The surroundings
The house of the Village Fools is in Saint-Esteben, in the Arberou valley, at 10 km from Hasparren inland of the Basque Country. These are some of our favorites we would like to share with you…
Afternoon visits
La Bastide de Clairence, a village of artists, craftsmanship and history
At La Table Gourmande on the main square of La Bastide de Clairence you are offered a coffee menu with suggestions from all over the world accompanied by a local piece of cake. In this charming village classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages you can also stimulate your pheromones at the boutique Parfums et Senteurs du Pays Basque or your taste buds at the local macaroon shop. www.labastideclairence-pays-basque.comSt Jean-Pied-de-Port, medieval town and center of craftsmanship
Saint Jean Pied de Port is a great escapade. On Monday mornings there is a market of local products and once there you should pass by the extraordinary spice shop called Récolte du Monde in front of the church of the pilgrim’s to Santiago de Compostella. The town has a long history, is a renowned starting point of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella, has a magnificent citadel, numerous bars and restaurants and displays local craftsmanship.Le Castle of Camou
A medieval castle - that looks surprisingly much like our Sorhaburu house - on the border of the Bearn worthy of your visit. http://aiciritscamousuhast.fr/fr/actualite/13894/le-chateau-camou-%28-xvieme-siecle%29The Agerria farm at St Martin d’Arberoue (5 minutes away from the house)
A little visit to the Agerria farm at St Martin d’Arberoue to taste the local ewe cheese or the ham made from traditional Basque pigs while you can pay a visit to the farm and salute the pigs or caress the lambs. A nice family outing to discover an Basque farm that respects tradition and authentic know-how.The Irouléguy Vineyards
France’s smallest wine exploitation, at about 15 minutes from the house on your way to St Jean Pied de PortEating well and having fun at night
Gastronomy at Saint Palais
In October, when the birds migrate over the Basque country you can savor the famous pigeon, a local specialty, at the Trinquet restaurant in Saint Palais. http://www.le-trinquet-saint-palais.com/Restaurant around the corner
Not far from the Sorhaburu House, at Saint Martin d’Arberou you’ll find the Auberge Goxoki, a local restaurant with an experienced chef. auberge.goxoki.free.fr/Musical Ballade
At Tony’s Santa Maria Heleta, next to the church of Hélette, concerts with dinners are organized during the summer. Bohemian spirits gather around a glass of wine at nights there. http://www.santamariaheleta.fr/Local Gastronomy
At the Ferme Gourmande close to Osses you can dine while profiting from the magnificent views on the surrounding hills.Pure culinary pleasure
The Olhabidea restaurant in Sare is an address worth the 45 min drive till there. It's a charming place in a nice area with fantastic food!At the Spanish border
In Zugarramurdi, at the Spanish side, you can visit the old witch caves and eat a juicy rib steak. If you finish dinner with Patxaran you can always stay the night at Graxiana the Albergue de las Brujas that offers a unique setting ad good price/quality.Village parties and Basque folklore
Any week of the summer there is a village party where you can eat, drink and dance taking place somewhere in the Basque country, just ask around!Party nights in San Sebastian and Irun
San Sebastian offers good soul and excellent pintxos. We are big fans of Café Irun for salsa dancing on Sunday afternoons and evenings.Excursions, culture, sport
Baïgura
In Baïgura, 15 minutes from Sorhaburu House, there is a leisure base where you can go paragliding, eat out, have the kids play in the garden or go for a hike in the mountains. www.baigura.com Kayaking Close to Arrossa you can rent kayaks for a fabulous descent of the river.Excursions in nature
Check out the Pas de Roland for fantastic ballades.Culture closeby
Centre culturel Irrisarry. www.ospitalea.cg64.fr/ Workshops of pottery, sowing, etc.