Lakes around Ciboure, a coastal town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region of the Basque Country, offer diverse natural settings. While Ciboure itself is on the coast, the surrounding area provides several lakes for various recreational activities. These lakes present an alternative to the sea, featuring different characteristics and attractions. The region's geography includes both coastal landscapes and the foothills of the Pyrénées.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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superb hike and ideal for children around 9 years old
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wild grazing horses in the touches, orchids
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Tip top lake for a picnic break, be careful when we arrived the water level was low in the middle of summer, but not too many mosquitoes and plenty of shade to rest by the water
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Brilliant views + far-reaching views + benches for breaks + enjoy!! 👍✔️✅️
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The Pointe de la Saint-Barbe is an emblematic place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz. The panorama of the bay is magnificent while in the background the first Basque mountains stand proudly. The site also offers a breathtaking view of the coastline and its beautiful beaches.
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This pretty lake is nestled at an altitude of 330 meters in the hollow of a wooded valley. Designed in 1928, its dam allows the distribution of water for the towns of Urrugne, Hendaye and Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Swimming and fishing are prohibited but the lake offers superb picnic spots.
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Small land "beach" on the lake, perfect for taking a break in the shade of the trees and at the water's edge
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Magnificent spot for a picnic. View of the lake to the north below, and the 3 crowns on the other side.
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The lakes near Ciboure offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, pedal boating, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding at lakes like Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. For thrill-seekers, Lac de Baudreix and Lac de Sames feature cable skiing, water jumping, and giant slides. Lac d'Arroques (Guiche) has unique attractions like Waterjump and Accr'Eau Park. Many lakes also provide opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and walking trails.
Yes, several lakes are excellent for families. Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle is particularly popular, offering a supervised sandy beach, a giant inflatable aquatic park, and various water and land activities. Lac de Sames is also ideal for families with young children, featuring waterslides and a dedicated aquatic course. The Shaded shore of Lac de Xoldokogaina is another family-friendly spot for a quiet break by the water.
Yes, swimming is permitted and often supervised at several lakes during the summer months. Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle has a supervised sandy beach where water temperatures can reach 24°C. You can also swim at Lac de Baudreix, Lac de Sames, and Lac d'Arroques (Guiche). However, swimming is prohibited at Lac de Xoldokogaina to preserve its natural environment.
Yes, many lakes offer pleasant walking and hiking opportunities. Lac de Xoldokogaina is primarily known for its hiking trails, providing serene landscapes and panoramic views of the Basque coast. Marked trails are also available around Lac de Baudreix, especially in the protected 'Saligue' area, and a health trail can be found at Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle. For more extensive hiking, you can explore the Mountain Hikes around Ciboure guide.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the summer months (July and August) are ideal when beaches are supervised and water temperatures are warm. For hiking and enjoying the natural scenery, spring and autumn offer milder weather and beautiful landscapes, making them perfect for exploring trails around lakes like Lac de Xoldokogaina.
While specific regulations for dogs vary by lake, many natural areas and trails around the lakes are generally accessible for walks with dogs, often requiring them to be on a leash. For example, trails around Lac de Xoldokogaina are popular for walks. It's always advisable to check local signage or specific lake rules upon arrival regarding pet access, especially in designated swimming or leisure areas.
The lakes near Ciboure offer diverse natural beauty. Lac de Baudreix provides stunning views of the Pyrénées mountains. Lac de Xoldokogaina, nestled in a wooded valley, offers panoramic views of Urrugne and the Basque coast, with highlights like the View of the Lake and the Trois Couronnes. The Uzkaingo Erreka Waterfall provides a refreshing natural spot with views of the ocean and Basque Country.
Yes, most popular lakes are equipped with amenities. Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle and Lac de Baudreix offer picnic areas. Lac de Sames provides picnic tables and even chalets for rent. Lac d'Arroques (Guiche) also has picnic tables. While specific cafes might vary, these lakes are generally set up for a comfortable day out with food and drink options nearby or designated areas for your own provisions.
Most lakes in the region are best accessed by car, and parking is generally available at popular spots. For instance, Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle, Lac de Baudreix, and Lac de Sames are designed as leisure bases with visitor parking. While public transport options might be limited directly to all lakes, driving offers the most flexibility to explore these destinations.
Yes, the region around Ciboure offers various cycling opportunities that can be combined with lake visits. While specific cycling paths directly around every lake might vary, the broader area has excellent routes. You can find more information on routes in the Cycling around Ciboure and Road Cycling Routes around Ciboure guides, which include routes passing through scenic landscapes near some of these lakes.
For exciting water sports like wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and cable skiing, Lac de Baudreix and Lac de Sames are excellent choices. Both lakes are known for their facilities that cater to these activities, offering a dynamic experience for water sports enthusiasts.
Lac de Saint-Pée-sur-Nivelle is highly popular due to its extensive range of activities and family-friendly features. It boasts a supervised sandy beach, clear freshwater, and a Handiplage approval for accessibility. Visitors can enjoy swimming, pedal boating, kayaking, and a giant inflatable aquatic park. On land, there's a health trail, tennis courts, and picnic areas, making it a versatile spot for a full day of fun.


Still not found your perfect lake around Ciboure? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.