Sare Voyage Tips and guide

Contents

Sare (Basque: Sara) is a village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the French Basque Country, historically part of the province of Labourd. It is officially recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France).

The village shares a 25-km border with the Spanish region of Navarre, which has deeply influenced its history and culture.

Sare is nestled in a basin at the western foothills of the Pyrenees. Its unique geography has resulted in numerous caves, some of which show evidence of Aurignacian occupation. The area also has funerary monuments dating back to the Bronze Age.

The village is renowned for its traditional Basque architecture, with around 283 houses identified as dating from as early as the 15th century. These well-preserved buildings define the classic "Basque House" style.

For centuries, the village's economy has been based on agriculture and pastoral agreements with its Spanish neighbours. Its border location and rugged terrain also led to a long history of smuggling. During the Peninsular War, the area was the site of a significant battle where Anglo-Portuguese forces under the Duke of Wellington pushed back French troops stationed on the nearby mountain, La Rhune.

Sare is located about 15 km (9.3 mi) east of the coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz and the Bay of Biscay. It is best reached by car.

The village is best explored on foot to appreciate its architecture. A car is necessary to reach attractions in the surrounding area, such as the departure point for the La Rhune railway.

• Eglise Saint-Martin de Sare (Saint Martin's Church) (in the centre of the village). A classic example of a Labourdine church with a distinctive bell tower. 
• Traditional Basque houses. throughout the village 
• Ortillopitz. A restored 17th-century Basque farmhouse and estate, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life, agriculture, and cider making of the era. 

• Le Train de la Rhune (La Rhune Mountain Railway), Col de Saint-Ignace (3.5 km west of the village on the D4 road). Take this vintage cog railway to the 905-m summit of La Rhune, an iconic mountain of the Basque Country, for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the Atlantic coast. 
• Les Grottes de Sare (Caves of Sare). Explore the prehistoric caves of Sare to learn about the area's unique geology and the history of its human occupation, from prehistory to the present day, with guided tours. 
• Le Musée du Gâteau Basque (Basque Cake Museum). Discover the history and secrets of the famous Basque cake. You can watch demonstrations and even participate in a workshop to learn how to make it yourself. 
• Parc Animalier Etxola (Etxola Animal Park). A family-friendly animal park featuring local and exotic species. 
• Suhalmendi. An educational farm where you can discover the native Basque pig breed (Porc Basque) and learn about its importance to the local gastronomy and heritage. 

• 43.302381-1.5874541 Camping la Petite Rhune, ☏ +33 6 15 29 36 38. Includes a gîte d'étape. Reception hours: 08:30-12:30, 15:00-20:00; winter weekdays 09:00-12:00, 14:00-17:00. 

• Office de Tourisme de Sare - The official tourist office can provide maps, and information on accommodations and activities.

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz - A charming and popular coastal resort town with beautiful beaches and a historic fishing port.
• Spain - Cross the border to explore the nearby Navarrese villages and countryside.
• Ainhoa - Another of "The Most Beautiful Villages of France," located a short drive away.