Published on: 08/30/2023
Just 10 km from the Paradis Le Biper Gorri campsite, in the heart of the Basque Country, the Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle is a refreshing interlude, with its swimming beach and leisure centre offering a wide range of activities. We tell you all about it!
Enjoy the beach and swimming
Fed by four springs, this superb Pyrenean lake stretches over twelve hectares in the heart of nature, with views of the mountains. On the north shore of the lake, a small beach delights families and summer visitors alike. In summer, swimming is supervised by lifeguards and the water temperature is around 24°C. Its mildness will make you forget the nearby ocean!
- The beach is supervised from July 1 to August 31, 11am to 6:30pm. The lake has Handiplage approval (a tiralo is available at the lifeguard station).
Test the Basque Country’s largest inflatable water park
Looking for some fun on the water? In the middle of the
- Aquazone 64: Lac de Saint-Pée, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, from 7/8 years (accompanied by an adult), July and August, price: €10 per hour and €18 for two hours, lifejacket provided, tel.: 06 21 63 03 20, www.aquazone64.com/
Boating activities
Attention water sports enthusiasts! In summer, the Lac Saint-Pée water sports center offers stand-up paddling, canoeing, giant paddling (8 people), pedal boats and more. Canoe and kayak rentals cost around 10 euros an hour, while paddle and pedal-boat rentals cost 15 euros an hour. Activities can be booked on site.
Fishing for brown trout and black bass
Various types of fishing are practiced and authorized all year round with a fishing permit. Fish caught: rainbow trout, brown trout, black-bass, pike-perch, pike, carp… Be careful in summer, as there is a lot of boating activity on the lake: go early in the morning for quiet fishing.
- Practical info: day fishing pass: €13, 7-day pass: €33, water depth: between 5 and 8 m.
Around the lake
A 3 km walk around Lac de Saint-Pée. The starting point is the parking lot at the far end of the lake, off rue du Parlement de Navarre. For those with more stamina, there’s a longer itinerary that explores the shores of the lake, with fine views of the Rhune. Distance: 10 km, duration: 3h30, see itinerary.
Giant zip-line
If you love nature and thrills, you’re in for a treat. A giant zip-line flies over Lac de Saint-Pée. It measures 600 metres and is the longest in the south-west! It starts on the hill 50 m upstream from the lake. The finish is on the other bank, a few meters above the water. Briefing, equipment, safety instructions, and off you go! Acceleration is gradual, and the sensations are akin to paragliding.
And don’t miss the flying tree course, with 20 zip lines of different lengths for maximum fun and thrills!
- Tyrolienne Park: promenade Herri Urrats, 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, from age 7 (minimum 30 kg), cost: €16, tel.: 06 88 56 47 63, further information: www.evolution2paysbasque.com
Practical info :
- Access: Lac de Saint-Pée-Sur-Nivelle, RD 918, 64310 Saint-Pée-Sur-Nivelle
- Dogs are not allowed on the beach. They are allowed around the lake, on a leash.
- Parking lot at the entrance to the lake (paying in summer, free the rest of the year), motorhome park nearby (60 pitches).
- Sanitary facilities, showers, restaurants, snack bars, shaded picnic areas.
- Campsite: Lake Saint Pée is just 10 km from our 4-star Le Biper Gorri campsite (Espelette). You can get there in less than 15 minutes by car via the D918.
