Espelette is a village in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques, in the region of New Aquitaine, 24 km southeast of Biarritz.
The municipality which belongs to the Basque province of Labourd is located on the watershed of the Adour and its vast territory of 26 km² stretches on the foothills of the massif Pyrenees, in average mountain, its altitude varying from 33 to 750 m, in a landscape rich in streams, crops and pastures.
Espelette is famous for the famous pepper, originally from America and whose culture began in the 17th century, and which now enjoys two labels (controlled label of origin and protected designation of origin). The heart of the commune developed at the foot of a seigneurial castle, property of vassal barons of the king of Navarre. Built in the year 1000, destroyed during the Thirty Years War, it was rebuilt and bequeathed to the inhabitants as well as the seigniorial rights attached to it by the last descendant of the lineage in 1694.
Formed of a village and many hamlets, very affected during the Revolution when, under the Terror, hundreds of men were deported in repression of the desertion of 47 young people of the neighboring commune of Itxassou, the locality has preserved until now a prosperous activity via the sheep breeding and the culture of the pepper. Moreover, if a gypsum quarry was active until the 19th century, a tannery and a large cheese factory are still located in the town.
Its natural environment, the related leisure activities and the charm of its heritage make Espelette (about 2100 inhabitants) an essential step during a tourist stay in the Basque Country.
If the many houses with the typical architecture of the Basque Country, shops and cafes and restaurants where bunches of chilli pepper dry up a pleasant promenade in the village, a discovery of Espelette also passes by visiting its two historic buildings.
This is the case of the old castle, recently renovated, which was used over the centuries as a presbytery, court and school. The remains of the former fortress were highlighted during the restoration of the building, its former characteristics were restored (such as the stylish openings) and the whole was added to the supplementary inventory. The two-storey building now houses the Town Hall, the Tourist Office and a permanent exhibition devoted to "Chilli in the World". Free entry.
Also worth seeing is the Saint-Etienne church, with a fortified aspect, dating from the 17th century. The bell-tower in the form of a keep, the Renaissance-style portal and inside, three floors of spectacular wooden galleries and a 17th-century altarpiece.
For a guided tour of the village, including the monuments as well as the cultural aspects and its agricultural vocation (culture of pepper, pottok breeding, ponies of local breed), contact +33 5 59 93 95 02. Tariff: 5 euros from 14 years.
Unthinkable otherwise not to dwell on the international specialty of the village! A visit is possible at the PDO Showcase Piment d'Espelette, created by the producers' union, which evokes the history, culture and uses of chili. The space includes playful and educational workshops. Free entry. Annual closing: from December to the end of February. Information on +33 5 59 93 88 86.
As for the Atelier du Piment, in addition to tastings, it also offers playful courses in fields of chilies marked with explanatory panels. Culinary workshops are regularly scheduled. Free entry. Open all year. For further information, please contact us at +33 5 59 93 90 21.
In the village still, a detour imposes itself by the arboretum of Father David, in reference to a naturalist originating from the village having notably traveled in China. Explanatory signs in the park. Free entry.
For hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding fans, there are numerous paths and paths, including Mont Mondarrain (also known as the Eagle Mountain), which has a rock face and nearby peat bogs natural.
Documentation and information on the possible difficulties of the trails on +33 5 59 93 95 02 and +33 5 59 30 01 30.
For a carriage ride, physically less tiring, contact the +33 6 78 94 50 15.
In a nearby register, walks with donkeys (which can carry children) to the farm Belazkabieta. Contact the +33 5 59 52 98 02.
As for the "Horse of 3", it proposes various activities related to the horse (walks, saddlery, care of animals). For further information, please call +33 6 75 49 07 61.
If you prefer strong sensations and practice or introduce you to whitewater sports (canoeing, rafting), with graduate supervisors, contact the +33 5 59 93 95 02.
Finally, to enjoy another way of this hilly landscape crossed by numerous streams, fishermen can join the +33 5 59 84 98 50 to know the adapted sites and regulations.
In mid-July, over several days, the Gauargi festival offers on Espelette and the neighboring towns folk dance performances with groups representing several continents.
The last weekend of October, the chilli festival is an event that attracts thousands of visitors, passionate about chili or attracted by the many animations that mark the two days. On Saturdays, the sale of peppers and regional products, concerts, dinner in music, and Sunday, parade of the confraternities in the streets, fun, musical and gourmet animations, then festival of bandas. Free access (except meals). Information on +33 5 59 93 95 02.
Finally, all year round, the market takes place on Wednesday morning and in July and August, a second appointment is offered on Saturday morning. The opportunity to discover the local specialty but also other local products, including sheep cheeses.
Atelier Éveil et Signes
- On 20 april 2024
- 70 xerri karrika, Médiathèque
- Join the whole family for a fun-filled workshop with Lola, her animated décor, rhymes and sign-enriched stories. A time for sharing, imagination and fun, open to all ! For 0-3 year olds (and up). - Places are limited, so book early.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 24 april 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Initiation et Découverte de la Pelote Basque
- On 24 april 2024
- Trinquet Doxpi
- 4 Basque pelota specialities : barehand, pala, xare and chistera. Reservations required by telephone.
Atelier de Musicothérapie
- On 24 april 2024
- 70 Xerri Karrika, Médiathèque
- All in poetry for "le printemps des poètes. Cécile Garcia, certified music therapist, offers interactive parent or nanny-child workshops. Children aged 0 to 6. - Share a bubble of musical sweetness around sound tales, instrument manipulation and a variety of rhythmic songs to the sounds of ukulele, guitar or a capella voice. - Remember to book in advance, as capacity is limited.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 1 may 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 8 may 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 15 may 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 22 may 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 29 may 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
Marché aux Produits Locaux
- On 5 june 2024
- Marché couvert
- Producers of chilli, cheese, Basque cake, wines, hams…and exhibitors of non-food products.
