LA BASTIDE-CLAIRENCE
Don’t miss the chance to visit this village certified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, it is genuinely picturesque, and you will feel totally immersed in authenticity. The village’s urban plan respects the characteristics of an authentic fortified town: a main street joined by small perpendicular streets, leading to a central square partially covered by arcades around the edges.
It is today the market-place, where farmers, local producers and shoppers meet in a friendly atmosphere every Tuesday.
The village’s charming architecture is shared between Labourdine and Navarraise houses forming a unified ensemble of facades rendered with bright white lime, enhanced by green or red half-timbering.
Fire arts are embedded in the DNA of La Bastide-Clairence: for several centuries the village was renowned as the capital of metal-crafting. The forge, which was voluntarily left in its original state, bears witness to the latter.
This taste for craftmanship lives on today through the arts and craftsmen present in the village: a feather worker, a violin- maker, a designer cabinet-maker, an upholsterer and a glass-maker. Walk through their workshop door and they will happily explain their craft to you. You will go home with bright eyes and a head full of memories.
Please note that Trinquet Gartxot, dedicated to the practice of traditional Basque sports like pelota, is the oldest in operation in France today, it dates back to 1512.
The public washing-place and the church are also worth the detour.
You are bound to be charmed by this delightful, flower-bedecked village, rated as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. The white facades with red half-timbering are typical of traditional Basque architecture. The inhabitants will welcome you in all simplicity. Don’t miss the unique, disc-shaped headstones in the graveyard which are specific to the region.
When you visit this village located inland at the foot of the mountains, you will be totally immersed in the Basque culture and customs.
A friendly atmosphere prevails in this town which is the last French stop on the Road to Santiago de Compostela (the Way of Saint James), visited by pilgrims from all around the world.
Visiting Sare means experiencing Basque life style first hand. You will enjoy the exquisite charms of one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, but also the relaxed and cheerful atmosphere which prevails here. If you are visiting in September, don’t miss the festivities at the Fêtes of Sare which showcase Basque traditions such as gastronomy, dancing, pelota, and singing.