Briscous is a commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in the Aquitaine region, 15 km east of Bayonne.
The territory of the vast locality of 31 km ² belongs to the Basque province of Labourd, former viscount having raised under the Old regime of Navarre, then of Gascony and finally of Aquitaine.
Always alive with the production of Ossau-Iraty cheese, the agricultural vocation of Briscous was completed from the beginning of the 19th century to the 1950s by the production of rock salt and soda extracted from its subsoil. Via underground pipes 20 km long, water with high salt content long fueled the thermal baths of Biarritz.
With some 2,700 inhabitants, the town has retained a heritage and an environment of interest. With its expanded sports and leisure offer, Briscous is a pleasant stopover on a trip to the Basque coast.
The Church of St. Vincent-Deacon is the heritage jewel of Briscous. It was rebuilt from 1860 to 1864 on the foundations of an earlier building. At the outer level, it is observed that the church was partly built in sandstone, and that it has a square spire and a roof with long sides as the local tradition. It is however inside that are the most notable elements: a set of three windows depicting the Immaculate Conception, Saint Joseph and Jesus child and especially paintings and a monumental fresco made around 1900 by the workshop of the brothers Decrept, painters-decorators in Bayonne. Among them are the Evangelists, angels and plant motifs. Like stained glass, his works are protected.
In the village, were also mentioned in the General Inventory of cultural heritage of old farms and typical houses of the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. As is the tradition in Labourd, they have wood panels painted red or green.
The old salines, which form a hamlet away, a laundry in the village, are also included in a ride in the form of discovery of built heritage and history.
In terms of recreation "nature", Briscous has several hiking routes, in addition to a greenway connecting the village salt salted popular walkers and mountain bikers.
One of the circuits also takes the "Route des Crêtes", and includes the educational trail of the Ardanavy (river that joins the Adour) on 3 km with information panels and interpretation sensitizing wildlife and flora and the diversity of natural environments.
A variant can win the banks of the Adour, also accessible to mountain bikers.
A loop, finally, still on Briscous same, crosses the vast communal forest of 190 hectares. There is a fauna and flora of quality (pedunculate oaks, acacia false locust trees, chestnut, wild cherry, tulip trees, deer, squirrels, foxes, northern pigeons...).
Note that it is also possible to consider hikes of greater magnitude, involving incursions to the coast. Maps and information on +33 5 59 29 62 02 or +33 5 59 29 65 05.
Tennis courts, petanque, pediments (Basque pelota) are also available for visitors to the Lokarri sports complex. Information on +33 5 59 31 70 90.
It is still on the commune of Briscous is established the only karting track of the Basque coast! 1200 m long, it provides thrills for both novice and experienced riders. Open every day in July and August, during school holidays and from Friday to Sunday the rest of the year. Information on +33 5 59 56 28 27.
Nearby, there is a space dedicated to paintball. Information on +33 7 71 87 00 64.
Finally, on the cultural level, the Bixinto space offers artistic exhibitions and shows quality shows (concerts, theater...). Information on +33 5 59 15 79 76.
At the end of January, the Bixintxo festival with fun and gourmet activities, concert, dance.
The last weekend of September, Salines festival with fun and gourmet entertainment, cow race, hiking, prom.
Spectacle Danses Basques
- On 27 april 2024
- Mur à gauche Lokarri
- Aged from 6 to 15, they'll be delighted to show you the dances they've learned over the year. We look forward to seeing you around the refreshment bar, accompanied by a talo xingar !
Musique en Mai-Diathèques
- On 31 may 2024
- Bisbliothèques de Briscous
- Varied music concert with Pauline Junquet.
