A great many traditional fetes and festivals all year round

In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, festivity is a part of daily life: spontaneous or organised, it may take the form of the local card game (mus), a meal among friends with plenty of singing, or more traditional events such as carnivals, pastoral fêtes, Basque strongman games between villages, skittles...

It is often said of the Basques and Béarnais that they are hardy folk, and this is absolutely true;  but under their tough exterior there is an innate sense of festivity, an extraordinary taste for games and challenges, and great pride in upholding their traditions.

The most emblematic festival is the famous Fêtes de Bayonne in early August. In the area of culture, there are around 15 music, dance, song and cinema festivals all year round.

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10 good reasons to come to the Pyrénées Atlantiques