PYRÉNÉES-ATLANTIQUES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Pyrénées-Atlantiques is part of the Aquitaine région bordered by the Landes, Hautes-Pyrénées and Gers département.

The Pyrenees-Atlantiques département is home to the coastal section of the Pyrénées and is France’s most southwesterly department taking its name from the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, the mountains tumble to their end into the Bay of Biscay, with the Côte Basque stretching for 30 km north treasuring sandy coves, which have attracted the wealthy throughout history.

HISTORY

Basses-Pyrénées was one of the original 83 départements created during the French Revolution, on March 4, 1790. It was created from parts of the former provinces of Guyenne, Béarn, and Gascony and included the three traditional provinces of the northern Basque Country: Labourd, Soule and Basse-Navarre.

On October 10, 1969, Basses-Pyrénées was renamed Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE

It offers spectacular views, great beaches and a host of activities. The southern Atlantic coast offers some of the best surfing in Europe while the Pyrenees is excellent for hiking and climbing. The department also boasts what is considered the prettiest village in France, Ainhoa. 

The departmental capital of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques is the city of Pau, home. This city has a distinctive Anglo heritage. In the 19th Century, it was a popular spot for rich English people and Americans. They left their mark on the town in the form of Victorian architecture. The majority of the centre, however, has retained its medieval look. Since the 1960s, the town has once again been rising in popularity. It has become a centre of both tourism and industry. 

In the west of the department you will discover Bayonne which dates back to Roman times. The town serves as the capital of the Basque province of Labourd. Looking around you will find plenty of evidence of Basque culture and language. The town is famous for chocolate making and salt-cured ham.

Situated on the Bay of Biscay, the lively town of Biarritz used to be visited only by the very rich and famous. Nowadays, it welcomes everyone. The locals seem to be experts on surfing and on balneology - the therapeutic use of mineral baths.