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Holidays in the Basque Country
It’s no secret that there’s no shortage of festivities here.
Throughout the year, the streets come alive with the sound of bandas, Basque song and dance.
From férias and carnivals to patron saint’s days and festivals, there’s always something to celebrate in the Basque Country!
Major events 
La Tamborrada de Donostia San Sebastian – January 20, each year: a gathering of tamborradas, companies of musicians playing drums and barrels, in the Plaza de la Constitucion at midnight, followed by celebrations in the streets the following day.
Herri Urrats
– Basque school festival with concerts, dances, etc. at St Pée sur Nivelle lake – May 12, 2024.
Biarritz Casetas
– June 4-9, 2024: music and bodegas along the Basque coast.
San Fermín Festivities : July 6-14, 2024 in Pamplona.
Fêtes de Bayonne – July 10 to 14, 2024 (the first few days are free, but if you want to take advantage of the weekend, you’ll need the Fêtes bracelet on sale at the Cambo-les-Bains Tourist Office).
The Port des Pêcheurs festival in Biarritz (late July-early August).
The
Fêtes de Cambo-les-Bains
August 9 to 14.
A summer in Anglet
A summer in Anglet: night-time concerts at the Chambre d’Amour, open-air cinema events, night-time surfing competitions…
The Basque Cake Festival
– October 5 and 6, 2024.
Chilli Festival – October 26 and 27, 2024.
Hiking
Whether you’re an avid walker or simply looking for outdoor adventure, explore the area around Cambo-les-Bains by going hiking.
Climb the emblematic mountains, overlook the green valleys, cross the surrounding forests, but above all discover the spectacular landscapes that characterize the Basque Country.
There are a variety of itineraries in the area to suit all abilities, from easy trails offering magnificent views without requiring intense physical effort, to itineraries offering an ideal balance between challenge and pleasure, to more sporting routes with more demanding circuits.
To help guide you, select your hike and download the sheet that best suits your needs!
Adopt the right reflexes by applying a few rules when out walking or hiking.
Preserve flora and fauna:
>> Always take a bag with you to dispose of your garbage.
>> Stay on the trails and respect the signs and markings.
>> Do not build fires, they are forbidden.
>> Remember to close the gates.
>> Keep your dog on a leash.
Protect yourself:
>> Avoid going off on your own.
>> Always take the necessary equipment: good shoes, hat, glasses, water, sunscreen.
>> Don’t drink stream water.
>> Check the weather before leaving.
The gardens of Villa Arnaga
An entrance fee is required to enter the gardens of Villa Arnaga.
However, the exterior of the house is sometimes open to the public for special events:
Museum Night
( May 18, 2024)
This cultural event, usually held in spring, adds a special atmosphere by opening the doors of Villa Arnaga in the evening. This is a unique way to discover the site, allowing visitors to wander through the splendid gardens and the various rooms of the museum to appreciate the richness of this heritage.
“Rendez-vous aux Jardins”
(June 1 & 2, 2024)
The Rendez-vous aux jardins is an annual event offering visitors a unique opportunity to discover the splendid gardens of this historic residence. Held at the beginning of June, this event celebrates our plant and landscape heritage, allowing gardening enthusiasts and the curious ones to immerse themselves in the verdant world of Villa Arnaga. On the program: plant market, demonstrations and workshops on the annual theme.
Fireworks (July 13)
The evening of July 14th is traditionally marked by fireworks displays in many towns and villages in France, but in Cambo-les-Bains we celebrate on July 13th. On this occasion, the Villa Arnaga opens its doors to allow visitors to admire a spectacular fireworks display in the magnificent formal gardens.
Journées du Patrimoine (September 21 & 22, 2024)
Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) : take place every year in September. The estate is freely accessible without reservation, while the interior of the villa is available at half price.
Fireworks
To celebrate France’s National Day, a number of fireworks displays take place in different parts of the Basque Country.
Here are some of the best spots to witness this open-air spectacle.
Beware, these events attract a lot of people, so take public transport to get there.
Cambo-les-Bains – The gardens of Villa Arnaga
The traditional fireworks display takes place on the evening of July 13. For the occasion, the gardens of Edmond Rostand’s home are exceptionally open to the public.
Biarritz – La grande plage
Enjoy an explosion of colors in front of the ocean on July 14th! The fireworks illuminate the coastline from the Biarritz lighthouse to the Milady beach. On August 15, a large fireworks display is also traditionally held, attracting thousands of people.
Saint-Jean-de-Luz – La Grande Plage
La Grande Plage: The two simultaneous fireworks displays from Socoa and Saint-Jean-de-Luz can be seen from all over the bay.
Anglet – La Chambre d’Amour
Anglet – La Chambre d’Amour: Fired from the Sables d’Or beach, the fireworks display will light up the Anglet sky on July 13.
Bayonne – The banks of the Adour river
The banks of the Adour, in the capital of the Labourdine region, are lighting up for the July 14th fireworks display .
San Sebastian’s Semana Grande
Every year, the International Fireworks Competition takes place during the week of August 15, right in the middle of La Concha Bay. For a whole week, one event follows another, with fireworks every evening.
