Discover the Basque Country from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Staying at Villa Paulen Pausa, located near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in the heart of the inland Basque Country, allows you to easily discover the Basque villages, the Pyrenees and the Basque Coast.

Discover the Basque Country from Villa Paulen Pausa

Located in Uhart-Cize, just 1 km from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Villa Paulen Pausa enjoys an ideal location for exploring the inland Basque Country and the Basque Coast.

The Northern Basque Country, known as Iparralde , stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pyrenees Mountains. This unique region offers a wide variety of landscapes and activities: authentic villages, mountain hikes, renowned gastronomy, Atlantic beaches, and Basque traditions.

Staying near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port allows you to enjoy both the peace and quiet of the Basque countryside and the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and the Pays de Cize

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in the Basque Country, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a charming medieval town located in the heart of the Pays de Cize. In Basque, the town is called Donibane Garazi and is the former capital of Lower Navarre, one of the seven historical provinces of the Basque Country.

The town is famous for being a major stop on the Camino de Santiago, the renowned pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Thousands of walkers come here every year to begin their crossing of the Pyrenees towards Roncesvalles.

The city is dominated by its remarkable citadel, built in the 17th century and redesigned by Vauban's military engineers. From the ramparts, the view of the mountains and the city's red roofs is spectacular.

The cobbled streets, traditional Basque houses and small artisan shops invite you to stroll and discover Basque history and culture.

The Iraty forest and the Basque Pyrenees

About 30 km from the villa is the magnificent Iraty Forest, the largest beech forest in Europe.

This exceptional natural territory is home to remarkable fauna and flora and constitutes one of the most beautiful natural areas of the Pyrenees.

In winter, the Iraty resort offers snowshoeing trails. The rest of the year, visitors can enjoy numerous activities:

-hiking on marked trails and the GR10

-horseback riding

-nature observation

-mountain fishing

It's an ideal place for lovers of wide open spaces and wild landscapes.

Typical villages of the Basque Country

Around Uhart-Cize and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, many authentic Basque villages are worth a visit.

While walking or cycling in the surrounding countryside, you will discover magnificent green landscapes, traditional farms and Basque houses with white facades and red shutters.

Each village has its own identity and charm, and allows you to discover the traditions, architecture and way of life of the inland Basque Country.

The Basque Coast and the Atlantic Ocean

The villa is also located about 50 minutes from the famous Basque Coast , making it easy to enjoy a day at the ocean.

Between Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye,
You will discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Basque Country.

The coast is renowned for its many surf schools and water sports such as paddleboarding, sailing, and diving.

Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy renowned courses around Biarritz, Anglet or Arcangues, offering spectacular views between ocean and mountains.

The towns of Bayonne, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz also attract visitors with their heritage, lively streets and typical markets.

A region rich in gastronomy and traditions

The Basque Country is also a must-see destination for food lovers.

Between local markets, traditional restaurants and artisanal producers, you can discover many regional specialties: Espelette pepper, Bayonne ham, sheep's cheeses, Basque cake or Basque cider.

Staying at Villa Paulen Pausa allows you to fully enjoy an authentic stay in the heart of the Basque Country, between nature, culture and the art of living.