Rando Ursuia sommet

Baigura and the Arberoue valley

Baigurako Ibarra

The Arbéroue valley is dominated by the montain Eltzarruze. The summit of Mt. Baigura is located between the villages of Hélette, Mendionde and Macaye. The outdoor sports leisure centre at the foot of the mountain is the ideal place to become acquainted with the fun of paragliding activities or even going downhill on all-terrain scooters.

Not to mention the many hiking trails! Do not forget to stop in the villages of Isturitz and Saint-Martin-d'Arberoue, to discover the prehistoric caves of Isturits and Oxocelhaya.

Between the Labourd and Basse-Navarre regions

The Arbéroue valley, in the province of Labourd, is home to the Isturitz and Oxocelhaya caves, a magnificent testimony to the life of the Basque Country’s first inhabitants.

The peaks of the valley

The Arbéroue valley is a mix of landscapes between plains and mountains. Two peaks are of particular interest.  From the summit of the first one, Mt. Ursuia, you can enjoy a view of the coastline along the Basque coast. At its foot is the bustling town of Hasparren, home to poet Francis Jammes. The second, Mt. Baigura, marks the limit between the Labourd and Lower Navarre regions.

Ancestral fair

Each year, in the village of Hélette, a fair takes place for pottok ponies (an ancient breed of pony native to the Basque Country). Organized for the first time in November 1750 for Sainte-Catherine’s day, this fair attracts horse dealers and horse breeders from all over the country.

Following Man’s footsteps

concretion - stalagtite et stalagmite a la grotte oxocelhaya - isturits
Grottes d'Isturitz et d'Oxocelhaya

The caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya are one of top reference sites in Europe for understanding the life of prehistoric Man.

Isturitz cave is still the site of active research and each year new discoveries are made.

As for Oxocelhaya cave, it is a real pleasure for the eyes with its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

 

 

 

 

 

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