Bayonne, Ferias

27 July – 31 July 2011

Five day long festival with bull running and street music. There has been bullfighting in Bayonne since the thirteenth century and includes bullfights on foot and on horseback. The bullring was opened in 1893 and built in neo-mauresque style. It holds 10,000 people and is the largest in South West France.

Strongman’s Show, St Palais

August 2011

A Basque version of Scotland’s Highland games known as ‘La Force Basque’ these competitions take place in various parts of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques during the summer months. St Palais is one of the major venues. Competitions include tug-of-war and stone lifting.

Salt Festival, Salies-de-Bearn

September 2011

Commemorating the town’s heritage where a saltwater spring produces water nearly 10 times as salty as the sea - a lucrative source of food preservation in the Middle Ages. Taste local produce and learn everything you wish to know about salt.

Pelota World Championship, Pau, Oleron, Sainte Marie, Lescar

October 2011

The Basque game of pelota is rather like a more exciting version of squash with curved wicker scoops (chistera) used instead of rackets.

Chilli Peppers Festival, Espelette

Last weekend, October 2011

10 towns in the commune of Espelette cultivate the red chilli peppers introduced here from South America in the sixteenth century and which have been granted AOC status since the year 2000. See them hanging out to dry across walls and balconies in September and enjoy Espelette’s ‘pepper day’ on the last Sunday in October which attracts 20,000 visitors. Plenty of peppers for sale - dried, pureed or pickled.

Please check precise details and dates with event organisers before making your holiday and travel arrangements.