Domaine De La Rive

About this property

Domaine de la Rive rests along the banks of the Adour River as a sanctuary of heritage, harmony and hospitality. This family-owned estate, lovingly held for four generations, brings together two distinctive residences to form one unforgettable retreat near the edge of the small historic city of Bayonne. 

The first part of the estate is a traditional 19th century Basque home that radiates poetic charm, with five individually styled bedrooms inspired by local mythology and global cultures, sleeping up to 10 guests. Each room features a king-size double bed that can be configured as twins, along with its own en suite bath or shower room. Downstairs, cool tiled floors run through the inviting living spaces, where a characterful kitchen blends rustic charm with modern practicality. Outside, the south-facing stone terrace offers an idyllic setting for leisurely al-fresco meals.

Just beside, a beautifully converted barn wing offers a bright, contemporary contrast for 11 guests, drawing on nature for its design inspiration. Here, another five welcoming bedrooms (and three bathrooms, two of which are en suite) provide comfort and flexibility, while the open-plan living space is the social heart of the home. French doors open onto a raised decked terrace overlooking the gardens and swimming pool, inviting guests to slow down and soak up the surroundings. Outside July and August, this part of the estate is also available on its own, ideal for smaller groups seeking a relaxed Basque escape.

Set within 2.5 hectares of private parkland, the estate opens a world of outdoor leisure. Days unfold between refreshing swims, lively tennis matches or quiet games of pétanque. Children and adults alike can enjoy the space with table tennis, badminton, volleyball and Mölkky, or simply wander the grounds where the wild edges meet forest trails and river views. With each hour shaped by the changing light, Domaine de la Rive is a place to connect and truly unwind.

Just outside the cultural hub of Bayonne, the estate is perfectly placed to explore coast, city and countryside. From the golden beaches of Anglet to the atmospheric streets of Biarritz and the vibrant traditions of Basque villages like Ainhoa and Sare, the region invites adventure. Whether you're exploring the nearby chocolate museum and cathedral, catching local summer festivals, learning to surf or riding the legendary Train de La Rhune into the mountains, there is wonder in every direction.

For families, groups of friends or multi-generational gatherings, Domaine de la Rive offers a setting where memories are rooted in nature, story and time spent together.

By the banks of the Adour River, Domaine de la Rive enjoys a superb position just outside the historic heart of Bayonne. This prime location promises natural beauty alongside easy access to a rich tapestry of cultural and coastal delights in the Basque region of southwestern France.

The house is set in 2.5 hectares of parkland with occasional passing deer, hedgehogs and other wildlife – follow the little path to discover walks through the surrounding forest (the owners advise you to wear boots and avoid the long grasses). Car hire is strongly encouraged to be able to make the most of the region, yet there is a bus stop around a 15-minute walk away (via a sloping lane) with buses to Anglet’s main beach via Bayonne railway station and city centre. For car drivers, the estate is very well connected to the A63, allowing you to easily reach a range of wonderful destinations to both the north and south.

Not far away, Bayonne’s cultural treasures await discovery. Step into the Musée du Chocolat (2km) for a delicious journey through local confectionery heritage, or admire the Gothic splendour of the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie (4km). The Musée Basque (3.5km) provides a captivating insight into local traditions, while the Fêtes de Bayonne (mid-July) and Foire au Jambon (usually around Easter/April) offer unforgettable immersion into the area’s festive spirit.

For lovers of the sea and sand, the Anglet coastline, stretching from Plage de la Chambre d’Amour to Plage de la Barre, offers vast beaches and exhilarating Atlantic surf. Stroll or cycle the coastal promenade, or explore nearby Biarritz (13km), famed for its Belle Époque architecture, fishing port and vibrant market hall. Heading north instead, surf and beach lovers should spend time along the Landes coast near Capbreton (22km) and trendy Hossegor (26.5km).

A tapestry of traditional Basque villages also await, each with its own unique character – gems not to be overlooked include Bidart (17km), Ainhoa (31km) and Sare (31km), the latter two both classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’. For a scenic adventure, Le Train de La Rhune (34km) climbs to panoramic mountain views over France and Spain.

Meanwhile, leisure activities across the region seem endless. Golf lovers have a range of courses to choose from across the Basque coast, the nearest two being the prestigious Golf de Chiberta and Makila Golf Club, both within a 15-minute drive. Keen hikers will come across a variety of routes, including the famous coastal walking path linking Bidart to Hendaye.

With the Spanish border just over 30 minutes away by car, Domaine de la Rive serves as an idyllic base to explore the Basque Country where every day promises something new to discover.

Accommodation

Basque House Interiors (270m2) - please note this part of the estate is not included in the lower 11-person rate. 

Main Floor

-
Open-plan living and dining room with doors opening to garden and terrace 
-
TV lounge with small sofa-bed (120x200cm)
-
Kitchen, fully-equipped

First Floor 

-
Bedroom 1 (28m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be split as twin), reversible air-conditioning and en suite shower room with Italian shower and WC
-
Bedroom 2 (22m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be split as twin), reversible air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath and WC
-
Bedroom 3 (33m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be split as twin), sofa-bed, reversible air-conditioning and en suite shower room with Italian shower and WC
-
Bedroom 4 (28m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be split as twin), reversible air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath, shower and separate WC

Second Floor

-
Attic Bedroom 5 (22m2) with king-size double bed (180x200cm, can be split as twin), reversible air-conditioning, bathtub (in the room) and en suite Italian shower and separate WC

Converted Barn Interiors (180m2) - please note that this part of the estate can be rented by itself for 11 guests (excluding July/August)

Main Floor

- Open-plan living room with large sofa and doors opening to raised al-fresco dining terrace overlooking the swimming pool
- Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including breakfast bar and stools. Doors slide open to back terrace
- Open-plan dining area
- Laundry facilities with washing machine and dryer
- Bedroom 1 (23m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm), reversible air-conditioning, doors opening to terrace (with steps down to garden and pool area) and en suite shower room with Italian shower and WC
- Reversible air-conditioning 

First Floor (via open-tread stairs, some sloping ceilings, split across two wings)

- Bedroom 2 (25m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm), reversible air-conditioning and en suite shower room with Italian shower and separate WC
- Bedroom 3 (17m2) with queen-size double bed (160x200cm) and reversible air-conditioning
- Bedroom 4 (14m2) with three single beds (90x200cm each) and reversible air-conditioning
- Bedroom 5 (12m2) with two single beds (90x200cm each) and reversible air-conditioning
- Shared bathroom with bathtub, shower cubicle and separate WC
- Hallway with small sofa-bed (120x200cm)

Estate's Outside Grounds

-
Swimming pool (10x5m, depth: 0.9-1.6m) with electric safety cover. Open approximately April to end-October and heated approximately May to end-September
-
Poolside terrace with sun beds and garden furnishings
- East and west-facing terraces (accessed via former barn) for al-fresco dining
- South stone terrace (accessed via Basque House) for al-fresco dining
- Barbecue and plancha
-
Tennis court
-
Boules pitch
-
Table tennis
-
Electric bikes (x2)
-
Badminton, volleyball, Mölkky and other outdoor games/leisure equipment
-
River frontage
- Low stone wall between part of the grounds (in front of the Basque house) and river
-
2.5-hectare wooded park

Other Facilities

-
Reversible air-conditioning (bedrooms only throughout)