What shall we do?

...for those of you who are foodies... our local restaurants are fabulous....proper posh food but at very reasonable prices... they would give Mr Ramsey a run for his money! Each town has a weekly market, sometimes twice a week. They are bursting with local fresh produce, arts and crafts and the odd pretty frock. For those who are seeking adventure, our local river is probably a level 2 white water. Rafting64 offers rafting, paintballing, zorbing etc... ....Skiing is just an hour away from December to April..we are happy to take you to our local resort, La Pierre Saint Martin, any excuse to visit the slopes!

Restaurants

These are our local favs... from PIzza for lazy nights with Netflix to top-notch grub; you will be impressed! If your French is a little rusty and you would like us to book you a table... just ask. Don't leave it to the last minute... the locals also indulge!

  • Auberge Claverie, Audaux – Cosy dining, great ambience; traditional French food and lots of it. Super little restuarant. 0559660380 
  • Auberge de la Fontaine, Laas. Absolutely stunning little village, perfect for a summer's evening. Crisp white tablecloths, elegant glassware, all framed by the pretty wisteria climbing up the traditional French farmhouse... the food is also awesome, would highly recommend – 0559382020 https://www.aubergedelafontaine.net/
  • Chez Germaine, Geus. Pop in on a Thursday evening, they offer 3 courses for 26 euros, the food is incredible! Be aware that during French bank holidays the offer won't be available – 0559880065 
  • Pizzeria des Ramperts..... simply the best PIzza everrrrrr!!! Allow at least 40 minutes ....just time for a quick beer at one of the local bars.. https://pizzerianavarrenx.fr/

  • The Tavern of Saint-Jacques Restaurant, Navarrenx. Great burgers, massive Caesar salad, great Margret duck. Quick, no nonsense service; we would eat here all the time if we could. Simple food cooked well. 05 59 66 25 25

     

     

Markets

Hop on one of our bikes and cycle to our traditional French market a short cycle away in Navarrenx..fresh local produce, cheese, bread, fruit and veg and arts a crafts. Open Wednesday's and Sundays (Sundays in the summer only).  

 

Further a field there are lots of of larger markets if you are willing to travel. The medieval town of Sallies de Bearn has a weekly market which meanders through their ancient streets. After making your purchases, enjoy a coffee with the locals and perhaps pop to the local thermal baths for a quick dip. A wander round the town is a must, the buildings wouldn't be out of place in an episode of the Tudors.

 

Hossegor is a fab day out. Arts, crafts, hats, jewellery food....followed by Pinxtos and wine in the indoor market with the locals. The artisan boutiques and restaurants are also rather lovely if you have the energy! If you are feeling a little sleepy after shopping, eating and drinking a quick nap on the beach will sort you out before the drive home (the surf is also excellent!)

 

...there really are lots to choose from, for a full list go to: 

https://www.guide-bearn-pyrenees.com/en/tourism/tasting/markets-of-bearn.html

 

Beaches

Similar vibe to Cornwall... long-wide beaches, plenty of surf but no need for a wetsuit and I've never seen a jelly fish. They are exceptionally clean and well-cared for. 

Beaches 

  • Hendaye, large flat beach. You can take a 5-minute boat trip to Hondaribia, Spain.  
  • Hossegor, as well as a pleasant beach the village has wonderful shops and restaurants. In the summer months there is a vibrant Sunday morning market; it finishes at 1.00pm.  
  • Capbreton,  smaller beaches and the restaurants and shops are beachside.  
  • My favourite... Les Estagnots

Skiing

Yep, there really is Skiing... just an hour from our front door to the bottom of the ski lift. You couldn't make it up! La Pierre is the closest, whilst it is small (its very reasonable). There is enough of a challenge for all abilities and some really nice little restaurants, our favourite is Mum's bar... we always have cheeky beer before hitting the slopes and share a burger once we have worked up an appetite. Their burgers are totally the best!

 

Part of a network of resorts called N'PY, link below There are many other resorts within driving distance, download the N’PY app to view a majority of them. https://www.n-py.com/f Spain is also close by and has the larger resort of Formigal; still driving distance. Much larger and more of your traditional ski resort, with the prices to match!

I like to ride my bicycle

We have 5 working bicycles you are welcome to borrow. They are all suitable for adults. Please give us 24 hours notice, should you wish to borrow them as we might need to pump up the tyres!

What else is there to do....?

White Water Rafting

Gave 'Oloron offers a great deal of entertainment, rafting, paddle boarding, kayaking or just a swim.  Contact Raft64 to book a fantastic day out on the river. 

Fancy a dip?

Until we have our own pool, the local pool in Navarrenx is a 10 minute cycle away. Its very clean and well-cared for. Open from June until the end of August and is just a couple of euros. Take a picnic, a good book and some sun cream. There is a cute children's pool too...

What is a repas?

During the summer months the local villages enjoy what's known as a Repas and visitors are welcome to join in. Locals sit on the long trestle tables and enjoy a set menu.... wine flows freely and they go on well into the early morning... often there is a band and entertainment. 

Treasure hunting

Vide Greniers or Flea markets are great places to find gifts and souviners...some are better than others, boasting genuine  French antiques, furniture, vintage clothing, arts and crafts and jewellery. We have found some stonking bargains over the years. For a guide of what's on where ...https://vide-greniers.org/64-Pyrenees-Atlantiques

Lindt Factory

You cannot go into the actual factory but the shop is worth a visit.... just for a sensory over-load. You can pick up some great bargains and have a hot chocolate if the weather is bad. https://www.lindt.fr/

Wine tasting

It would be rude not to! We are in the Juracon region for wine region.

Spa days

No one really needs an excuse for a Spa day...but if the weather is bad...its a good option to relax. Locally Sallies de Bearn has its own thermal springs and is worth a visit. My personal favourite is in Pau. Whilst its 40 minutes away, its just 19 euros for two hours which is plenty of time. Its very social and popular with the locals. If it is sunny you top up your tan on a lounger if its raining you can enjoy the out door bubble pools, saunas, steam rooms and plunge pool. 

My favourite cities

Bayonne

About an hour away, Bayonne dates back to 1023. The town boasts a great deal of history with the UK due to the marriage in 1152 of Eleanor of Aquitaine with Henry Plantagenet , the future King of England. The medieval town is well preserved and boasts an abundance of wonderful boutiques and river-side restaurants. It feels similar to Bordeaux, but is not quite such a trek. The beaches of Anglet and Biarritz are also close by so you can make a day of it. 

 

 

Bordeaux

Probably my favourite city in the world. Again beautifully preserved cobbled streets and ancient buildings. Restaurants, museums, galleries and shopping. From Maison Maisy you can drive to Orthez train station, park for free and take the 2 hour train to Bordeaux.  At night the streets are buzzing with little bars and restaurants our favourite cocktail bar is La Comptesse  and so far, our favourite restaurant is Arcada 

San Sebastian

Just over the French border into Spain, San Sebastian is an ancient Spanish city that boasts it own beach and more Michelin starred restaurants per square meter than anywhere else in the world. The architecture is captivating, the town framed by the wide flat beach is breath-taking... the weather is pretty reliable and the food is incredible. We often head to San Sebastian for some lunchtime Pinxtos a nose round the lanes. Our favourite is Borda Berri. 

 

Create Your Own Website With Webador