Aita Baita

Claire and Joerg made us feel welcome straight away, and we quickly felt at home. Ciboure is a lovely village with plenty of places to eat, and it's a short walk to Grande Plage in nearby Saint Jean de Luz, with its shops and restaurants. Aita Baita also makes a good base for exploring the area and taking short trips into Spain. We had a great week in the apartment, which is in a charming old house with a lovely garden. It was very clean and roomy enough for two adults and two children. The rooms were quiet, the bed comfortable, and my husband and I slept really well. The recently fitted bathroom is spacious and has a great shower. The little kitchen is well equipped, with everything we needed, including a large fridge, dishwasher, oven and coffeemaker.

Breakfast was delicious, with the mountains in the distance. The hosts were just right, too. The beautiful historic house has been restored with so much care and love, and it was a real pleasure to stay there.

We keep coming back to Aita Baita, and somehow every visit is better. This time we came in February and got to enjoy its quiet beauty without the summer crowds. We've also been here in summer and had a lot of fun then. We'll be back again and again. We stayed in the Garden Room on the third floor, with a balcony and wonderful views over the garden, Ciboure, St Jean de Luz and la Rhune, that distinctive bit of the Pyrenees here. Claire and Joerg are lovely hosts, and the breakfast is delicious and perfectly French. The bed is comfy, everything is spotlessly clean, and the new bathrooms feel luxurious. The traditional big Basque house has so much charm. There's plenty to enjoy around here year-round: good restaurants, seaside walks, historic places and fun shopping. My favorite is the farmers markets, one in Ciboure on Sundays just around the corner, and the larger one in St Jean every day.

The view from the Garden Room over the harbor and La Rhune was beautiful and peaceful, even in the rain. The bed was comfortable and breakfast delicious. I was traveling on my own and a bit nervous about staying somewhere off the beaten path, but I felt at ease right away. The hospitality was warm and welcoming, almost like staying at a top hotel. It was just what I hoped for, and I look forward to coming back. Getting there was easy: Claire gave clear directions to the house and garage, and was easy to reach while coordinating my arrival. Ciboure harbor is a quick walk away, and it's an easy walk over the bridge to St. Jean-de-Luz, even with some hills. There are quite a few shops and restaurants between the two, and I wished I'd stayed longer. Fort de Socoa is nearby and well worth a visit, with a beach and little village area close by. The views from the fort are breathtaking, though watch out for the waves.