Sports and leisure activities Aquitaine

Situated at the foot of the Rhune, the Centre Equestre Sainte-Hélène, the largest in the Basque Country, enjoys an exceptional setting between land and sea. Its outstanding facilities include a covered riding arena, a small arena, a stable for clubs and owners, a round pen, an equestrian stadium and a club house. From the age of 2 to the most experienced riders, a team of professionals is on hand all year round to guide, accompany and introduce you to the art of horsemanship.

At the gateway to Biarritz, you'll discover the Arcangues golf course and its exceptional setting, a favorite of professional golfers, created in the 1990s by brothers Guy and Jean d'Arcangues on the property surrounding the village. Set in a 70-hectare estate, the golf course, designed by American architect Ronald Fream, is part of the^2nd generation of courses on the Basque Coast. This magnificent golf course features some twenty holes dotted around a wild landscape. The Arcangues golf course hosts numerous competitions throughout the year.

Cécile Daulan has been a potter for more than 20 years, but recently decided to reopen her studio-boutique where she settled in Audenge near Arcachon. L'atelier des Treys is open from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 4pm. In any case, these are the times when it's possible to take a one-to-one pottery class, solo or with up to 3 people. For 2 hours, you'll create several glazed pieces. Courses are also available. If you'd like to come and take a look, the best thing to do is give her a call. Cécile also owns a gîte.

Climb aboard a sailboat, take to the open sea and learn to sail with the Haizea Spi en Tête sailing school, which offers outings off the Basque coast. Excursions with iodine are well worth the detour, from Hendaye to Hossegor, or further south to San Sebastian, from Getaria to Getxo. Cruises too, for a taste of all the pleasures of sailing. Come aboard with family and friends, in complete safety, and take advantage of the various packages on offer. And if you want to learn to sail, professional skippers will teach you how to trim a sail.

Route climbing, bouldering, fun climbing, children's corner... in a 2,300 m² area at the Décathlon Village in Mérignac. Rope walls rise to 15 m over 60 lines. In all, there are over 200^3rd and ^8th degree routes and a wide range of climbing aids. In the bouldering hall, there are almost 100 passages, with routes scheduled to be renewed every 5 weeks or even every week. For all levels, including the disabled!

Overlooking the beach of Mayarco and the ocean, between Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Guéthary, the Mayarco miniature golf course is located on an exceptional site. On the edge of the coastal path, it is a playful course of 18 holes accessible to all and perfectly maintained. With a restaurant and a friendly bar open to all to enjoy cocktails, tapas ... Ideal to combine a day at the beach with activities and relaxation, to spend an evening, to celebrate a birthday... With its terraces, its dream view on the ocean, its friendly atmosphere, it is the recipe of more than 30 years of success!

Total immersion from the inland Basque country to the Bardenas desert (in Navarre), with the discovery of wild landscapes, sunsets with aperitif dinners in the mountains, etc. Passenger or driver of a real top-of-the-range 4x4, in all weather conditions, on your own, with your family, in a group... Awaken your inner adventurer, with professional, qualified instructors on hand to guide you on every excursion. Thanks to the CB radio link, you'll learn the secrets of the Basque Country in a fun way. Animals are welcome.

An instructor and sports coach, Mylène will accompany you and adapt the hike to your physical condition and your desires. She'll help you gain confidence and move towards greater autonomy. On foot, running or by bike, her favorite places are the immense playground that is the Basque Country. Muscular awakening, positioning techniques, endurance management, stretching, accompaniment on hikes to the first peaks of the Pyrenees in complete safety.

Just 5 minutes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Cycles Lalanne Père et Fils, established since 1935, has opened a superb boutique. Pierre and his wife, accompanied by Alexandre, are bike enthusiasts, ready to advise you on both the choice of machine and the countless tours to be undertaken in the Basque country. The team takes care of bike preparation, and also offers repair services for visiting cyclists. Rental formulas are available for VAE, VTC, mountain bikes and road bikes for all ages.

This climbing center is accessible from the age of 4, with an adapted course and no age limits, except for a few workshops limited to 1.20 m. Climb the many colorful and fun climbing walls and workshops 8 m high, and once you've overcome your fear of heights, you can complete the 3 challenges on each wall. Hapik is also an indoor high ropes course. Once you've cleared the various obstacles, you can launch yourself into the void on the zip lines. The center also features an augmented reality wall and an 8 m-high vertical slide.

You can discover the Leyre and its delta without tiring yourself out on a boat called a Galupe. This flat-bottomed boat, once used to transport goods by river in the Landes region, is steered by a boatman using oars and paddles to preserve nature. This guided tour, interpreted and supervised by Guillaume and Yannick, is open to all. Depending on the tides, you'll discover wilderness areas. You can observe the flora and fauna of this river, nicknamed the Little Amazon for its amber color due to iron hydroxide.

This sports complex is dedicated to JorkyBall, Racketball and Jiu-Jitsu. Jorkyball, also known as 2-a-side soccer, is a team sport derived from soccer and inspired by squash, created in 1987. Racketball is played with a tennis racket with a shorter handle and a larger ball than squash and faster than tennis. Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that combines fighting techniques developed by the samurai. And the newest discipline, axe and knife throwing. Relaxation area and snack bar, ideal for groups.

With 7,000 km of waterways, including almost 5,000 km of first category fishing grounds, Béarn is a paradise for all fish lovers! The Fédération de Pêche des Pyrénées-Atlantiques is a driving force behind the preservation of aquatic resources and the promotion of responsible fishing. Its conservation, education and awareness-raising efforts help to preserve aquatic ecosystems while helping fishing enthusiasts to enjoy their hobby. Protecting nature for the benefit of future generations.

Open to skates, rollerblades and scooters (pegs are forbidden), the Basque coast's first indoor skatepark confirms its success with a surface area of 1,415 m² in complete safety. Bowl and street areas (250 m²) are available for sessions from 7 to 77 years old. A sport that develops balance and agility. Children aged 6 to 11 must be accompanied by an adult. You can also book introductory or advanced courses during the school vacations, which are offered to children aged 4 and over, and admire their exploits.

The Basque Country at the pace of paddling and kayaking, with professional supervision and tailor-made services. An original and sporty way to discover the ocean and mountains, its coastline and its French and Spanish Basque rivers. On land, from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Bayonne, with customized courses: aqua-rando, airyak, rafting and canoraft. Sea side, from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to San Sebastian or Bayonne: Esquimo kayak, sunset hike. Tailor-made private packages for companies and groups.

Hiking trails around Sainte-Engrâce for all levels, with breathtaking panoramas. Merkatubidea: departure from Camping Ibarra, 6 km, 3h; Ukhumurrutia: departure from Camping Ibarra, 6 km, 3h; Gorges d'Ehujarré: departure from the church, 12 km, 7h30; Murrutchegagné : departure from church, 4 km, 2h30; Espildoy: departure from Auberge Berrieix, 6 km, 4h30; Tour du Pont d'Enfer: departure from Gorges parking lot, 2 km, 50 min; La Verna: departure from Visitor Center, 8 km, 3h30.

Christophe has held a state diploma as a sports educator since 1996, and has found his niche in a passion for sport, in particular Basque pelota, mountain biking and all-terrain scootering. Weighing around 25 kg and equipped with disc brakes, this machine is available after a 30-minute initiation. It gives you the opportunity to ride down Mount Baigura (897 m) to the Baigura leisure center, in a classic or more sporty way (from age 14).

Created in 1979, the Bidane racecourse was refurbished in 2015. This multi-disciplinary racecourse (gallop and trot), whose season always starts on Easter Monday, hosts seven major meetings a year. Whether you're a horse fan or just a stroller, race days are always an opportunity to spend some quality time with your family. Trust your host to take you right to the heart of the action. And if you feel like placing a bet, don't hesitate to ask for advice at the ticket office... And maybe win!

From Villeneuve-sur-lot, this family-run hike will take you to discover the many trees and shrubs in the region. An ideal route for children and parents! Secured oxygen in the heart of pleasant spring landscapes.

Distance: 3 km.

Tariff: adult +18 years old: 8 €, child +10 years old: 5 € and -10 years free, groups > 8 people: 6 €/pers.

Difficulty: easy.

Date: school parking at the place Courbiac, reservation mandatory.

The Trampoline Park is the ultimate in fun and safety, and the latest addition to the Saint-Jean-de-Luz sports scene. Over 1,600 m² are dedicated to trampolining, with basketball dunk, dodgeball, hand court, foam pit, cage ball, ninja warrior... These strategy and sports activities are ideal and safe for families and friends, and are a big hit with enthusiasts of all ages (from 5 to... years). With short hand, you can test your skills on the trampoline, and with basketball, you can score. Ideal for kids and...parents.

The only water ski and wakeboard school in Lahonce, close to Bayonne, since 2007, Julien, a state-certified water ski instructor, introduces children, adults and seniors to the sensations of water sports. On a stable, enclosed 1 km² stretch of water, on an exceptional "spot", towed by a Mastercraft with integrated fat bag and 310 hp of power, with personalized supervision, you'll make rapid progress. Children can experience the joys of water skiing on the introductory bar from age 6. Barefoot, wake, kneeboard, foil surfing...

The underwater world is fascinating! Thanks to the Urpean diving club, you can discover some of the most varied sites on the Basque coast, either solo or accompanied, including the "morutier" wreck at San Sebastian in Spain. Just a few motor turns from the port of Hendaye, the "wall" is one of the most beautiful dives, with a rich and varied fauna. Whether you're looking for a snorkeling trip, a first dive for children or adults, Level 1 or Nitrox training, the club is open to all. And you can also improve your skills by passing your Level 2.

The Etchebri guest house in Anglet is the ideal base for discovering the 11 golf courses within a 30 km radius, which are open all year round. With a wide variety of landscapes, from the ocean to the foothills of the mountains, and close to the Spanish border, it's a golfer's paradise. Brigitte, your host, offers turnkey packages - accommodation and golf lessons. Whether you're looking for an introductory or intensive course, she'll take care of everything, from booking courses to courses and lessons. Introductory courses, advanced courses, weekends with Basckkin massage, dinners, etc...

The Société d'Astronomie des Pyrénées Occidentales was founded in 1973 by Canon Henri Louyat. It has two observatories near Pau, in Saint-Castin (equipped with a 300 mm telescope), and Idron (equipped with an instrument dedicated to observing the Sun). Throughout the year, SAPO organizes conferences, free public observation evenings at the Saint-Castin site, and daytime solar observations and workshops at Idron. The schedule of these events is periodically updated on the association's website.

The GROUPE D'ASTRONOMIE POPULAIRE DU LOT-ET-GARONNE in Montayral offers a complete and accessible astronomical complex. With its domes housing automated telescopes up to 500 mm, its 15-seat digital planetarium and its large 50-seat auditorium, this observatory offers a wide range of practical and theoretical astronomical activities that will delight astronomy enthusiasts. Although the north-western horizon is slightly darkened, moonless evenings are always a great success, allowing you to enjoy the site to the full. What's more, no reservation is required.

This beautiful observatory, founded in 1878 and listed as a Historic Monument in 2010, offers tours organized by the Sirius association, Bordeaux Métropole, the University of Bordeaux and the town of Floirac. These guided tours enable visitors to admire the large equatorial telescope with its 7m-long tube! You'll also learn about the rich history of the site and discover the work of British artist Suzanne Treister, installed in the large dome. Beware: you'll need to be able to climb the staircase, which is not suitable for young children or people with reduced mobility.

A passionate river angler, Glenn, who is Irish by birth and Basque at heart, has been a fishing instructor-guide in the Basque Country since 2012. He has developed his skills and knowledge of different techniques, which has given him an in-depth understanding of fish behaviour over the seasons. Trained as a hydrobiologist, his playground is the Nive valley (1,300 km of swimmable stretch), the Lauhribar with its tropical vegetation that makes fishing a bit acrobatic, the Nives de Béhérobie, d'Arnéguy, des Aldudes and so on.

In Bidart, come and try the fastest ball sport in the world with two Cesta Punta world champions, Patxi and Jon Tambourindeguy. 2 brothers who will share their passion with you and offer introductory courses in Basque pelota on the finest pediments. Converted to cestero (basket maker) and pelotero (ball maker), they invite you to their workshop in Bidart to discover the art of making and repairing chisteras, and will teach you the techniques of the game so that you can progress in a friendly atmosphere. Advanced courses.

"Well-being is created through well-doing" This is the motto of this concept, but it's also the intelligent gym that reconciles the physical and the mental based on yoga, modern gymnastics and martial arts. This (worldwide) practice is inspired by Eastern gymnastics for concentration and fluidity of movement, and strengthens muscles, increases flexibility and improves health. Isabelle, your personal trainer, offers classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and also outdoors, at Lake Marion and on the beach.

Hydratechnic (formerly BungyPump) has revolutionized the walking stick by integrating a 20 cm pump system combined with resistance that can vary from 4 to 10 muscles. It's a bit like the 7-league boot 3.0! Eric, the inventor, manufactures and sells from his new store in Lahonce, and delivers throughout France and beyond... For everyone, beginners, those returning to activity, occasional or top-level sportsmen and women. Training courses are also available. Thalasso centers, leisure centers, back schools and national federations all use these magic sticks.

Rise above the world with Sylvain and his team on a fully personalized tour, discovering unexplored landscapes, wildlife, local people and their environment. Sylvain will introduce you to or perfect your skills in summer and winter mountain activities. With 30 specialized circuits in each sector, the Basque Country offers unique experiences with the possibility of bivouacking. Training courses are also available, covering observation, mountain orientation and avalanche rescue.

On the famous Cavaliers beach in Anglet, 5 minutes from Biarritz, Mathieu and his team of qualified instructors, with over 20 years' experience, organize, advise and introduce surfing to all ages. The school is certified by the French Surfing Federation. Lessons are scheduled according to the tides. In rough weather, the surf school can take you to more suitable spots. Lessons, courses, school and accommodation are also available during the week. The surf school has a new permanent structure on the beach, with an on-site shower.

Conceived by the founding father of the "tree course" concept, Monsieur Payan, Bisc'Aventure was the first park of its kind to open on a coastal site, in July 2000. And it's also one of Europe's biggest accrobranche parks! Children as young as 4 years of age can climb up to 6 metres high. For older children: Free Jump or Giant Catapult? The range of activities is constantly expanding. Today, there are more than 180 tree games spread over 16 courses of increasing difficulty. So, shall we go for it?

Yak'Ocean offers you a wide range of activities to discover the Arcachon basin in complete privacy, including Île aux Oiseaux, cabanes tchanquées, Dune du Pilat, Banc d'Arguin and Lac de Cazaux-Sanguinet (40). The more experienced can hire equipment, while amateurs can try their hand at pirogue trekking or choose one of the environmental walks accompanied by a professional. Yak'Ocean makes a point of tackling the subject of preserving our environment and its fragile balance. Reservations required.

Embark on a canoe or a paddle and let yourself be carried by the calm waters of the Gave. Glide along the green banks and enjoy the calm and serenity of the surrounding nature. Whether you are alone, in couple, with family or friends, Orthez Nautique offers quality equipment and courses adapted to all levels, from beginners to the most experienced. Qualified instructors ensure a safe practice. Possibility to practice rafting and white water swimming. To test : an escape game on the Gave river.

Welcome to Kaska 64, the training center open to all. Here, various combat and self-defense sports are taught. KRAV MAGA, KMRED, French boxing, sparring techniques. Who hasn't experienced a bad encounter one day and, there, it's hard not to put yourself in the place of the victim. What are the gestures that save ? KMRED is a simple, direct and efficient fighting discipline that is for everyone, children, women and men, and allows you to better defend yourself or to simply practice in leisure mode.

OJB, a professional skydiving school affiliated with the Fédération Française de Parachutisme and the Fédération des Exploitants Professionnels du Parachutisme, offers baptisms, skydiving training and skydiving courses. Armed with a medical certificate of no contraindication to skydiving less than 3 months old, you can meet at the Mimizan aerodrome, where certified instructors will take charge of you. The school is the only one in the Landes region to be ranked in the top 10 French schools approved by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

From April to November, the CitySurf shuttle takes you close to the waves from Bordeaux. Managed by surfing professionals, the school has been awarded the "Ecole Française de Surf" label, and accompanies you to the ocean to learn to surf or improve your skills. You can find the team at the Boardriders store or directly at the Garonne beach in Cap-Ferret, where lessons are given every weekend during the same period. The school is open to everyone aged 7 and over. There are also courses and surf camps with accommodation in the Basque Country and Portugal.