La Vue Du Berger

Villa La Vue du Berger offers a truly rural setting just moments from the dramatic Atlantic coastline, with the shadows of the Pyrénées providing the perfect backdrop. The immediate area around the villa is luscious countryside, fantastic for exploring by foot, with stunning coastal hikes just a few minutes’ drive away. You’re ideally placed directly in between the pretty bustling towns of Hendaye to the south and St Jean de Luz to the north, both accessible in under a 10 minutes’ drive.

The sprawling medieval town of Hendaye 7km south, sits on the Spanish border, where you’ll find plenty to amuse the whole family. Split into two, the medieval Basque old town is situated on a hilltop, boasting some fantastic views, beautiful Basque style architecture, and windy lanes in which to explore the local shops and restaurants. You can also access the impressive Château Abbadia on the outskirts of town, which is well worth a visit. Down below in the peninsular you have a large bay with a modern marina and sailing club, and a beautiful 3 km stretch of white sandy beach along the Atlantic coast. So, whether you’re spending an evening high rolling in the marina casino, enjoying a surf lesson on one of its 4 beaches, or even taking a boat trip over to Spain, you’ll find an abundance of activities in this lovely town.

The nearest beach to the villa can be found in the small seaside resort of Ciboure, the birthplace of the composer Maurice Ravel and home of artist Henri Matisse. Ciboure will charm visitors with its old town full of stone and timber-framed houses, its picturesque fishing port and its bustling Sunday morning market. The beach is fantastic for swimming and sunbathing, watching the boats come and go under the watchful eye of Fort Socoa in the distance.

If you’re after the hustle and bustle of a vibrant coastal town without having to navigate round the many tourists that frequent Biarritz, St Jean de Luz will provide everything you could want just 7km north of the property. Originally a small fishing port at the mouth of the River Nivelle, it later became a fashionable resort for well-to-do French, English and Spanish tourists in the late 19th century. Now you’ll find a quintessential Basque seaside town – complete with atmospheric narrow streets, a lively harbour and a sparkling sandy beach. Try some fresh seafood at La Boete, one of the many seafood restaurants in the streets surrounding the Port, stumble across a local orchestra performing in Place Louis XIV, enjoy one of many kid’s clubs along the Grande Plage beach or for the more experienced surfer head north to Acotz beach. With quad bike excursions, hikes and golf being just a few more activities you can try in St Jean de Luz, you’ll never get bored, and with a number of relaxing spa’s in town you can recover in luxury.

Further north, around a 20-minute drive away, you’ll find the lively town of Biarritz, an elegant seaside resort dating back to the 19^th century when aristocracy built their summer residences along this part of the coast, including the well-known Hotel du Palais, built by the wife of Napoleon III on the famous Le Grand Plage.

You will find some superb restaurants in the Port des Pecheurs, the former fishing port, where ordering some beautifully fresh seafood is a must. A lovely atmosphere can be found around the Port Vieux where you’ll discover a tiny sheltered beach loved by locals and the town’s main shopping street, Rue Port Vieux. Beautiful Art Deco buildings can be appreciated all around the town and especially along the beach, including the casino (also home to a theatre and swimming pool) and the Aquarium which is a must for sea-lovers or families.

The fantastic picturesque villages inland should not be overlooked, with the majestic Pyrénées on your doorstep you have a great selection, including two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages; pretty Ainhoa (30km) and Sare (22km), where you can take the old wooden train up to the summit of La Rhune, one of the most dominant peaks of the Pyrénées, where there are some restaurants with incredible views as well as hiking opportunities.

Read more about Biarritz

Ah, the French Basque Country… a region that has such a mix of Basque tradition and French charm that it immediately wins the heart of every tourist that visits. What’s not to love? The incredible beaches, friendly locals and fusion of Spanish and French cultures is one-of-a-kind.

While you’re enjoying one of our fantastic villas in Biarritz, you may well want to explore everything else the region has to offer – so we’ve put together this handy travel guide to give you a little help and inspiration!

Download our Biarritz travel guide >>