Tourism
Visit Ainhoa,
classified bastide of the Basque Country
Classified among the most beautiful villages in France, Ainhoa captivates with its white houses with red half-timbering aligned along a single street.
This former bastide of Labourd, created to welcome pilgrims to Compostela, exudes Basque authenticity.
To visit Ainhoa at your own pace, here are the must-sees, about thirty minutes from our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. To make it your base, discover our campsite near Ainhoa.
of the Hawthorn
Ainhoa in Brief
- Ainhoa is among the most beautiful villages in France.
- The town was founded in the 12th century as a bastide, on a Compostela pilgrimage route.
- Its single street is lined with red-and-white Labourd houses.
- The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption dates from the 13th century.
- The Chapel of the Hawthorn, at 389 meters, offers a vast panorama.
Ainhoa
A Single Street with Red-and-White Facades
The village is defined first by its main street, lined with Labourd houses. Their white facades, enhanced with red or green half-timbering, date mostly from the 17th and 18th centuries. Built for pilgrims, the Church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption reveals a single nave and wooden galleries typical of Labourd. Beside it, the cemetery preserves ancient disc-shaped steles, engraved with Basque symbols.
Good to know: the town can be visited in about an hour, on foot, along its single street. Come early in the morning or late in the day to enjoy the facades without the crowds. The Heritage House, at the village entrance, traces the history of the village and Basque life.
Hiking and Neighboring Villages
Above the village, the Chapel of the Hawthorn is worth the walk. The trail climbs to 389 meters, where the view embraces the ocean and the Pyrenees—a lovely family hike. Ainhoa is also an ideal stop between Espelette, Sare, and the Urdax caves on the Spanish side. From our Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, the village is reached in about thirty minutes via the Labourd roads.
A tip from the Merko Lacarra campsite team
“Climb to the Hawthorn in late afternoon, when the light gilds the ridges! Then come back down to enjoy a drink on the square, in peace. That’s the whole spirit of Ainhoa.”
Antton, Campsite Manager
Looking for an authentic Basque village to discover with your family?
From Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, head to Ainhoa for a timeless stroll. Book your stay and let yourself be charmed by Labourd!
frequently asked questions
FAQ – Visit Ainhoa
What to see in Ainhoa?
In Ainhoa, admire the main street and its red-and-white facades, the Church of Notre-Dame, and the cemetery with Basque steles. Hikers climb to the Hawthorn for the panorama over the ocean and the Pyrenees.
Is Ainhoa one of the most beautiful villages in France?
Yes, absolutely. Ainhoa belongs to the Most Beautiful Villages in France network! Its architectural unity, born from its 12th-century bastide, and its preserved Labourd facades earn it this recognition.
How to get to Ainhoa from Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ainhoa is reached in about thirty minutes by car, over about twenty kilometers. From our campsite, the excursion combines easily with Espelette or Sare, both nearby.
Is the climb to the Hawthorn accessible?
Yes, to all hikers. The trail climbs to 389 meters in a good hour, on a marked path. The reward: a panorama from the ocean to the Pyrenees, one of the finest in the area.
Sources: The Most Beautiful Villages in France, Ainhoa / Commune of Ainhoa, tourism
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