Guéthary, in the heart of Labourd, is one of the 7
Basque provinces. Nested in a corner of greenery, between the ocean and
the west-end of the Pyrenees, our village is not very large but you can
enjoy discovering all its charms by foot.
SINCE ANTIQUITY...
A
salt fich factory has been established in Guéthary. The owner's epitaph,
dating from the 1st century, was found during renovation works, as well
as other artifacts such as pottery, coins and jewels.
Much later, Guéthary's fishermen hunted whales, tuna and more recently,
sardines. They watched for the passage of whales from the lighthouse
which dominates Parlementia's beach.
The high perched site made an excellent lookout. The whale landing and
cutting area was connected to the plateau above by a very steep, winding
narrow path.
At the beginning of this century, Guéthary still had 2 whalers (boats
used to hunt the whales) each crewed by 10 men and also about 20 small
fishing boats.
The lack of an anchorage which forced the fishermen to take refuge in
Biarritz by stormy weather, as well as the necessity to drag boats onto
the beach with a capstan caused the disappearance of Guéthary's
fishermen.
Today, the whales have disappeared, but this ancient tradition has left
its mark on the coat of arms of our village.
...TO NOWADAYS.
HERRIKO
ETCHEA: The village house. In the Basque country, the townhall, the
Fronton (wall for playing ball games) and the Church form the heart of the
village. In Guéthary the townhall, in the beautiful neo-Basque style, is
beside the Fronton. It is animated all year round by Pelote Basque,
singing, dancing and traditional fairs and it's pleasant to stroll in the
shade of the plane trees or to savor a moment of relaxation. Large villas
and small houses with white chalked walls and green, blue, brown or
especially red woodwork (typical Basque red),
rise in tiers along the Avenue du Général de Gaulle, the road which has
always connected the fishermen of Guéthary "from down below" near the sea,
with the farmers of "up top".
All along this street, houses, very old to more recent ones, show the
evolution of basque architecture.
ESKUALDUNA,
recalls the luxurious tourism of the twenties, today it is an old peoples
home.
ETCHARTIA, which dates from the 18th century.
La POSTE, modern but "so typical".
SARALEGUINEA, built by a Basque who returned
here after making his fortune in America, it is now the municipal museum
renowned for its exhibitions of contemporary art and local traditions. (dates
and opening hours - may, june, september, october: 14h30 à 18h30 Jully et
august : 15h00 à 19h00)
And so many others you can discover going on up the Church.
The
terraces of the cemetary surround the church of St Nicolas. With its
covered porch and its fronton bell tower, it presents a sober and massive
aspect which contrasts with the rich interior. The particular layout of
the Basque churches can be seen in this church, the wide and high choir
and altar are dominated by galleries which surround the nave. The
renovation in 1970, by lightening the decoration, highlighted the
altarpiece and statues which date back to the 17th century, also the
painted decoration of wooden beams, the sculptured gallery balustrades and
the Y-shaped posts which support them, each one cut from a single oak tree.
All the fervour of the Basque faith expresses itself when the voices of
the women gathered in the nave blend with the powerful voices of the men
in galleries. A last glance at the model ship suspended over the nave,
symbol of the Guéthary's maritime past.
