Came brings together a range of different interests: the architectural history of the Saint-Martin village church, nature and routes linked to the Bidouze, and local music and crafts. There are also events and riding activities. When planning your trip, you can choose among these highlights depending on whether you are more interested in architecture, outdoor activities or local heritage.
Village Church and Heritage
The parish church of Saint-Martin is a village church in Came. It was almost entirely rebuilt between 1878 and 1880, based on a design from 1874. Features that remain include a stone bearing the date 1647 and a small stair turret, probably from the same period. The church’s architectural history thus combines an extensive 19th-century building phase with older elements.
Chairmaking is also part of the village’s history. According to historical accounts, the craft dates back to the French Revolution; chairs were made by hand in Came until the 1930s.
The Cantayres de Came preserve Gascon and French songs from the local heritage. Many of these songs were once sung by boatmen in the port of Came. In 2020, the group sang a cappella in two-part harmony, with about fifteen singers. The year and approximate number refer to that performance at the time.
Local events take place throughout the year. These include a spring ball, festivities in August, post-festival gatherings in November and local markets. The specific program may vary from year to year. If any of these examples coincide with your travel dates, check the dates in advance.
Bidouze, Nature and Trails
Came lies within the 2,570-hectare Natura 2000 site “La Bidouze (cours d'eau),” site code FR7200789. This is an extensive hydrographic network draining the foothills of the Basque Country. Species listed there under Annex II include Austropotamobius pallipes, Salmo salar, Galemys pyrenaicus and Mustela lutreola.
For hiking, the departmental trail “Château et Bidouze” is a specific option: it is signposted and maintained in Came. As maintenance conditions may change, it is advisable to check the trail’s condition before setting out. The V81 cycle route from Bayonne to Perpignan also passes through Came. This gives visitors with different activity interests a named local hiking trail and a cycle route with two clearly identified endpoints.
The Gué des Pierres, also known as the Gué des Peyres, crosses the Bidouze upstream of Grand’Maison. The well-preserved stone crossing is used by hikers and mountain bikers.
Fishing is also restricted to a specific stretch: fishing from a boat is permitted on the Bidouze from the weir at the Port de Came mill downstream to its confluence with the Adour, subject to the regulations in force. Check the current rules before fishing.
Horse-Riding Activities in Came
The Ferme Équestre de Mountagnes in Came offers riding lessons, trail rides, short horseback excursions and a pony club. If you would like to include any of these activities in your plans, check availability in advance, as the activities on offer may change.
Discover more destinations: Itxassou, Billère, Lagor, Louvie-Juzon, Soumoulou, Hasparren, Ledeuix, Mouguerre.
For the broader travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
