Sports and leisure activities New Aquitaine

From Oloron in the direction of the Somport. Before Urdos, take the road behind the Électrique electric plant. Then direction Quartier district, to the Maison house (parking). Take the wide trail of the car park and lead to the bergerie. A bridge crosses the torrent: continue until the hut of Larrecq, procession the torrent and climb towards the collar, then descend towards the lake. In all, 3 hours of hiking. With an area of 3 ha, very shallow, this lake lends itself to fly practice. Possibility to sleep at the refuge or bivouac.

The ascent of the Peak of Pre by the Coutchets is a real winter mountaineering race, an impossible climb… or almost to nirvana! (indispensable: learn about snow quality and possibly take a high mountain guide)

Located in the Ossau valley, the ski area of Artouste blossoms in the heart of a wild landscape of breathtaking beauty. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, it stands majestically, facing the Pic du Midi, offering a breathtaking view of imposing peaks. Nestled near the Pyrenees National Park, this unspoiled environment adds a unique dimension to the skiing experience. Artouste is not just about skiing. It also offers you the opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of this wilderness by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or Nordic walking. The Artouste International Ski School (ESI) is at your disposal.

There are 20 tracks (25 km), 13 lifts, 5 lifts, 6 ski lifts and 2 lifts.

Three different spaces, depending on each level:

・the "Mailhné" sector: altitude area with the Pyrenees boulevard, accessible for all levels, with 4,5 km of non-stop descent.

・the "Discovery" sector with the new "cool pist" on which boardercross and fun space are located.

・the "Smugglers" sector with a new, safe but non-damée track.

Just 2 km from the resort, the Braca forest is ideal for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The 25 km of carefully marked trails offer routes for all levels of experience. Further on, an area dedicated to downhill skiing offers a 360° panoramic view of Béarn, the Pays Basque and the whole of the Barétous valley. Thrill-seekers can also try their hand at biathlon.

For children between the ages of 3 and 8, a free, free and free space to travel in cross-country skiing was set up at the start of the tracks.

There is a wide range of possibilities for walks around Eaux-Bonnes and Gourette. Marked itineraries are available, graded according to level of difficulty and length of journey: whether around the Bouy plateau, with its climb through the forest, the Lac d'Anglas walk on the GR 10, the hike to the Pic de Ger via the Col d'Amoulat, or circuits such as the Horizontale, the Trois Villages, the Quatre Lacs walk. Details of each itinerary can be downloaded from the Tourist Office website.

The Via Ferrata de Siala is for thrill-seekers and climbers alike, offering a vertical route that rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views. Located halfway between Eaux-Bonnes and Gourette, this safe climbing route follows the Gave river, culminating in a 250-metre-long wall with a 120-metre vertical drop, with sections of varying difficulty. The route begins with a zip line, followed by a Nepalese bridge. Completing the course can take between 1 and 3 hours.

The Artiguelouve golf course, designed by Jean Garaïalde, has a Floridian feel with a theme of "between mountains and ocean". The 18-hole, par 70, 5,639-meter course features numerous doglegs, water hazards and large greens, and is divided into two sections. The first with 6 narrow, highly tactical holes in a wooded area; the second with 12 holes on wide terrain ideal for long shots. It's for everyone, beginners and experienced players alike. Relaxation, but also competitions, from the golf school for the youngest to the Artiguelouve Grand Prix for all. The site is home to more than 500 members and, for those who wish, the possibility of personalized training.

Pau Football Club (PFC) embodies the passion, determination and deep-rooted connection between soccer and the city of Pau. Founded in 1904, the soccer club has come a long way to become a local sporting institution. It has evolved over the decades, playing in various divisions of French soccer, and is currently ranked ^11th in Ligue 2, the country's second division. Pau FC has high ambitions for the future, seeking to strengthen its position in Ligue 2. These aspirations are supported by a determined team, a loyal fan base and an ideal facility provided by Pau Town Council: a grass soccer pitch, a synthetic pitch, a club house...

Housed in the sumptuous premises of the former Réparatrices convent, the music and dance school offers 74 acoustically efficient classrooms. The curriculum is structured in cycles, with teachers guiding students to mastery of their instrument. This involves learning music theory and ensemble playing, as well as individual practice. Disciplines taught: dance, music theory, singing, opera, choral conducting, ensemble music, chamber music, violin, viola, flute, piano..

Master pastry chef and chocolatier in Bordeaux for over 20 years, Cyril San Nicolas was thinking of reinventing his craft. During the lockdown, he offered live pastry classes on his networks. And the whipped cream took so well that he naturally launched "coursdepatisserie.fr": a digital pastry school. Classes are held online, and can be accessed live or replayed, thanks to a no-obligation monthly subscription. The chef also offers face-to-face masterclasses to help students prepare for the CAP Pâtissier.

A showcase for Hendaye's activities, the Fête Basque is the must-attend event of a successful summer on the Basque Coast, held every year on the second weekend of August. Under the impetus of the town council and the festivities committee, this great Basque fair has been organized since Sunday August 31, 1930... To demonstrate that legendary Basque customs and traditions are still very much alive, and that they are more than ever an attraction for visitors. Cavalcades, bandas, chariot races, traditional dances, fireworks... and dancing are on the program!

Rollerblading, skateboarding and BMXing in a concrete paradise just 2 steps from the beach. Teens flock to this area, one of the finest in Aquitaine and one of the top twenty in France according to amateurs and specialists. With a surface area of 2,000 m², the spot features ledges, slopes and half-tanks - a composition that sliders love! The area is divided into four distinct zones for all levels. BMX enthusiasts can also have a great time: a grind bar and logs at the edge of the bowl help them along. Secure setting.

The Aviron Bayonnais Omnisports has 24 sections: aikido, athletics, rowing, basketball, English boxing, cycling, soccer, fencing, handball, judo, swimming, pelota, pro rugby, tennis, chess, pirogue... Its past is rich in victories and its present no less so. For several years now, Aviron has been working closely with San Sebastian and Guipuzkoa to develop certain disciplines. Thanks to this partnership, leisure sports have taken on a new dimension within the club.

Cultural and sports center offering a wide range of activities: trinquet and glass trinquet, pelote basque, squash, combat sports, dance, Pilates, gentle gym, volleyball, rollerblading and a meeting room... Ideal during the vacations for sporting and cultural events with a sensational feel. A beautiful complex that's always very active, with the annual Pilotarienak pelota tournament not to be missed. With state-certified instructors.

The El Hogar multisport center also has a 25-meter swimming pool. A relaxing activity par excellence, it keeps you in contact with the water all year round, since it's open both summer and winter. The pool has a removable roof that can be partly opened in fine weather. A lifeguard takes care of supervision. Learn-to-swim lessons are available. A solarium with a wooden terrace completes the offer. The city-center pool is well served by bus routes and has ample parking.

Since 1957, this institution has seen generations of budding golfers and even famous tennis players! Close to the Chambre d'Amour, this mini-golf course offers an attractive array of hazards: the naughty bridge, the tunnel, the volcano and the ever-present tire that can play many tricks. An activity that calls for self-control and concentration. Before or after an ocean session, this sheltered relaxation area features garden furniture and a club bar where fresh orangeade awaits you with Valérie, your hostess and coach.

One of the finest golf courses in the Basque Country, opened in 1927. The Chiberta golf course in Anglet, between Bayonne and Biarritz, offers two courses. The first is an 18-hole course, while the second, the Impératrice, is a 9-hole course on the lake. At the same time, a covered grass driving range is available for all budding golfers. Its other advantage? Its privileged location in the forest that has inspired many a poet, and its proximity to the hotel and residence and the beaches of Anglet. For a break, the restaurant offers an excellent range of dishes.

This equestrian club, founded in 1956, has over 580 members, 5 grooms, 4 instructors and an instructor. Just 5 minutes from the beaches and the Chiberta forest, in the heart of the town, it's the ideal place to enjoy horse-riding as a leisure activity for all levels. The Club House, with its catering area, is equipped with teaching facilities: a covered riding arena, a "paddock" arena, a "sandpit" competition arena, a cross-country course...

The studios offer a nice partition of services to local musicians: registration, rehearsal, training and project support. Technically speaking, the ambitions are largely guaranteed through a recording system, two rehearsal studios (with bass and guitar amps, battery, microphones, sono) and a video room. There is also a computer assisted music studio where you can ask full questions, even the most difficult ones: these are the famous MAO adhesives! A resource centre, information and training centre is also available. Finally, like every place of self-respect, Rasseteau studios have a coffee machine. Morality: an indispensable place that is certainly missing from other cities in the region.

You can leave your horse at the equestrian center and a stable, so that you can get it and eat it, and of course care. A much less classical activity of this institution is livestock: They give you a domesticated horse and used to the methods of human confrontation. This profession is their passion and you will see that it is synonymous with professionalism. They are listening to and care for your horse. Many activities proposed in a friendly team.

Fancy a canoe trip on the Dordogne? If so, don't hesitate to make an appointment with Canoë Castillonnais by phone or on Facebook. The company offers two routes of 6 to 12 km, departing from Lamothe-Montravel and Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Allow around 1h30 for the first route and 3h for the second. Meet at Les Batailleurs campsite! Departures are possible in the morning or afternoon. This is a great activity for two, family or friends. Reservations recommended!

Basque pelota is a universally played game, combining several ball games derived from the Jeu de Paume. The superb fronton in the heart of the village is still alive and well in Guéthary. One of the Federation's oldest clubs was founded here, nicknamed La Mecque du grand chistera. Olharroa has seen many great champions, the most prestigious of whom was Albert Harispe. Today, the club also plays cesta punta and paleta pelote gomme, and every year hosts numerous events, demonstrations and pelota festivals, with ever-growing numbers of players.

Between the sky, the mountains and the sea, everything here invites you to take a stroll along the paths laid out for this purpose, such as the El Cano fishermen's path, also close to the shore, where you can cycle or walk. If you're a jogger, don't hesitate to take this path... There are two ways to explore the village on foot. You'll find explanatory signs on some of the paths. These walks take less than two hours to complete, and allow you to discover part of the Basque heritage and the village of Guéthary.

A beautiful 4,700 m, par 67, two 9-hole courses on 35 ha. Specialists will tell you that the first 9 holes, with their undulating terrain, require technique and precision. The last nine are at the foot of the mountains, but with numerous water obstacles. The children of Louis Génin, who have been running this golf course on the family estate since 1992, designed it with the natural terrain nestling in the heart of the Pyrenean valleys in mind. Overlooking the site, Etxegoïna offers 4 year-round gîtes (with parking and terrace), combined with golf practice.

Built on an old quarry in the early 1900s and inaugurated in 1907, this hilly course between ocean and mountain is very popular. Golfers come from far and wide to pass the famous quarry, named Zarra after the days when the links were the setting for competitions between Spanish and English golfers. The 1st Open International de France was held here in the 1970s. The course is typically British with its variations. Golf de la Nivelle is a club where enthusiasts come together to share moments of conviviality.

Specialized in seaside fishing, we find it everywhere, at the boat show, at the sea festival, at the France-Spain fishing competition, at the Bidassoa challenge and even at the qualifying fishing competition for the French championship.

Located in the Parc des Sports at Hendaye plage, Hendaye TC is a tennis club offering top-quality facilities. Players can enjoy 7 outdoor clay courts, 3 of which are floodlit, as well as a floodlit resin court and 2 indoor clay courts. Thanks to a climate that is temperate in summer and mild in winter, tennis can be played outdoors all year round. The club also boasts a clubhouse with a shaded terrace and a bar, offering a convivial atmosphere and friendly contacts.

Numerous sailboats and owner's launches on the site. Regattas organized with results, since the club, founded in 1993, has been ranked first in Aquitaine for four consecutive years. It's a magnificent playground for lovers of fun and itinerant sailing. With over 150 active members, the YCH is one of the main drivers of local boating activity. A key partner in the organization of sporting events promoted by the port and the town council. Once moored, discover an authentic region where land and sea are one.

Do you admire great sailors and competitors? This center will introduce you to water sports. Affiliated with the FFV (French Sailing Federation) and holding the "Ecole Française de Voile" and "Point Plage" labels, it is the benchmark structure for learning to sail, supervised by State-qualified instructors, from 8 years old in Optimist, 12 years old in Catamaran, 14 years old in Déclic, and from 12 years old in Magnum 21... With courses from Easter to the end of summer, from 2 days to a week. At the same time, thanks to the Nautical Pass, you can go from a catamaran tour to a kayak trip.

Jo Moraiz was a precursor in this field and we can consider that it is him who brought surfing to Biarritz in the sixties. He created the^first surf shop before setting up the^first surf school in 1966, which is still world famous today. He is credited with the first and only teaching method adopted by the Federation as the basis for training for federal and state certificates. A school that also offers accommodation for students.

The sports complex features a long left-hand wall known as jaï-alaï for cesta punta, seating 1,800, a short left-hand wall for pala, paleta and bare hands, and a trinquet for bare hands and paleta. The club regularly fields players from all disciplines in competition. It was the^1st to set up a cesta punta school in 1956, and since 1962, BAC members have been taking part in the world championships of this discipline, a sport that is also played abroad.

Biarritz's historic surf school on the Grande Plage offers year-round lessons from DE instructors. This team of dynamic and passionate instructors offers surf lessons from the classic hour to 5-day courses and private lessons. Boards and wetsuits are provided, with top-of-the-range equipment for all levels and ages. We also run surf camps around the world: Morocco, EU, Portugal, Spain...

Since his early childhood, Thomas has never stopped looking at the horizon and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and many other oceans, always remembering the legendary "tontons surfers" of the Basque Coast. A university career far removed from the world of surfing, and yet, since 1987, passion has won out over reason. Whatever your level or age, you'll discover surfing - one of the world's best board sports - in complete safety, thanks to state-qualified instructors and equipment.

Come and learn surfing, the most popular sport in the Basque Country, at the H2O school in Bidart. 2 instructors have been teaching surfing since 1996, guaranteeing you the pleasures and sensations of riding the waves, the natural surfing environment and the magnificent seascapes, particularly during Stand Up Paddle outings. Our highly skilled surfers have created a school where sharing a common passion is a priority. Bidart's surf spots offer a safe learning environment in which to progress. All levels for young and old.

Introductory and advanced sessions, hikes, walks and courses for adults and children are available all year round. Nestling between the River Nive and the mountains, the heights of Ustaritz offer a wealth of original nature walks. In addition, participation in local events such as the Andalusian parade in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the horse festival organized at the equestrian center are offered.

Cambo-les-Bains is a town with tennis facilities for enthusiasts of the sport. The Cambo-les-Bains tennis club has three courts with two different types of surface. The club also offers services such as racket stringing, equipment loans and equipment sales. For those wishing to take lessons, the club has a teaching team of qualified instructors.

A great idea for a family outing. By a towpath transformed into a track, it is possible to reach Bayonne. A pleasant walk reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, rollerbladers and horse riders. The preservation of the banks of the Nive and its development belong to the mixed syndicate of the Nive maritime made up of the towns of Bayonne, Bassussary, Villefranque and Ustaritz. A preserved site, a space of peace, of nature and one sometimes crosses pilgrims coming from the four corners of the world.

Take a walk with Patxi and join him for a sunset in the heart of the Basque mountains. On this hike, you'll meet the inhabitants of our countryside, such as sheep, pottoks and maybe even griffon vultures. Enjoy a convivial gourmet break with a peasant snack, and when night falls, light your way with a headlamp. The distance is 6 km, with an ascent of +200 m, for a total duration of 4 hours.

Looking for a day full of discovery and excitement? Take off on an adventure, accompanied by a guide specialized in flora and fauna, with a special focus on the emblematic bird of the Basque mountains: the griffon vulture. This experience is open to all, and will allow you to delve into the history of the smugglers and the legends of the Laminak, while being close to the vultures' nests, which you can observe through binoculars.

The Olhaldea equestrian center invites you to enjoy nature escapades, offering genuine multi-day trips with a varied range of rides suitable for all levels. The themes on offer can be chosen à la carte, including the discovery of Sare and the three Basque provinces. Whether for an hour, a half-day or a full day, itineraries can link sites such as Sare, Zugarramurdi and Ainhoa.

You can buy a topo-guide listing about thirty marked itineraries in the Saint-Palais area and hiking sheets for the whole of the Basque Country at the Tourist Information Office. In July and August, ask for the summer guide which proposes hikes with mountain guides, locals who tell you about their country. Without taking the car, you can go on foot on the Saint-Sauveur hill on the Xibaltare path (2 hours round trip): a very beautiful panorama on the Basque and Bearn Pyrenees awaits you there.

In the series of gaves, rivers, torrents and streams... the Gave du Saison, the central axis of the Soule, 54 kilometres and 400 kilometres with its tributaries, from the Gave de Larrau and the Gave de Sainte-Engrâce, presents the most beautiful fishing course! Classified in 1st category, this river lends itself to all types of fishing, but mainly to fly fishing or fishing with the toc; the trout are very "biting" from April, wild, called fario! (Specific cartography available at the Tourist Office of Soule de Tardets).

In the Iraty forest, there's a whole network of signposted snowshoeing itineraries for you to enjoy in winter, weather permitting - snow conditions being unpredictable - with 4 trails ranging from 3 to 13 km, for exploring and admiring this exceptional site; a paradise for solo, duo or family outings! There's also a toboggan run opposite the reception area, where you'll find all the information you need to rent snowshoeing and tobogganing equipment.

Explore the white waters of the Basque country between sea and mountains at the Cocktail Aventure leisure park. This secure enclave offers rafting (in unsinkable inflatable boats), inflatable canoeing and hydrospeed in waters of exceptional quality. These boats can accommodate up to 10 people. Among the most enchanting sites in the Basque Country, the Nive river and the area around Bidarray offer a truly spectacular backdrop. This activity is a truly invigorating return to nature!

This surf school, located on the main beach of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, offers a wide range of water-based activities, including the sensational Flyboard, towed buoys and, for those who prefer a more "classic" style, stand-up paddle boards for hire. You'll be able to pass your coastal license in a weekend. Whether you're planning a seminar, a birthday party or organizing activities for a summer camp, you can count on the technical expertise and interpersonal and supervisory skills of the instructors who have made the school's reputation since 1994.

Bakun surf school welcomes you for an exceptional surfing experience. Olivier, D.E., introduces you to the pleasures of surfing on the Basque coast and in Morocco during "surfcamp" stays (organized from November to April). Whichever formula you choose, you're sure to have a memorable vacation. Whether you're young or old, the Bakun surf school offers learning and improvement courses for all levels. You'll be able to learn to surf in specially adapted spots. With his minibus, Olivier will take you to the appropriate beaches in complete safety.

At H2O, you'll have a fun-filled introduction to one of the Basque country's most popular sports: surfing. Fred and Jean-Christophe, the 2 instructors who have been at the helm since 1996, will introduce you to the pleasures of riding the waves, the natural environment associated with surfing, and the magnificent seascapes, particularly during Stand Up Paddle outings. Supervised by qualified instructors, lessons are given on the beaches of Bidart, on waves that are not too powerful, but enough to learn on, allowing a risk-free initiation.

We've come a long way since the Chantaco golf course was inaugurated in 1928, with immediate success and a host of world-famous personalities who have frequented the course ever since. Some of the biggest names in French professional golf have made a name for themselves, especially victories at the highest level. The golf course has always been run by a member of the Lacoste family, and it is now, under the impetus of Jean-Marie Lacoste, grandson of René Lacoste, that the course is meeting the standards of the most demanding French golf courses. The greens have been reconfigured, all the tee boxes enlarged, the bunkers redesigned and, facing the Rhune mountain, the practice range has been redesigned to make it even more user-friendly. Chantaco, this legendary golf course, is once again a must-see destination in the Basque Country, combining tradition and modernity and perfectly suited to all levels of play. It's a friendly place, open to all, beginners or experienced players, where you can share a cross-generational sport on a preserved site. The clubhouse, also renovated in the Art Deco style of the 1930s, is home to the chef's restaurant, which serves seasonal, locavore cuisine to players, visitors and tourists alike. The golf course is also an ideal venue for corporate seminars. "Put your grey matter to work! A whole world dedicated to this noble sport, which is gaining in popularity in France. Chantaco's historical and gastronomic heritage and the ocean are just a drive away.