linens and contemporary art. Modern French Michelin starred dining. A chic country option.
Biarritz
A grand hotel overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Opulent interiors throughout with chandeliers and heavy draped curtains and frescoes. The rooms are standardly large and impressive. An indulgent spa and indoor and outdoor pool. Steps from the beach. Multiple fine-dining restaurants. A spoiling stay.
Guethary
A chic boutique restaurant with rooms owned by renowned restauranteurs the Ibarboure family. Undeniably brilliant cuisine. Trendy interiors with simple white-washed walls, exposed stonework and small balconies to take your gourmet breakfast on. Miles of sandy beaches nearby. French paradise.
Saint Jean de Luz
Beautiful hotel with stunning vistas of the Atlantic ocean. Its contemporary rooms are light and spacious with balconies that boast views out to the sea. Have a game of tennis or amble down the coastal path to the charming town of St Jean de Luz. The perfect place for exploring the Basque coastline.
Ainhoa
A gorgeous property set in a quaint village in the hills of the Basque Country. Traditional french-country rooms feature light wooden furniture and pretty fabrics. Lovely gardens equipped with a tennis court and pool. The gourmet regional cuisine is a treat. A charming rural abode.
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