Ainhoa is very photogenic village located in the Labourd province, deep in the French Basque Country, near the Spanish border in the southwest of France. Recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", it’s a popular day-trip destination from nearby Atlantic coast resorts like Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Biarritz.
The village has historical significance as a key stop along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, where several French paths converged. Ainhoa was originally established in the 13th century to serve these pilgrims. Although the original village was destroyed by Spanish forces in 1629, the current layout and architecture date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
According to France This Way, Ainhoa may be small—with little more than a main street and a large church—but it’s undeniably charming. The peaceful atmosphere and the beautiful mountain backdrop make it a delightful place to explore.
This traditional Basque village is full of character, with houses that are excellent examples of local architecture. Most feature half-timbered facades, painted in the deep reds and greens that are typical of the Pays Basque region.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ainhoa is the asymmetry of its main street. The buildings on one side are noticeably more decorative, with more balconies and ornamentation. This unusual feature stems from a local tradition: homes were built with their backs to the sea to shield them from strong winds and rain. As a result, one side of the street shows the fronts of the houses, while the other side reveals their plainer backs.
Personally, I found the simpler, more understated “backs” of the houses just as appealing as the more decorative fronts—and I suspect many visitors might not even notice the difference. Another distinctive feature of the local architecture is the overhanging roofs, designed to protect the half-timbered façades from the elements, which add to the village’s unique charm.
The Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Ainhoa has its origins in the 13th century, though it underwent significant renovations in the 17th century, including the addition of a bell tower. Interestingly, the church was built on the site of a fortified manor house that once stood there in the 12th century. For more details, see the dedicated page on Ainhoa Church
Inside the Church & Local Life
Step inside Ainhoa’s Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption and you’ll find two rows of wooden balconies, a distinctive feature of Basque churches (some even have three). The church’s ornate altarpiece, set beneath a dome painted sky blue and adorned with decorative motifs, adds to its charm. These unique balconies have earned the church its status as a listed historic monument. Just outside, the adjacent cemetery holds several noteworthy early gravestones.
As a true Basque village, Ainhoa also features a fronton wall next to the cemetery, where locals—young and old—have played Pelota, the traditional Basque sport, since the wall was built in 1849. The village also offers a selection of upmarket arts and crafts shops and inviting cafés.
Another historic site is the lavoir (old washhouse), tucked away in a shaded spot on the edge of the village in the Dancharia area, the lowest part of the center. Legend has it that Napoleon III stopped here during a visit in 1858.
Fun fact: In recent years, the name Ainhoa has become increasingly popular as a girl’s first name in France.
Nature & Nearby Attractions
Ainhoa is a great base for hiking and cycling, with several trails starting right from the village and winding through the low mountains and forests nearby. The local tourist office provides a helpful leaflet with maps and suggested routes of varying lengths and difficulty. The surrounding Forest of Ainhoa is known for its rich wildlife—you might spot a deer, though wild boars are said to roam the area too!
Just outside the village, don’t miss the Chapel of Notre-Dame de l’Aubépine, perched on the edge of Mount Atsulai. Built on the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to a shepherd, the chapel offers sweeping views across the countryside.
The majestic Rhune Mountain, which towers above Ainhoa, adds to the village’s stunning setting. You can even ride a small scenic train to the summit for panoramic views. Nearby villages like Espelette and Sare (also listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France) are equally charming and well worth a visit.
For more ideas, explore the Pays Basque, or check out the Pyrenees-Atlantiques and Aquitaine travel guides.
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