Rent in France - Holiday rental homes in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France
Search Rent-in-France for self catering cottages, gites and villas in the popular area of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France. Originally called Basses-Pyrénées, this department is situated in the southwest of France and is part of the Aquitaine region. It wasn’t until October 1969 that the department was renamed Pyrenees-Atlantiques, taking its name from the Pyrenees mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. The other departments that border the Pyrenees-Atlantiques include Landes, Ger, the Bay of Biscay and Hautes Pyrénées.
Situated along the French border, the Pyrenees-Atlantiques has a number of cultural and economic links with it’s neighbouring country, Spain. Although French is the official language of France today, both Basque and Gascon may be heard in some parts of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. Gascon is closer to Catalan than it is to french where as Basque is more the natural language of the area. The Pyrenees Atlantiques offers its vistors a mixture of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes. The Basque people are unique in every way, they live a life based firmly on culture, traditions and customs, the land that they occupy is usually filled history and pride and the towns that have been created will fill your mind with inspiration.
Due to the growing wealth of the economy in Europe the beautiful Basque countryside has become very attractive to holiday makers and second home purchases are common due to its easy access to Spain and the wonderful relationship and contacts the Pyrenees Atlantiques has across the world. The large local mansions that were once on the market for thousands in a poor isolated region, are today worth millions and the locals are finding it increasingly more difficult to get on the property ladder.
The Pyrenees-Atlantiques is a paradise for walking, hiking, and climbing fanatics due to the large stretches of mountain tracks and numerous cliff faces to challenge climbers of all abilities. Self catering gites in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France can provide the ideal base to prepare for a day of challenging activities, but may also be the perfect spot to wind down and relax in the evenings after an adventurous day in the mountains.
Places to visit in Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France:
Pau - Pau is the capital of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques. A Pyrenees-Atlantiques rental property, France will provide the perfect base to explore this wonderful region. Whether it is to explore the mountains with their fantastic views or to enjoy the beautiful beaches and the ocean. Tourists may be surprised that there is a very Victorian feel to Pua with its many Victorian buildings. This area has been a hot spot for British tourists for many years. A great place also to visit the Roman town of Bayonne or the spa town of Salies-de-Bearn
Bayonne - This is must visit during a French Holiday in the Pyrenees Atlantiques. This wonderful place is famous for its smoked wafer thin ham, of which there is a festival paying tribute between the 1st and 4th of April 2010 at both the Carreau des halles and the Mail Chaho Pelletier. This is also a paradise for all the chocolate lovers out there. The name Bayonne may sound familiar as it is home to the invention of the bayonet.
Biarritz - Know as one of the most luxurious resorts, Biarritz is located in the Bay of Biscay. With its large number of surfing spots to Mineral spas and fine restaurants Biarritz gives you an ideal mix of activities for the perfect holiday. Very popular with the younger ages!
Saint Jean de Luz – This charming elegant resort has a very Basque feel which is still known as an active port. This is one of France’s main bases for tuna and sardine fishing. The area has a lot of class and style about it with its many art galleries, chic boutiques and sea water spa centers. There is also a golf course and a casino to be found here!
Orthez – A beautiful medieval market town located around Port Vieux. It is renowned across France for its top class market where visitors can find a large range of Bayonne hams and other delicacies. The old bridge still stands after surviving many wars of religion which shows how much the locals have shown strength and desire to maintain the character of this wonderful town
Renting holiday accommodation in France, Pyrenees-Atlantiques gives you fantastic access to some wonderful beaches which have become a huge tourist attraction during the summer months with temperature reaching high into the mid 30’s °C. Those who enjoy exploring walks and climbs in the mountains can enjoy the cooler temperatures due to the cool refreshing breeze. Throughout the winter months the temperature drops to around 5 °C.
The Pyrenees-Atlantiques has been an area of France that has historically been extremely difficult to get to for many years, but thanks to RyanAir, there are now regular flights to both Pau and Biarritz airports.
If your looking for a holiday experience with adventure filled days, followed by peaceful nights, then look no further than a holiday gite in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, France. The area offers fantastic affordable skiing in comparison to other resorts in the Alpine regions, with a definite and pleasant Spanish feel to the area.