Sare

Visit Sare, Aquitaine

Sare is deep in Basque country near the Spanish border, 14km south of St Jean de Luz and 20km south of Biarritz. It is classified among the 'most beautiful villages of France' and is a lovely little Basque hilltop village in the historical Labourd province.

Explore Sare

The village is centred around the Place du Fronton, where you will find the tourist office and which is a good place to start your visit. A 'fronton' (hence Place du Fronton) is a place where the traditional Basque sport of Pelote is played, with two players and a ball which is hit against a wall.

The houses in Sare are built in the traditional style of the region, with shutters painted in the traditional red and green of the Basque flag. Be sure to take a look at the 17th century Church of Saint Martin and Saint Catherines Chapel as you explore among the 17th century houses.

Basque churches have the unusual feature of having rows of balconies - Romeo and Juliet style - along the two walls, making them much less austere on the inside than the outside.

You can also visit the 'Museum of the Basque Gateau' at Sare.

We enjoyed ambling around the streets of Sare and the views over the surrounding countryside, and although the village doesn't take long to explore we recommend you visit when in the area.

Attractions nearby

Sare village is set in the 'shadow' of mount Rhune which dominates the skyline in much of this part of south-west France. The surrounding area is very pastoral, and rural, with cows sitting happily chewing grass in the fields. Walking is very popular in the area and the National Pathway GR10 passes through the area.

A popular side trip is the small train to the summit of La Rhune, which has lovely views to the coast to the west and the Pyrenees to the east. The neighbouring villages of Ascain and Ainhoa are also very pretty and well worth a visit.

About 6 kilometres south of the village are the Grottes de Sare, a large cave that was inhabited in prehistoric times. At Ortillopitz, in a lovely location close to Sare, is a large farmholding called 'la Maison Basque de Sare which has been restored to show what a farm and surrounding gardens were like in the 17th century - very interesting.

Photos of Sare (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Sare: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Sare, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Espelette 11km; Itxassou 15km; Cambo-les-Bains 15km; Hendaye 16km; Hondarribia 18km; Biarritz 19km; Anglet 20km; Bayonne 22km; La Bastide-Clairence 29km; Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 32km; Capbreton 39km; Hossegor 41km; Sauveterre-de-Bearn 53km; Salies-de-Bearn 56km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Sare

Sare tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Jardins de la villa Arnaga - remarkable garden (15km) : Vallée des Aldudes - site of natural beauty (27km) : Marais d'Orx - site of natural beauty (35km) :

French version: see Sare (Francais)