Built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the foundations of an old Roman cathedral, today Cathédrale Ste-Marie part of UNESCO World Heritage. Its Gothic style with two spires can be seen from several kilometers away, making it an impressive sight. Inside, admire the quality of the window panes and the statues and intricate paintings. Even those of little faith will be overwhelmed by the feeling of total serenity. Ransacked after the French revolution there are still some interesting tombs and vestiges in its cloisters. For those of you who don't suffer from vertigo, you can even climb up into the belfry to get a superb panoramic view of the town.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the author of Cyrano de Bergerac discovered Cambo and its microclimate (one of the mildest in the region). Bolded over, he decided to have his dream villa built here. The many rooms, each decorated in a different style (English, Chinese, etc) demonstrate his taste for the avant-garde movement and a fertile imagination. The French-style gardens –less wild- are a haven of peace and greenery.
Standing proudly on terraces set in the foothills of the Pyrenean mountains, a handful of vineyards enjoys the last autumnal sunrays for perfect ripeness. Traditionally tended by monks, white, red and rose vines were planted over 200 hectares near the Irouleguy and Anhaux priories, along the road of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. Nine villages are entitled to use the vintage name. Les Vignerons du Pays Basque in Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry will take you round their estates and let you sample their produce: a full-bodied little wine to go perfectly with the cuisine of the region. Biarritz-Bayonne-Cambo towards Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 65km
According to the legend, towards the end of the 8th century, Roland, the incomparable nephew of Charlemagne (King of the Franks), passed through Itxassou where he left his mark. A remarkable opening in the rock is said to have been dug out by his famous sword Durandal. To see these “relics”, leave the Itxassou road, step into the greenwood through narrow gorges and follow a little signposted path (it gets very busy!) along the river Nive. This invigorating family walk is a real breath of fresh air.
Biarritz-Ustaritz-Cambo-Itxassou: 30km
Traditionally, the Basque people did not bury their dead in vaults but under long tumulus on which were laid disk-shaped stones, engraved with various symbols (sun, moon, Basque crosses, etc). Often unknown or sometimes simply identified through the name of dead person's house, these steles are an integrated part of the Basque heritage. Created by artists with naïve or more intricate engravings, discover these remains in cemeteries or near churches. Some are over 500 years old. There are about a hundred at the church in Itxassou.
Biarritz-Ustartitz-Cambo-Itxassou: 25km
Dating back to 1893 when bullfighting was in full swing, Arènes de Bayonne hosts the traditional bullfighting few times a year. It is also the largest of its kind in the Southwest of France. Besides bullfighting events, it is the home of the Festivities of Bayonne and Peñas y Salsa. It is a popular choice for many cultural events held in the city.