Espelette is a traditional village in the Basque province of Labourd, close to typical Basque coastal villages such as Ainhoa, Itxassou, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Cambo-les-Bains. Located 20 minutes from the Basque coast, at the foot of the mountains and 10 minutes from the Spanish border, this village is much appreciated by French and international tourists for its beauty, authenticity and numerous activities.
Discover the village of Espelette
and Basque culture during
your camping holiday
This village is renowned for its authenticity, with its beautiful houses decorated with chillies, its renovated castle, its chocolate factory, the quality of its chillies and its cultural and sporting events.
The pimento is one of the emblems of the Basque country, its culture and gastronomy. Named after the village of Espelette, it is based on know-how handed down from generation to generation.
In the Basque Country, piment d’Espelette is often used in place of pepper. A good piment d’Espelette can be recognized by the
During your camping holiday in the Basque Country, in Espelette, you can discover how this flagship product is made and visit the local chocolate factories where you can sample specialities made with this delicious chilli pepper.
Discover
Basque culture
What to do in Espelette on your next camping trip?
The Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta was built in the 11th century and classified as a historic monument in 1993. It is currently being renovated. This is the center of Espelette’s administrative, cultural and social life. On the first floor, you’ll find the town hall’s secretariat, council chambers and social offices.
The Tourist Office and library share the second floor, and the second floor is devoted to a number of exhibitions, including one of the two rooms used for permanent displays.
If you’re a gourmet, if you’re curious, come and discover the Antton chocolate factory. Founded in 1993, the expertise of master chocolatier Antton (pronounced AN-TI-ONNE) honors the
The Mondarrain summit stands at an altitude of 750 m. This peak dominates the Laxia valley, opposite Artzamendi, in a massif that separates two basins, the Nivelle and Nive basins, on the Atlantic side of the Pyrenees. Mondarrain can be recognized by its symmetrical silhouette crowned by a cliff, the remains of its fortifications and, above all, its rocky face made of greasy rock.
The magnificent Basque region offers a wide range of hikes, as varied as the colors of the landscape. There’s something to suit every taste and level of difficulty. Come and enjoy a horseback ride, a walk or a bike ride on a cultural, historical, natural or even religious theme. There’s something for everyone.
Take part in emblematic events in the Basque Country during your stay at the campsite
Espelette is also known for its emblematic events. The
Another popular event is the Course des Crêtes, a mountain race accompanied by festivities in the streets and mountains, a true sporting and festive event where conviviality is paramount.
Chilli festival in Espelette
One of the finest festivals in the Basque Country is held in Espelette, a festival of Basque colors during which growers present their produce and restaurateurs prepare exceptional dishes based exclusively on peppers.
Solemn mass in Basque, with blessing of the chillies, chilli prize-giving, bandas concerts, Basque strength games, bare-handed pelota, participation in large country banquets. Chillies and regional products are sold at a
The ridge run
A race, a party, or simply a rendezvous, a run in the mountains in the heart of the Basque Country from 1.30 a.m. until very late the next morning, more than 4,000 riders will take part in one of the six races on the program, before gathering for a festive meal. The festivities are everywhere, in the streets, on the mountain, in the peloton and at the refreshment points, as we say in the Basque Country: “Sport all right, party first”.
