FAMILY HOLIDAYS: 5 original activities for kids in the Basque Country

Pottok rides, walks with hundreds of rabbits, pastry-making workshops, lake and forest walks and swims, giant tree-top zip-lines – the Basque Country is full of fun and unusual activities to surprise your children on vacation. Here are a few ideas for a camping vacation full of life, laughter and excitement!

Domaine du Pottok in Espelette

Just a stone’s throw from the Biper Gorri campsite, the Domaine du Pottok invites you to discover the Pottok, a breed of pony typical of our Basque mountains. On the program: exhibition and discovery trail on the Pottok, horseback ride, discovery of the farm’s animals, milking demonstration of the mares. Pottok milk is used to make soaps, cosmetics and artisanal delicacies, which you’ll find in the farm store.

– Le Domaine du Pottok: lieu-dit “Lapitza”, 64250 Espelette – Free visits from April to June and September to October, Wednesdays from 3pm to 6pm. In July and August, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Rabbit Forest at Itxassou

A one-of-a-kind animal park to discover with the little ones! In Itxassou, discover the world of rabbits and guinea pigs, and visit Europe’s first rabbit conservatory! Different breeds of rabbit rub shoulders with guinea pigs, each as adorable as the next! A short forest trail gives you the chance to find out more about the fauna, flora and avifauna, as well as the history of life on our planet, with beautiful views over the Nive valley and the Pyrenean foothills. Small refreshment bar and picnic area on site.

– La Forêt des Lapins: Chemin d’Agorreta, 64250 Itxassou, adult price (from 11 years) / €7.00, junior (from 5 to 10 years) / €4.00, child (from 2 to 4 years) / €1.00. Further information: www.laforetdeslapins.net

The Basque Cake Museum in Sare

It’s not always easy to find fun and original activities to keep the kids occupied. So why not try a Basque cooking class? Head for Sare and the Musée du gâteau basque. It’s an opportunity for the whole family to learn a little about the history of the Basque country, but above all about the steps involved in making the famous cake. And, of course, you’ll leave with your very own Basque cake under your arm. A great time to share with your apprentice pastry chefs, especially as the chef is a real enthusiast with a great sense of humour.

– Le Musée du Gâteau Basque, Départementale 406, Maison Haranea, Quartier Lehenbiscay, 64310 Sare, workshop led by a pastry chef, adult price/9 €, children/7 €, information and Bookings: 06 71 58 06 69.

Ttiki Leku Park in Souraïde

On the outskirts of the village of Souraïde, near Espelette enjoy a family day out at Ttiki Leku! Nestling in a forest setting, this family park is designed for children up to 12 years old. There’s plenty of outdoor fun for all ages: aquabully (mini-cruise on the water for toddlers), parcabout (large net suspended like trampolines in the trees), inflatables, pedal go-karts, mini-golf, and much more. All in a quiet, wooded setting, with plenty of space and lovely picnic spots in the forest.

– Ttiki Leku park: Chemin d’Otsantza, 64250 Souraïde, open from Easter to All Saints’ Day, price 3 to 60 years / €8.50, over 60 years / €7, free for children under 3. Further information: www.parc-jeux-paysbasque.com/

Tyrolienne Park in Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle

Are your children more the “daredevil” and “intrepid” type? Treat them to a thrill ride on the giant zip line at Lac de Saint Pée sur Nivelle, the longest in the south-west of France. Over 600 meters of cable and a descent at almost 90 km/h over the water and through a magnificent forest of hundred-year-old oaks. But that’s not all! The 12-hectare site is also home to a leisure park, a real paradise for families: sandy beach (supervised swimming in July and August), waterslides, pedalos, canoes, stand-up paddle, fishing, picnic area and walks around the lake (3 km).

– Address: 9 allée Charles Cami, 64310 St-Pée-sur-Nivelle. The zip-line activity is accessible to children aged 7/8 accompanied by an adult on the course, and accessible alone from age 10.

photo© O. Robinet