en
Français
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?
pbvf
pbvf
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 May 19, 2026 to Sept. 12, 2026
Exposition Pravdada de Tanguy Samzun
"Pravdada" is an oxymoron that derives from *Pravda* ("truth"), a pro-Stalinist Soviet daily newspaper, and Dada, an international movement of artists and writers. Dada emerged out of a deep aversion to war, which was seen as the symbol of the collapse of civilizations, culture, and rationality. Terrorist, provocateur, iconoclast—rejecting all ideological, moral, or artistic constraints—the movement advocates confusion, absolute doubt, and celebrates the virtues of spontaneity, kindness, humor, and the joy of living. Dictators do not like humor, absurdity, or nonsense. The exhibition is a rewriting of the history of art and cinema; we’re going to set the record straight—no more myths; let’s talk about “well-established facts,” unless they’re just tall tales or winter fairy tales?
Next dates:
- From 05/19/2026 to 09/12/2026
From May 19, 2026 to Sept. 12, 2026
Exposition Shadow de Kerian Samzun
Shadow boxing is a practice that involves %E0 simulating a fight without an opponent in front of a mirror; these are boxing movements performed in the air, which similarly help improve one’s technique, coordination, and endurance. But it also means understanding that your worst enemy might just be yourself.
Next dates:
- From 05/19/2026 to 09/12/2026
From Sept. 7, 2026 to Sept. 27, 2026
Exposition de Peinture au couteau
Artists Isabelle GELI, an internationally renowned painter listed and recognized by DROUOT, and Huguette FIOR are organizing an exhibition of knife-painting in Labastide Clairence. About sixty abstract and impressionist paintings will be on display at the Espace Darrieux.
Next dates:
- From 09/07/2026 to 09/27/2026
The Sept. 12, 2026
Tournoi de Pala
Tournament organized by Lous CAPEROYS. Teams of 2 players; 3 rounds. Registration closes on September 5. Refreshments and snacks available on site.
Next dates:
- 09/12/2026
The Sept. 12, 2026
Bilaka "Dirau"
With *Dirau*, the Bilaka collective returns to the public stage. The collective’s four dancer-choreographers, accompanied by Bastien Marianne’s compositions, transform the *jauziak*—traditional jumps—into a collective pulse. A haunting and hypnotic trance that gives each performer the freedom to find their own resonance within it, thereby redefining the dance of this exciting collective for today. Duration: 30 min
Next dates:
- 09/12/2026
The Sept. 15, 2026 from 10:30 a.m.
Visite guidée : zoom sur La Bastide et ses pépites !
Located 20 minutes from Bayonne, La Bastide-Clairence has been awarded the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" and "Ville et Métiers d'Art" labels. It has preserved the checkerboard layout of a new 14th-century town. The tour takes you through its narrow streets, inviting you to "zoom in" on its arcaded square, its atypical church and its trinquet with its original history. A final stop at La Fabrique de Chocolat 1903 to discover a little of its history, and enjoy?
Next dates:
- 09/15/2026
Open every day
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
The Sept. 19, 2026
La nuit des KiwizZ
An evening featuring performances by the KiwizZ Band, Les Fastaskes, Les Incognitos, and Les Karaokiches.
Next dates:
- 09/19/2026
The Sept. 19, 2026 from 11 a.m.
Journées du Patrimoine 2026
Our Family Photos: From Private Heritage to Collective Heritage. Tracing the Everyday History of La Bastide-Clairence To celebrate the Bicentennial of Photography during European Heritage Days, we’re moving beyond the typical “postcard” clichés to explore your hidden treasures! Because heritage is also found in the memories captured by a family photo, in a fleeting moment with friends immortalized with a single click, or in a photo from a party or a first day of school class photo. Join the hands-on workshop “Retracing Our Photographic Memories,” whether you live in the village or not! Bring one or two personal photos that are close to your heart. Open to everyone ages 12 and up. Check the website for the program.
Next dates:
- 09/19/2026
Open every day
The Sept. 22, 2026 from 10:30 a.m.
Visite guidée : zoom sur La Bastide et ses pépites !
Located 20 minutes from Bayonne, La Bastide-Clairence has been awarded the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" and "Ville et Métiers d'Art" labels. It has preserved the checkerboard layout of a new 14th-century town. The tour takes you through its narrow streets, inviting you to "zoom in" on its arcaded square, its atypical church and its trinquet with its original history. A final stop at La Fabrique de Chocolat 1903 to discover a little of its history, and enjoy?
Next dates:
- 09/22/2026
Open every day
The Sept. 29, 2026 from 10:30 a.m.
Visite guidée : zoom sur La Bastide et ses pépites !
Located 20 minutes from Bayonne, La Bastide-Clairence has been awarded the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" and "Ville et Métiers d'Art" labels. It has preserved the checkerboard layout of a new 14th-century town. The tour takes you through its narrow streets, inviting you to "zoom in" on its arcaded square, its atypical church and its trinquet with its original history. A final stop at La Fabrique de Chocolat 1903 to discover a little of its history, and enjoy?
Next dates:
- 09/29/2026
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
Labels and rankings of
La Bastide-Clairence
