Anglet, a horizon of emotions
Anglet is part of the Basque province of Labourd (the Basque Country has 7 provinces, 3 on the French side and 4 on the Spanish side).
Situated between historic Bayonne and cosmopolitan Biarritz, Anglet represents a perfect balance between unspoilt nature and urban dynamism. With 4.5 kilometers of coastline, 230 hectares of forest and a protected nature park, the third-largest town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region is not content to rest on its laurels.
Anglet is a charming year-round destination, offering a unique blend of culture, gastronomy, sports and leisure activities.
Double-count letter
Anglet… Its pronunciation alone is enough to get you going. Don’t forget, when you say Anglet, you’re not forgetting the ‘T’ that snaps in your mouth like the pelota on the pediment. As for its Basque translation, Angelu, it’s pronounced “anguélou”, which may come in handy when reading traffic signs or asking for directions.
Here, some will say Egun on (hello in Basque), others will say Adiou (hello in Gascon), because yes, it’s not just the letter that counts twice, it’s also the identity, both Basque and Gascon. As the town’s motto reminds us, “Ma e pignada per m’aida” means “The sea and the pine forest to help me” in Gascon.
Anglet 4 saisons
The green lung of a dynamic urban area, between ocean, countryside and forest, Anglet extends its vast surface area and all its diversity. Here, all year round, people come to breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun on the terrace or cool off in the shade of the pine trees.
From the aristocracy’s garden…
In the 19th century, in the wake of Napoleon III and Eugenie, the European aristocracy flocked to Anglet. Hunting in the forest, horse racing and parties worthy of Gatsby the Magnificent, the Roaring Twenties were in full swing in Anglet.
Traces of this period can be found in the architectural gems of the Suzanna, Sofia and Prinkipo villas, as well as the Chiberta golf course commissioned by the Duke of Windsor in the 1920s.
… To Little California
Known today as France’s Little California for its state of mind, art of living and board sports culture, Anglet offers an ideal setting for outdoor activities: swimming, thalassotherapy, surfing, coastal rescue, skateboarding, yoga, golf, cycling, accrobranche, beach volleyball, beach rugby, horse-riding, pelota… and for walkers and joggers, the many greenways in the Forêts du Lazaret and du Pignada and the Promenade Littorale provide an ideal setting.
An inclusive destination
In addition to the Blue Flag (guaranteeing good water quality), the Petite Chambre d’Amour beach also holds the Handiplage label. Here, an entire system enables people with disabilities to enjoy swimming in complete safety. Last but not least, the same beach has also been awarded the anti-tobacco label.
Events for everyone
Exhibitions, festivals, concerts… highlights are organized throughout the year. A wide range of sporting and cultural events punctuates the town’s agenda, with festivals (cinema, music), free concerts, theater, sports competitions (surfing, beach rugby, beach volleyball, skateboarding, pelota…), traditional festivals (Basque carnival, Olentzero…) and more. Anglet is always on the move.
The choice of contemporary art
When it comes to culture, Anglet has made a bold commitment to contemporary art. For two decades, major names on the international art scene have been coming to Anglet to express themselves (Daniel Buren, Tadashi Kawamata…). Every two years, this choice is extended beyond the town’s walls with La Littorale, a biennial contemporary art event.
And living heritage
Anglet, a breeding ground for local artisan talent, where traditional skills abound. Here, leather, earth, iron, wood, glass, wicker… are crafted with expertise, often handed down from generation to generation. Institutions such as the Fabrique de Chistera Gonzalez or the Serres Horticoles Mendi, le Jardin de Tous, perpetuate these traditions with passion.
Some artisans also choose to share their know-how through participatory workshops, open to all. These unique experiences offer the opportunity to discover and learn local craft techniques, while immersing yourself in the creative and friendly atmosphere of Anglet.
A gourmet destination
Anglet’s unique terroir is home to the green and sweet piment d’Anglet pepper. A real local pride, this little vegetable is used in typical dishes such as piperade, chipirons à la plancha and poulet basquaise, all of which are a tribute to the town’s tradition of market gardening.
Other gourmet specialties to try include the famous Basque cake, delicious artisanal ice creams and the unmissable Krakada. For gourmets looking for fresh, local and seasonal produce, head for the Marché de Quintaou and Halles 5 Cantons.
Another point of pride is the beach huts that dot the coastal promenade, like so many invitations to take a break. Symbols of conviviality, they are a must for locals from April onwards (and until November) to drink coffee, have lunch or admire a sunset accompanied by tapas. They complete the range of gourmet addresses and fine restaurants in Anglet.
The sport of kings
Né en Polynésie, le surf (surnommé le sport des rois) est arrivé en France et plus précisément sur la Côte basque dans les années 50. Depuis cette époque, à Anglet, professionnels, amateurs et débutants s’entraînent et évoluent dans les vagues du littoral angloy.
In addition to surfing, a whole economy and culture have developed: surf schools, surf shops, shapers (board manufacturers), international competitions, surf film festival, crosswalks in the shape of surfboards… And even a Hollywood boulevard dedicated to this discipline, called Anglet Surf Avenue, where the footprints of the most illustrious are sealed: Kelly Slater, Jérémy Flores, Johane Defaye, Michel Bourez, Mick Fanning, Tom Curren…
Anglet is a natural town where the good life reigns, and a wellness destination par excellence. Yoga sessions, surfing lessons, initiation to Basque pelota, relaxation in the thalassotherapy, visits to first-aid posts, craft and creative workshops…
Let yourself be carried away and breathe… You’re in Anglet!