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La Bastide-Clairence
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
La Bastide-Clairence: a charming medieval planned town in the heart of the Basque Country!
Let yourself be charmed by this 14th-century medieval planned town, nestled between the lush green hills and mountains of the Basque Country on the !
Surrounding its arcaded square, half-timbered houses, white and red façades, artisans’ workshops and centuries-old trinquet create a setting full of character.
Combining cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and a relaxed way of life, La Bastide-Clairence invites you to discover another side to the Basque Country...
Heritage and traditions in the Basque Country
From the arcades of the main square to the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, right through to the trinquet where the passion for Basque pelota lives on, La Bastide-Clairence invites you to discover a village where heritage and traditions are part of everyday life. Ready for an authentic getaway in the green and red hinterland?
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A Word from the Bastidots
Whilst there are countless trinquets across the Basque Country, the one in La Bastide-Clairence is unique in that it is a former jeu de paume court converted into a trinquet. Acquired in 2008 and restored by the local council, the “Gartxot” trinquet has undergone dendrochronological analysis. Having established that the building dates back to the 16th century, these analyses revealed it to be one of the oldest jeu de paume courts in France. Listed as a Historic Monument since 2011, the building is once again in use today.
Your experiences to live in La Bastide-Clairence
©Jennifer Harrispe – Occupational Therapist, Basque Country
Treat yourself to a tour tailored to your preferences
To discover the history and heritage of this medieval ‘new town’, you have a choice: a guided tour with the Tourist Office every Tuesday morning in summer, a self-guided tour using an audio guide available all year round, or a family treasure hunt using the Tèrra Aventura app. Place des Arceaux, the church, the old mill, the trinquet, traditional houses… La Bastide-Clairence will hold no more secrets for you!
Meet the craftspeople
La Bastide-Clairence has made artisanal craftsmanship a defining feature of its identity. Step inside the workshops and shops to discover the skills of the many talented craftspeople who bring the village to life: potters, embroiderers, designers, leatherworkers, cutlers… and many more! Be warned: you’re bound to fall in love with something!
©©CAPB
Unravelling the secrets of chocolate-making
Food lovers and bakers, this place is for you! In the old family mill dating back to 1303, Gabriel has revived his great-great-grandfather’s chocolate factory, which was founded in 1903… in 2023… 120 years later! Through a discovery trail, you’ll follow every stage of the production process, from the processing of cocoa to the creation of delicious treats to eat or drink. Sensory guided tours are also available on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Booking is strongly recommended!
©©Valentin Grenon – Basque Country Tourist Board
Experience one of the largest ceramics markets in the South-West
Discover La Bastide-Clairence at one of the region’s most renowned ceramics markets: the Basque Country Ceramics Market. On the first weekend of September, more than fifty artists and craftspeople will take to the Place des Arceaux, whilst original exhibitions and installations will be held in unexpected venues. Workshops, demonstrations and entertainment await you at this unmissable event.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026
Journées Européennes du patrimoine : exposition " Réunion de chantier "
An architect, artists, and art enthusiasts are exhibiting sculptures, drawings, paintings, and installations as part of the “Heritage Days”: utopian or dystopian visions of real or imaginary worlds where viewers are invited to immerse themselves to their heart’s content. Opening reception on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 10/18/2026
From Oct. 5, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Exposition de sculpture et de céramique : « matière en résonance »
Woodcarver Jean-Louis Roux is sharing this exhibition with ceramicist Christine Bérard. Jean-Louis shapes raw wood to reveal forms and emotions. Christine, for her part, plays with the four elements to create unique worlds. At the heart of this creative process lies the precious connection between the tree and the earth: both embody the transformation and rebirth of nature into works of art. Come explore this encounter between sculpture and ceramics, two disciplines that interact to offer you a rich and inspiring artistic experience.
Next dates:
- From 10/05/2026 to 10/18/2026
Open every day
From Oct. 16, 2026 to Nov. 19, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Rhi-ZOOM #2 : exposition Ingrid Van Munster et Joël Dagès
Ingrid’s ceramics and Jo%EBl’s painted canvases give color and its evocative power a prominent place. There is a harmony in the unique treatment of the surfaces, which reveal a matte aesthetic that is both raw yet tenderly soft and soothing. In a play of transparencies and overlays, %AB shades blend to create vibrating movements, while right before one’s eyes the emotion of an image springs forth. %BB The effect offers a variable and shifting scale of perception, ranging from the detail of a close-up to the vast expanse of an open space. Opening reception on Thursday, October 15, at 6 p.m.
Next dates:
- From 10/16/2026 to 11/19/2026
Open every day
The Oct. 30, 2026
Larrazkenean : le jour où la nuit...
The garden transforms into a world where Dada and Surrealism step out of the pages of books to take their place in the park, the windows, and our minds. Here, we don’t just come to look. People come to wander through, listen, get lost, laugh, be amazed, walk backward, stand still… and perhaps no longer quite know what was supposed to happen. Voices emerge from the windows; drums and sounds echo through the night. Parents, dreamers, the curious, skeptics, regulars, neighbors, amateur artists, and experts in nothing: you’re all welcome. Come and experience it. The day when night enveloped us. 7:00 p.m., Inessa de Gaxen Hall: a planetary lecture on the Surrealist movement with Maxime Morel, followed at 8:30 p.m. by a screening of the film “Sous les pavés, la place,” created from footage collected by residents. From 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., Darrieux Park: sounds, lights, and surrealist eve
Next dates:
- 10/30/2026
The Oct. 31, 2026
Larrazkenean : le jour où la nuit...
The garden transforms into a world where Dada and Surrealism step out of the pages of books to take their place in the park, the windows, and our minds. Here, we don’t just come to look. People come to wander through, listen, get lost, laugh, be amazed, walk backward, stand still… and perhaps no longer quite know what was supposed to happen. Voices rise from the windows; drums and sounds pierce the night. Parents, dreamers, the curious, skeptics, regulars, neighbors, amateur artists, and experts in nothing: you’re all welcome. Come and experience it. The day the night enveloped us From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Salle Inessa de Gaxen: International symposium on “Culture and Surrealism in the Inland Basque Country” in the form of a writing workshop. From 9:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Darrieux Park: sounds, lights, and surrealist events. Refreshments and restaurant on site.
Next dates:
- 10/31/2026
The Nov. 8, 2026 from 8 a.m.
Vide-grenier
Come out in droves to browse for treasures in one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France!
Next dates:
- 11/08/2026
Open every day
From Nov. 28, 2026 to Nov. 29, 2026 from 9 a.m.
Stage de vannerie : la corbeille « organique »
Discover or improve your skills in the art of basket weaving, and weave your own basket or container over two days—materials, tools, and instruction included. Basket with a Catalan-style base, made of raw white wicker. Please bring a picnic lunch. Register with the basket weaver, Christine Thépénier, at least 10 days before the workshop.
Next dates:
- From 11/28/2026 to 11/29/2026
Open every day
From Dec. 5, 2026 to Dec. 6, 2026 from 9 a.m.
Stage de vannerie : le paillassou
Discover or improve your skills in the art of basket weaving, and weave your own basket or container over two days—materials, tools, and instruction included. Spiral-woven baskets made from molinia and mulberry rootstock. Please bring a picnic lunch. Register with the basket weaver, Christine Thépénier, at least 10 days before the workshop.
Next dates:
- From 12/05/2026 to 12/06/2026
Open every day
From Jan. 16, 2027 to Jan. 17, 2027 from 9 a.m.
Stage de vannerie : la corbeille « organique »
Discover or improve your skills in the art of basket weaving, and weave your own basket or container over two days—materials, tools, and instruction included. Basket with a Catalan-style base, made of raw white wicker. Please bring a picnic lunch. Register with the basket weaver, Christine Thépénier, at least 10 days before the workshop.
Next dates:
- From 01/16/2027 to 01/17/2027
Open every day
From Jan. 25, 2027 to Jan. 29, 2027 from 9 a.m.
Stage : la vannerie sauvage
Two techniques: the wicker basket and the straw mat. Preparing the vegetables, and time spent gathering and identifying plants suitable for weaving in the surrounding area. Please bring a picnic lunch. Register with the basket weaver, Christine Thépénier, at least 10 days before the workshop.
Next dates:
- From 01/25/2027 to 01/29/2027
Open every day
Pierretoun Donkey Farm
This is a visit that will delight young and old alike! The Pierretoun Discovery Farm will have you falling in love with the Pyrenean donkey, but you’ll also get to know the Pyrenean goat, the Basque pig and even the pottok, the small horse emblematic of the Basque Country. Donkey rides and a chance to help with milking (season permitting), tastings of local produce and an introduction to cosmetics made from donkey’s milk… Everything you need for a lovely day out with the family!
Canoeing and kayaking on the River Nive
Enjoy a refreshing, active and exploratory experience with friends in your canoe or kayak! Several routes are available from early May to late September, depending on the season, including a route suitable for everyone lasting around two hours on the Joyeuse in summer.
Open-air café and farmers’ market
We love these places and events that are exclusive to the summer holidays! On the banks of the river at Pont de Port, below the village, the aptly named open-air café ‘La Joyeuse’ lights up its fairy lights every weekend! From Friday to Sunday, there’s a programme of concerts, musical games, art and creative writing workshops, and a bal musette… And of course, you can enjoy all this whilst tucking into some local produce!
Another must-visit, this time in the heart of the bastide, is the Tuesday morning farmers’ market. Meet the local producers at Place des Arceaux and stock up on delicious local produce: seasonal fruit and vegetables, duck specialities, craft beers, sheep’s-milk cheeses, Espelette pepper, honey… Before or after your coffee on a terrace!
Our recommendations
Iduki
Les Collines Iduki
This four-star residence is set in lush green surroundings and offers views of the village of La Bastide-Clairence. It comprises traditional Basque houses.
Perbos 1556
Perbos 1556
This renovated former farmhouse is located a few minutes’ drive from the village and offers five spacious bedrooms. It is rated four stars by Gîtes de France and has a sauna area.
Map of La Bastide-Clairence
Extend the visit to near La Bastide-Clairence
Ainhoa
(24 km)
Sare
(30 km)
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
(30 km)
Prepare your stay at La Bastide-Clairence
Office de Tourisme Pays Basque
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