Ostabat-Asme, on the way to Santiago de Compostela

Izura-Azme

Not to be missed
Hiking
Agenda

Ostabat-Asme (Izura-Azme in Basque) is located halfway between Saint-Palais to the north and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to the south. At the heart of the northern Basque Country, this village is a must-visit stopover for those walking the GR65 towards Santiago de Compostela.
You can admire the beautiful houses whilst strolling through the village. Built at the highest part of the village, Saint-Nicolas-d’Harambeltz chapel is a source of pride for the locals. Make sure you visit the Col d'Iparlatze to make the most of the stunning viewpoint.

Not to be missed

Saint-Nicolas-D'Haranbeltz chapel

Kapera

This small 12th century chapel was once a priory hospice that welcomed walkers heading to Compostela. It’s dedicated to Saint Nicolas du Bari, patron saint of travellers. Its painted altarpiece dates back to the 17th century.

Chapelle d’Haranbeltz

The town houses

Etxeak

Walking through Ostabat-Asme will allow you to discover houses that were once hotels or inns for passing pilgrims in the Middle Ages, mostly situated in the lower part of the village. Make sure you take the time to visit Saint-Jean-Baptiste church.

Col d'Iparlatze

Iparlatzeko Lepoa

Overlooking the village, Col d'Iparlatze offers stunning views over the valley in which the village is nestling, and a panoramic view of the surrounding Basque mountain peaks.

History of the village

The Ostabat-Asme municipality was created in 1841, when the two villages of Ostabat and Asme were joined together.

The name "Haranbeltz"

The name of the Saint-Nicolas-d'Haranbeltz chapel comes from Saint Nicolas, its patron saint, and the name "Haranbeltz" originates from the Basque "aran" meaning valley and "beltz" meaning black. The chapel is reached by crossing a very dense forest that covers the land down to the valley. In the Middle-Ages, pilgrims travelling through the dark forest were the ideal victims for all types of thieves.