Espelette
Discover Espelette
A picturesque village in the Labourd region, Espelette is of course world-renowned for its chillies. Now the town’s emblem, they can be found in dried bunches on the facades of traditional houses. Every year, on the last weekend in October, a festival is held to celebrate this local product, with folklore shows, concerts, demonstrations of Basque strength and chili tastings. As a local producer, L’Atelier du piment will take you on a fun tour of how Espelette chillies are grown and produced, from the open-air field to your plate, during your stay in the Basque Country at an Espelette campsite. In the village, the main pedestrian zone is packed with shops selling local produce and crafts. Next door, the Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta houses the town hall, tourist office and permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The fortified church of Saint-Étienne overlooks the Basque cemetery. Its dungeon tower is remarkable for its wooden galleries and painted ceilings dating from the 16th century. In contrast to its massive silhouette, the church’s interior decoration is in the Baroque style. The rich furnishings include a lectern, altarpiece, pulpit and high altar from the 12th and 13th centuries. Finally, less well known than the pimento, the pottok is a breed of ponies typical of the Basque country, whose breeding is also a speciality of Espelette. A fair dedicated to them is held in January, featuring horseback-riding baptisms, exhibitions of agricultural equipment, horse-drawn carriage rides and tastings of local produce.
Top 5 things to do in Espelette
Visit to the Chilli Workshop
Espelette chilli pepper production and processing will hold no secrets for you. During the pepper season, visit a field and listen to the fascinating explanations of the Atelier’s producer. Out of season, you can visit the farm and watch a film. See, smell and taste this spice that adds the perfect spice to any dish. Discover an infinite range of Espelette chilli products: sausage, jam, chocolate…
Discover the Antton chocolate factory
To learn all about the history and process of chocolate production, visit the Antton chocolate factory. Watch the chocolatiers at work in the workshop: a show of dexterity and expertise. Did your mouth water watching them? Then take a gourmet break: the Antton chocolate factory offers you a tasting of its various specialties.
Donkey rides with Astoklok
For an original and fun way to visit the Basque Country, take your children on a donkey ride. The ride, which offers a picnic break in the middle of the countryside, is full of breathtaking views. There is a choice of two itineraries, lasting either 1 hour or 3 hours. Reserve your mount with the farm, which will provide you with a map.
Visit to Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta
Built by the Barons d’Ezpeleta in medieval times, the castle was bequeathed to the town of Espelette by the same family at the end of the 17th century. Archaeological research in 1997 uncovered the remains of a five-tower fortification. The château now houses the town hall, tourist office and library, as well as permanent exhibition rooms.
Stroll through the streets of Espelette
Take a leisurely stroll through the town’s streets, admiring the picturesque houses with their Labourdine architecture, some of which can be adorned with roped peppers. In the rue du center, you’ll pass the house of missionary Armand David. You’ll also see the 16th-17th-century church of Saint-Etienne and the castle of the Barons of Ezpeleta.