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La Cote des Basques. Photo by Thomon. .

Top 10 facts about la cote des Basques

The French Basque coast is the region to the southwest of France and the north of the Northern Basque Country.

It stretches less than 40 kilometers along the Atlantic Ocean coastline between the department of Les lands and the Spanish border.

Cote des Basques are one of the most famous beaches on the coastline and are the birthplace of French surfing which began in 1956.

The Basque coast is a treasure trove of diversity curiosity and beauty.

Here are 10 Interesting facts about La Cote des Basques:

1. There is a wide view of the Atlantic Ocean

Due to its closeness to the Atlantic Ocean, it has a large scape view of it. It inspires awe with the fury of its spectacular storms that shape the cliffs.

It fascinates surfers from around the world who came to take on its majestic waves.

It soothes with its shimmering moments of calm when the sun glistens on the water encouraging quiet contemplation.

The ocean has also played a crucial role in shaping a whole way of life as, over the centuries, fishing forged the character, habits, and customs of the Basque people.

From hunting whales to fishing for tuna and sardines, the financial survival of an entire population depended on the goodwill of the ocean.

It is the same appeal of the sea that promoted the development of tourism, the mainstay of the Basque people today.

2. It has multiple landscapes

Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Photo by PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ.

The bay of Saint –Jean –De–Luz and Ciboure with its break waters preserve the town and port from the ocean’s wrath.

This bay has a beautiful, large beach sheltered from the waves and is ideal for children like the Socoa beach in Ciboure, protected by the fort and its breakwater.

For unconditional fans of fine sand, the beaches of Anglet, Biarritz, Bidart, and Hendaye are ideal.

The sea can freely express its mood swings that are sometimes calm and peaceful, other times turbulent and unpredictable to the great delight of both those seeking thrills and those who enjoy basking in the sunshine.

It is not only geology enthusiasts that are fascinated by the flysch cliff that can be observed between the different beaches. This spectacular geological formation is unique in the world     

  3. The coast has numerous towns and villages

Saint-Jean-de-Luz at La Cote des Basques. Photo by PIERRE ANDRE LECLERCQ.

The coast of Basques has a number of towns and villages, the two largest towns along the coast are Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

The most common thing about these two towns is that they were both influenced by great people.

Biarritz was greatly influenced by Empress Eugénie de Montijo and her husband  Emperor Napoleon III taking up summer residence with their Imperial court, thus contributing to the development and wealth of the town.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz as the court of Â鶹APP descended on the town for the marriage of Louis XIV to Marie-Thérèse, the Infanta of Spain.

These events greatly influenced the history and architecture of the towns. The coast also includes some villages that are resolutely focused on the sea.

4. It has Quite a number of sporting activities

Sporting activities at the basque coast. Photo by L’Humanité.

There is a choice of sporting activities along the coast, the choice is enormous just in water sports. 

There are, of course, numerous surfing schools for all levels all along the coast, and there are also classes giving an introduction to paddleboard, hydrofoil, and all board sports, not forgetting sailing and underwater diving.

There are five golf courses of Anglet, Arcangues, Biarritz, Ciboure, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz that offers various possibilities to improve your swing.

The mountains have their feet in the sea and a multitude of hiking trails, some of which have a wide view of the sea. There is also an introduction to a game native to the country of Basque which is Basque Pelota.

5. The coast has a variety of atmospheres

The coast of Basque has a wide range of atmospheres in each place. It is imperceptible, it is impalpable and yet it is there.

Guéthary, the smallest village on the coast, is often liked to Biarritz for its Bohemian chic and Cocktails in an espadrilles atmosphere.

In contrast, it can clearly be felt that the values and ambient mood in Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Ciboure are based on the hard work of a seafaring life.

Urrugne, a coastal village without any real access to the sea, is more influenced by the world of agriculture and welcomes visitors in friendly simplicity   

6. It has spectacular sites on its front

The beach boasts an exceptional setting.

The famous and sumptuous Villa Belza, the name ‘Belza’ means black in Basque, the architecture with its medieval style tower and its location near the devil’s bridge all contribute to making the villa a place full of mysteries.

It was the setting for films, a Russian cabaret with memorable parties, it has survived two fires and after being neglected it was restored and divided into apartments.

The Spanish coastline extends to the south. With a view of a backdrop of mountains, a truly unforgettable experience.

7. The oceans are exquisite for surfers

At low tide, the Basque ocean is an ideal spot for beginners in surfing. It becomes more technical at high tide and is recommended for the most experienced surfers.

The waves break on rocks and the sea covers the whole beach. The rising tide can be dangerous and should be anticipated.

It is ever evolving beach break, the sand banks move regularly. It is particularly appreciated by longboarders.

The ocean wave breaking on the rocks is astounding and beautiful. The ocean moves in a way almost like a dance where its rhythmic movements encourage surfers to get their boards and surf. 

8. There are numerous bays

The Bay of Biscay is known in Spain as Golfo de Vizcaya and in France, it is known as Golfe de Gascogne.

It is the gulf of the northeast Atlantic Ocean located south of the Celtic sea. It lies along the western coast of France from Point Penmarc’h to the Spanish border and the northern coast of Spain west to Cape Ortegal.

The south area of the Bay of Biscay that washes over the northern coast of Spain is known locally as the Cantabrian Sea. The Bay of Biscay is named after Biscay on the northern Spanish coast, probably standing for the Western Basque districts.

9. The residents have a distinctive art of living

principaux de la mascarade souletine. Photo by Gabriel Roby.

The Basque country displays a unique art of living. Blessed land with its mountains, beaches, forests, and ocean, the Basque Country is a huge playground.

A territory of tradition, culture, history, and land where life is constantly celebrated.

In Biarritz, its membership and its attachment to an exceptional and preserved territory partly explain the excellence of its positioning in the market of the meeting and incentive industry.

The Basque history is rich and proud. The region was never conquered by the Moors or the Romans, which was partially due to the region’s geography and partly due to the Basques’ ability to make wealth.

The Basques’ were experts in shipbuilding, fishing, and navigation.

10. The Basque coast has a unique local language

The Basque have a local language that they use that is very unique. It is called Euskera or Euskara. It is hard to learn as any other language on earth.

It is its own root language with no clear connection to any other language.

It is the only remnant of the languages spoken in southwestern Europe before the region was Romanized in the 2nd through 1st centuries.