Pay attention, class – this cracking hotel receives top marks. It's housed in Guéthary's former public schoolhouse, and the decor echoes its educational heritage in entertaining ways – from an original playground mural and arithmetical room numbers to the vintage maps and pots of pens adorning the breakfast room. It's cool, fun and reasonably priced, even in season. A+.
Hôtel Balea
Top choice in French Basque Country
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
25.73 MILES
Though modern St-Jean has expanded considerably, during medieval times the entire town was enclosed by defensive ramparts guarding France's southwestern…
20.76 MILES
Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…
20.62 MILES
Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…
19.73 MILES
Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…
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3.66 MILES
The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…
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8.05 MILES
The twin towers of Bayonne's Gothic cathedral soar above the city. Construction began in the 13th century, and was completed in 1451. Above the north…
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Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne
8.21 MILES
If you're still getting to grips with the complex culture and history of the Basque region, this excellent ethnographic museum is a great place to start…
19.93 MILES
Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…
Nearby French Basque Country attractions
1. Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain
0.11 MILES
Housed inside the magisterial Villa Saraleguinea, this intriguing little art museum is based around the collection of local poet Paul-Jean Toulet, who…
2. L'Écomusée Basque Jean-Vier
1.44 MILES
Basque traditions are brought to life at this illuminating multimedia museum, which explores everything from pelota and Basque architecture to the art of…
3.3 MILES
Biarritz' splashiest sea-themed attraction is part museum, part theme park and part educational centre. It takes a fun approach to learning about the sea…
3.31 MILES
A superb panorama of St-Jean de Luz unfolds from this craggy promontory, at the northern end of the Baie de St-Jean de Luz and about 1km beyond the town…
3.41 MILES
A flat arc of sand backed by golf courses and a kids' playground, Plage de la Milady is about 2.5km south of Port Vieux. Look out for the grand edifice of…
3.61 MILES
St-Jean de Luz' beautiful arcing beach sprouts stripy bathing tents from June to September. It's protected from the wrath of the Atlantic by breakwaters…
3.66 MILES
The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…
3.72 MILES
Plage de Marbella is about 2km south of Port Vieux. Bus 10 or 13 heading south will get you here.