St-Pée-sur-Nivelle

St-Pée-sur-Nivelle is a village in the inland Basque Country, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, just a few kilometres from the coast and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Crossed by the Nivelle river, the village sits within a green landscape of hills and valleys typical of this Basque region. It retains characteristic architecture, including half-timbered houses and a fronton, the traditional court used for pelota, a sport deeply rooted in local culture. Its proximity to La Rhune, an iconic Basque mountain, makes it a popular starting point for hiking. The Lac de Saint-Pée, equipped for swimming and water-based activities, is also a favourite spot for families during the summer months. Basque specialities such as gâteau basque, sheep's cheese and Espelette pepper are readily available in local shops and markets. St-Pée-sur-Nivelle enjoys a mild oceanic climate, well suited to outdoor activities throughout the year. Its location also makes it easy to explore the wider Basque coast, including Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ainhoa and the nearby Spanish border.