Itxassou

Visit Itxassou, Aquitaine

Itxassou is a sleepy little town built in the typical Basque style, in the Pyreneean foothills close to Cambo-les-Bains and about 25 kilometres east of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, in south-west France.

Exploring Itxassou

Although small it is an attractive village with the houses painted white and the exterior exposed timbers and shutters painted red or green. Exploring the village is simple - just wander down the main street and enjoy the sight of the lovely Basque houses set against the backdrop of the surrounding hills. The village falls in two parts, one around the church and the other around the mairie.

The main notable monument in Itxassou is the 17th century Church of Saint-Fructueux. The interior is particularly attractive with three wooden galleries around the walls and lots of sculpted wood, typical of churches in the basque region, while in the surrounding cemetery you can see some ancient funeral stones.

There are two Logis de France restaurants in the town, which was a nice surprise in such a small village. They are both hotels too but make sure you book in advance if you plan to stay here - even in mid-September both were fully booked when I visited. One is up in the top part of the town and the other down in the even quieter lower part of town.

The town is well known locally for its cherries and if possible we suggest you visit in spring when the cherry trees are in blossom (typically the end of March).

To explore nearby

On the way out of Itxassou next to the Nive River you can see the Pas de Roland - a boulder with a hole in it reputedly made by the great knight Roland with his sword Durandal on his way to Roncevaux.

The view from the hill of Urzumu, a little to the west (with a small aerodrome), is also recommended.

Hikers will find several trails to follow from the village, with those leading to Mondarrain and Artzamendi among the most popular.

There are several other lovely basque villages to visit in the region around Itxassou, with Sare and Ainhoa both classified as 'beautiful villages' and the chilli growing town of Espelette is also very picturesque.

See Aquitaine and Pyrenees-Atlantiques (the region and department for Itxassou) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Itxassou, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: La Bastide-Clairence 16km; Bayonne 19km; La Rhune 19km; Anglet 19km; Biarritz 21km; Saint Jean de Luz 22km; Ciboure 22km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 23km; Hendaye 30km; Hondarribia 32km; Capbreton 35km;

Itxassou tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (3km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (25km) : Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (30km) :

See more places and a map at places near Itxassou