The Originals Argi-Eder 4*

The Hotel Argi Eder is a lovely Basque chalet in wooded grounds on the outskirts of one of France's prettiest villages (700m). Your hosts are 2 brothers whose aim is to offer a relaxing ambience of quiet comfort and high end hospitality, and this hotel certainly hits the mark. There is a lovely outdoor pool (May-Oct) and marvellous scenery to enjoy and afterwards dinner in the restaurant (closed Mon/Tues), or on the terrace in summer, offers a distinctive and delicious menu. Pets not accepted.

Hidden in the Pyrenean foothills on the road to the Spanish border, Ainhoa is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France and is one of the stops on the Way of St James. In essence it is just one main street full of beautiful Basque style buildings with their unique red and white façades plus a couple of Michelin starred restaurants and cafes as well as one or two art and craft shops. The local church has a beautiful coffered ceiling and an interesting cemetery, next to which is a fronton wall dating back to the 1800s used for playing pelota, the local sport.

This is a great location for walking as the surroundings are very picturesque - there are over 65km of trails including 5 superb waymarked circuits that start from the village.