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.

flickr user Paolo Margari

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.

The 25 Best Hotels in the French Basque Country

The Best Hotel Views in the French Basque Country

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.

The Best Foodie Hotels in the French Basque Country

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!

The Best Beach Hotels in the French Basque Country

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.

The Best Hotels in the French Basque Country for Families

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!

The Most Luxurious Hotels in the French Basque Country

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.

The Best Rural Retreat Hotels in the French Basque Country

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.

The Best B&Bs in the French Basque Country

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 Best Value Hotels in the French Basque Country

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.

If you haven’t found your idea of the best hotels in the French Basque County on our Guru's list of the 25 Best Hotels in the French Basque Country you could:

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the French Basque County?
• Or include the best places to stay in the Pyrenees Atlantiques as well? or the best places to stay in the Basque Country, Spain?
• Or you might want to refine your search to the best places to stay in Biarritz? or the best places to stay in Bayonne? or the best places to stay in St Jean de Luz ?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

The 25 Best Hotels in the French Basque Country

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Thursday, 2nd May 2019