ONGI ETORRI ! ...

This is the how the Basques say WELCOME !

We are pleased to welcome you to GUETHARY, in the heart of Labourd, one of the 7 Basque provinces. Nestling 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 on foot.

Since Antiquity....

A Salting fish factory was established in Guethary. The owner's epitaph, dating from the 1st century and other artifacts such as pottery, coins and jewels, were found during renovation works.

 


Later on, Guethary's fishermen were hunting whales, tuna and more recently, sardines (easier to fish...). From the lighthouse which dominates Parlementia's beach, they were watching out for whales going past.

The high-perched structure made an excellent lookout. The port where whales were berthed and cut up was joined to the plateau above by a very steep, winding narrow path.

  


At the beginning of the 20th century, Guethary still had 2 whalers (boats used to hunt the whales) each crewed by 10 men and about 20 small fishing boats. The lack of shelter forced the fishermen to anchor in other ports by stormy weaver. The necessity to drag boats onto the beach with a capstan explain why there are no longer fishermen in Guethary.


Today, whales have disappeared but this old tradition has left its marks on the coat of arms of our village.

  

.... to nowadays.


 " HERRIKO ETCHEA ": the village house.

In the basque country, the townhall, the Fronton and the church form the heart of a village.

In Guéthary, the townhall, in a beautiful neo-basque style, is beside the Fronton (wall for playing the basque ball games). It's animated all year round by pelote basque, singing, dancing and traditional fairs and it's really pleasant to stroll under 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 of General de Gaulle, a road which has always connected the fishermen of Guethary "from down below" near the sea, with the farmers "from the plateau".




All along this path, houses from the very old to more recent ones, show the evolution of basque architecture.

  • ESKUALDUNA, recalls the luxurious tourism of the 20's, today it's an old people home.
  • ETCHARTIA, which dates from the 18th century, is now house for associations.
  • La POSTE, modern but so "typical".
  • SARALEGUINEA, built by a Basque who returned here after making his own fortune in America, it's now the municipal museum, renowned for its axhibitions of contemporary art and local traditions (dates and opening hours - may, june, september, october: 2.30 to 6.30 PM  July and August : 3 to 7 PM)
  • And so many others you can discover going up to the church.

 

 


The terrace of the cimetary surround the Saint-Nicolas church. 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 basques churches can be seen in Guethary's one, 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 altar piece and statues which date back to the 17th century, also the painted decoration of wooden beams, the sculptured gallery balustrade 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 powerfull voices of the men in galleries. Many concerts are organized in this church by the Glissando association.

A last glance at the modelship suspended over the nave, symbol of the Guethary's maritime past.