La Bastide Clairence
La
Bastide Clairence is one of France's most beautiful villages
and is also used as a fine example of a typical Basque Village.
Here are a selection of pictures of the unique architecture in
the village. When we return to the area in June we will take some
more pictures of the artisans' work, the shops and the ambience
of the village.
History
The
Bastide, which is French for a medieval fortified town, was founded
in 1312. It gave access to the river network of the Adour and
the port of Bayonne. The village was popular with artisans and
traders alike and the Jewish colony settled there in the 17th
century. There is still a Jewish cemetery in the village with
the oldest tomb dating back to 1610. Eglise Notre Dame: the village
church was built in the 14th century and contains paving stones
indicating that the original founders of the village are buried
around the church.
The
Village
Village
life centres around the main square where most of the artisans
have their galleries and workshops. Ghislaine Potentier, who is
our keyholder and cleaner, has her mosaic workshop directly on
the square. There is also a forge, a potter and several artists
and sculptors. Here is a link to a page about the various Artisans
in the village. Also, on the square is a small Vival supermarket,
the Mairie, the tourist office, a bar/restaurant and the perfume
shop 'Parfums et Senteurs du Pays Basque'. A little further up
the hill is the excellent macaroon shop. Down the hill from the
square is the post office and at the bottom of the village a leisure
centre (with pool, tennis courts and football pitch). Another
main feature in the village, as with many Basque villages, is
the large pelote court.
Restaurants
As
you arrive in the village, there is a Basque restaurant: Arghi
Zagi. Review to follow as we will eat there on our next visit!
A good restaurant recommended to us by the villagers is Arratea
in the village of Ayherre on the road to Hasparren, just a few
minutes' drive away which has a lovely terrace for outdoor eating
in the summer months.
Links:
La
Bastide Clairence
Ryanair
Easyjet
weather
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN BOOKING:
E-MAIL: kingdesign1@mac.com
Website:
www.pierretoune.com
