In Lahonce, you can plan your trip around several distinct themes: the history of the abbey church, activities on the Adour and the wetland around Lac d’Arbéou. Recurring festivals are another highlight. These themes help you choose between culture, water sports, nature and specific seasonal dates.
Abbey history and visiting the church
The Premonstratensian abbey of Notre Dame de l’Assomption de la Bienheureuse Vierge Marie was built in 1164 on a plot of land above the Adour. The abbey church has been listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments since 1925. The two dates mark different events: 1164 is the year the abbey was built, while 1925 is when its church was listed. The church can be visited year-round; you can obtain the key during mairie (town hall) opening hours by presenting identification. Check the local key collection times before travelling so you can take this procedure into account when planning your visit.
Sailing on the Adour
Club Adour Plaisance offers outings on the Adour for beginners and experienced sailors. In summer, it runs sailing courses for all ages from seven years old. Qualified instructors teach safety, manoeuvres, sail adjustment and independent sailing. This lets you choose between an outing and a guided learning experience. Check the programme for the relevant summer season; the availability of outings may vary. The minimum age of seven applies to the courses.
Walking route and wetlands
The circuit around Lac d’Arbéou has benches, picnic tables, information panels and an environmental quiz. The benches and tables provide places to rest, while the panels and quiz offer information and an activity focused on environmental topics. The area around Lac d’Arbéou features ponds, Barthes and streams that together form a preserved wetland. The Barthes de Lahonce consist of a mosaic of meadows, hedges, fields and bodies of water, and serve as an ecological corridor. Thus, the visitor facilities at the lake and the landscape and nature focus of the Barthes represent different aspects of Lahonce’s natural environment. If you plan to make specific use of the circuit’s facilities, check their condition beforehand, as visitor infrastructure can change.
Festivals and seasonal dates
Ttirrittak Elkartea holds the recurring Ttirrittak Eguna in May. The Fêtes de Lahonce take place every year on the first weekend of July. Together with the sailing courses in summer, these offer several seasonal options: one festival in May, another on the first weekend of July, and courses in summer. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the specific dates and programme for that year. For sailing courses, consult the club’s seasonal programme.
Discover more destinations: Cambo-Les-Bains, Borce, Moumour, Hendaye, Aren, Geüs-D'oloron, Sainte-Colome, Gère-Bélesten
To the main travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
