Macaye combines experiences centered on chestnuts with hikes in the Baigura and Ursuia mountains, as well as historic sites. When choosing where to stay, you can consider which of these aspects you would like to shape your visit: processing and tasting local chestnut products, a mountain outing, or a closer look at the town’s history and architecture.
Discover and taste chestnut culture
At the Maison de la Châtaigne Basque, you can learn about the history of chestnuts and buy and taste chestnut products. The center welcomes individual visitors and groups throughout the year by prior reservation. It is located at Dép. 119, Chemin d’Agerria, 64240 Macaye, France; check this address before your arrival.
Activities related to the chestnut groves also have different focuses: walks through the groves are offered throughout the year, while harvest and peeling workshops take place seasonally. Locally harvested chestnuts are processed at the Maison into flour, semolina, chestnut cream, biscuits and tagliatelle. Both seeing how they are processed and learning about chestnuts can therefore be part of a visit.
Another offering from Onetik is a two-hour farm visit that ends with a tasting in the shop. In July and August, these visits start at the cheese dairy every Thursday from 10 a.m. Check the seasonal program in advance for the year you plan to travel. Onetik also offers Basque cheeses made in Macaye, along with a selection of local foods.
Hiking in Baigura and Ursuia
The local hiking tradition Makea Oinez was founded by Macaye residents in 2000 and is organized in partnership with the Base de loisirs Baigura. A day trip takes hikers on an exploration of the Baigura and Ursuia mountains. Alongside walks through chestnut groves, the program therefore includes a longer outing with a different destination; you can check the specific arrangements for each year before your trip.
The Baigura massif reaches an altitude of 897 meters and is well suited to hiking. You can ask about different routes at reception. The Base de loisirs du Baigura was established by the municipalities of Mendionde, Macaye and Hélette. Tandem paragliding flights are also offered there; since availability may vary by season, check before booking. Hiking and tandem paragliding offer different ways to experience the Baigura massif.
Archaeological site and church
The protohistoric camp and its earthwork enclosure are located in the districts of Olhamendy and Mocorreta. They are classified as an archaeological site and camp, and were listed as a historic monument on October 31, 1980. This site offers a glimpse into a different historical period from that of the Church of Saint-Étienne.
The church dates from the 17th century. Its described features include a bell tower with a front gable, a porch paved with tombstones, three galleries and an altarpiece in the style of Louis XIV. These specific architectural details offer one way to view the church, while the camp and earthworks evoke a different historical dimension of Macaye. Pastoral activities also shape village life.
Macaye as a destination for your stay
If you are looking for accommodation in Macaye, choosing a focus can help you plan: the chestnut offerings include a year-round visit by reservation and seasonal workshops; mountain activities range from hiking to tandem flights; and the church and archaeological site add to the picture of the town’s history. For activities tied to specific dates, check the relevant schedules and conditions before finalizing your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rontignon, Méharin, Urdos, Salies De Bearn, Osse-En-Aspe, Malaussanne, Orsanco, Arrosès
For the broader travel overview: Pyrenees-Atlantiques.
