Zakurra
Looking for the perfect place to walk your dog during your vacation in the Basque Country?
Look no further – we’ve compiled the ultimate list of must-see places, from forests offering shelter from the sun to serene lakes and even inviting beaches.
Here are our recommendations:
Places to visit
La Colline de la Bergerie in Cambo-les-Bains
This walk promises a revitalizing escapade in the heart of a sensitive natural area.
The verdant trails through the hillside offer a variety of scenery from dense forest to sunny glades. Walk to the tranquil rhythm of nature with your faithful four-legged companion at your side.
Watch the birds singing in the trees, admire the colorful wildflowers lining the paths, and breathe in the fresh air that perfumes the hillside. You’re likely to meet other dog lovers and nature enthusiasts. At the summit, a landscaped area offers you the opportunity to take a break, picnic or simply enjoy the peaceful landscape.
Good to know 💡
- At the top of the hill, it’s possible to come across flocks of sheep and sometimes even cows grazing peacefully. Keep a safe distance to avoid any incident with the animals on the Hill.
- Don’t worry if your dog gets thirsty during the walk on the Colline de la Bergerie. The ‘Elondare’ building, perched at the top, offers a welcome break with a tap providing fresh water for your faithful companion.
- Watch out for processionary caterpillars.
📍Colline de la Bergerie : Allée du Berger 64250 Cambo-les-Bains
Itxassou’s aerodrome tour
Get an overview of Itxassou.
Reach the aerodrome’s parking lot and take the path around it.
Wherever you stand, a splendid view awaits you. The trail offers a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountains: from La Rhune to Artzamendi and from Baigura to Ursuia.
Good to know 💡
- The tour of the aerodrome is a short one (about 45 minutes).
- Picnic tables are set up in the aerodrome’s parking lot.
- It’s best to keep your dog on a leash, as many herds pass through there and the trail is very busy.
📍 Tour of the aerodrome Urzumuko Bidea 64250 Itxassou
The towpath
Formerly used by horses, oxen or men to pull boats upstream, the towpath is now a greenway.
Its quiet charm invites you to enjoy a peaceful stroll in the company of your faithful four-legged friend. Explore the picturesque banks, enjoy the calm of the flowing water, and stroll along this paved 15km long path.
The towpath is dotted with picturesque bridges, adding a charming touch to the environment. Take the time to walk through them, appreciating every detail of this charming stroll.
Good to know 💡
- The towpath is a shared space for cycling, jogging and walking.
📍 Departure from Ustaritz
Take the dead end at 710 chemin Leihorrondo 64480 Ustaritz
The forest of Ustaritz and Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle
Explore the undergrowth of the Forêt d’Ustaritz and Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, where the dense canopy offers refreshing shade and trails wind between majestic trees.
Let your dog sniff out the forest scents as you explore the wooded paths, accompanied by the soothing whisper of the wind through the leaves. The forest is also inhabited by a wide variety of species, so keep an eye out for birds, squirrels, and perhaps even more discreet encounters.
Good to know 💡
- This walk is ideal in hot weather (shade).
- The two forests meet.
- Watch out for processionary caterpillars.
📍 Here is the entry point with the largest parking lot D3 – 28 route de Saint-Pée 64480 Ustaritz
Lake Lahonce
A small lake in the ctown of Lahonce, this walk promises a relaxing break in the heart of nature.
Explore the shores of the lake, play stick-throwing and let your faithful four-legged friend take a dip in the water.
Good to know 💡
- A short easy walk.
📍 Lake Lahonce 21 Lotissement Zazarta 64990 Lahonce.
Lake Xoldokogaina or Ibardin
A walk on Lake Xoldokogaina in Urrugne offers a revitalizing escape, where tranquillity mingles with the joy of your dog’s company. From the Col d’Ibardin, follow the hiking loop that leads to the mountain lake in this unspoilt natural environment.
Good to know 💡
- 2-hour loop – 280 metres ascent – Easy level
- Swimming is not permitted.
- Beware: on the way, you’ll cross grazing meadows, where you may come across numerous animals (Pottoks, cows, etc.).
📍 Departure : route d’Ibardin 64122 Urrugne.
Lake Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle
The lake at Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle offers peaceful shores, perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog. Let it explore the shores of the lake, feel the gentle breezes, admire the shimmering reflections of the water and maybe even dip its paws in the refreshing water. Enjoy an impromptu picnic in the shade of the trees.
Good to know 💡
- The beach and Aquazone sides of the lake are not dog-friendly.
📍 Lake Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle 45, promenade du Parlement de Navarre – 64310 Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle
The Ansot plain in Bayonne
The Plaine d’Ansot is much more than just a park; it’s a natural refuge and biodiversity conservation area.
It is home to a variety of ecosystems that harmoniously combine the tranquility of a forest with the soothing beauty of a marsh.
The 7 km of trails offer the perfect getaway for those looking to reconnect with nature. Don’t hesitate to take the small paths that deviate from the main trails for a more immersive experience.
Good to know 💡
- Make sure your dog is on a leash, in accordance with the rules of the plain.
- During your ride, you may come across many horse riders.
📍 Plaine d’Ansot 51, Chemin d’Ansot, 64100 Bayonne.
Maharin Park in Anglet
A 7-hectare green lung, Maharin Park is a charming getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and their canine companions.
It offers the perfect combination of greenery, forest and stream.
As an added bonus, a guinguette is available in season!
All you have to do is choose a deckchair in the shade of the tall trees.
Good to know 💡
- The guinguette is not present every day.
📍 Parc Maharin Plaine du Maharin, Allée du Val Fleuri 64600 Anglet
Chiberta & Lazaret forests in Anglet
Let yourself be enveloped by the soothing shade of the majestic pines, the gentle whisper of the wind in the branches and the invigorating scent of resin.
The well-maintained trails provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing stroll where you can admire the natural beauty that characterizes this area. Whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer hike, the forests of Chiberta & Lazaret have something for everyone.
Good to know 💡
Watch out for processionary caterpillars
📍 Forêt du Lazaret Allée du Redon 64600 Anglet
📍 Chiberta Forest (several entrances possible): 105 avenue de Montbrun 64600 Anglet.
Lake Marion & Mouriscot in Biarritz
Situated in the heart of a green setting, Lacs Marion & Mouriscot offer an enchanting setting for a relaxing stroll in the company of your faithful friend.
The shady paths bordering the two lakes are perfect for a leisurely stroll, a bucolic stroll or simply a Sunday stroll.
Good to know 💡
📍Lac Marion Avenue du Lac Marion 64200 Biarritz.
📍Lake Mouriscot Rue Chiquito de Cambo 64200 Biarritz.
For longer walks and hikes
The Basque Country, a land of contrasts between mountains and ocean, offers a multitude of hiking trails suitable for all levels, and all in the company of your faithful four-legged companion.
Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker, you’ll find picturesque itineraries that allow you to discover the region’s natural beauty, while sharing these special moments with your dog.
Our tips for hiking with your dog 💡
- Because of the local flora and fauna, keep your dog on a leash in the mountains: you may come across numerous herds and guard dogs.
Want a tip? The longe is often the right compromise!
Authorized beaches
Every year during summer months, the access to the beaches of the Basque Country is strictly forbidden for dogs, even on a leash.
Outside this period, you can walk your dog on the following beaches:
📍 Anglet : all beaches are accessible from November 1 to April 1.
📍 Biarritz : beaches are accessible from 7am to 11am, from November 1 to March 31, for Grande plage and Miramar plage. From October 1 to April 30 for all other beaches.
📍 Bidart : all beaches are accessible from October 1 to May 31.
The beaches ofHendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are off-limits all year round.
Practical information 💡
By-laws concerning dog access to beaches are subject to change. To check the regulations, you can contact your local town hall or tourist office.
Anglet: Town Hall 05 59 58 35 35 – Tourist Office 05 59 03 77 01
Biarritz: Town Hall 05 59 41 59 41 – Tourist Office 05 59 22 37 10
Bidart: Town Hall 05 59 54 90 67 – Tourist Office 05 59 54 93 85
Beware of hot sand, which can burn the paw pads of our four-legged friends.
During the summer, here is the list of Landes beaches that accept dogs:
📍 Tarnos (05 59 45 19 19): dogs are allowed on unsupervised areas, only outside beach supervision periods and times.
📍 Ondres (05 59 45 19 19): leashed dogs are tolerated outside the restricted zone.
📍 Labenne (05 59 45 40 99): dogs are tolerated provided they are kept outside the surveillance zone.
📍 Soustons (05 58 41 52 62): dogs are accepted all year round with no schedule restrictions.
