Manoir De L'Adour

About this property

In a majestic setting surrounded by parkland and century-old trees, Manoir De L'Adour is a beautiful 18th century home with exquisite interiors as well as a superb location near the charming city of Bayonne and a short drive from Biarritz and the stunning Basque coast.

The manoir has an interesting history with some parts dating back to the 17th century and the impressive tower added in the 19th century. As well as a family home with its own chapel, it was also once a cloister for nuns. Original features from its past remain such as the splendid fireplaces and pierre de Bidache flooring in the kitchen and grand entrance. There is certainly a strong sense of the manoir’s history across the home alongside superbly styled interiors and many 21st century features.

The beautifully styled living rooms are full of light thanks to the elegant French windows leading out to the terraces and garden whilst the spacious kitchen-diner is brilliantly equipped. Seven individually styled bedrooms offer elegance and grace including a top-floor tower room with cathedral high ceilings. The six bath and shower rooms add even more opulence to this refined home with classic detail and fine fittings. 

Set on a hill overlooking the Adour river, the gardens are glorious with sloping lawns, century-old trees and rustic stone steps leading down to the brilliant swimming pool. Enjoy the tranquillity as you find a peaceful spot or simply lounge on the lawn before a dip in the refreshing pool, perfect on a warm summery afternoon. In the evening gather by the plancha and barbecue, cook up a feast with food from local markets and sip chilled Basque wine as you take in the beauty around you.

Within a 10-minute drive you can be exploring the medieval, narrow lanes of the charming Basque city of Bayonne with its gothic style cathedral, 17th century ramparts, riverside restaurants and pretty shops and galleries.

A little further and you will reach the Atlantic coast within 11km where you will find many fantastic sandy beaches from family-friendly to wild and remote. This coastline is a mecca for surfers and you’ll be able to find equipment hire and lessons for many ages and abilities. Golf-lovers shouldn’t miss one of France’s most prestigious courses at NAS Golf Chiberta near the stunning Ocean beach.

Not forgetting the glitz of Biarriz, only 11km by car, where you can dine in fine restaurants by the Port des Pecheurs, pick up some Basque specialities from Les Halles market, relax on the famous La Grande Plage backed by Art Deco residences or admire the stunning views from the lighthouse or Rocher de la Vierge.

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques region also offers a wealth of great outdoor activities, idyllic mountain villages and laid-back seaside towns. That said, it may be hard to leave your magnificent manoir for too long with all its beauty, elegance and tranquillity.

Manoir De L'Adour is set in beautiful grounds overlooking the Adour river, only a 10-minute drive from the heart of the charming city of Bayonne (5km) in the Basque region of south-west France. It’s also only 11km to the glitzy seaside town of Biarritz as well as the glorious beaches of Anglet on the Atlantic coast.

Bayonne (5km) is an incredibly charming city with cobbled, medieval lanes and half-timbered riverside restaurants. Walk along part of the 17th century ramparts, visit the gothic style cathedral with its 13th century cloister, explore the Musée Basque, devoted to the region’s arts, craft and traditions whilst chocolate lovers shouldn’t miss L’Atelier du Chocolat. There’s also a lovely artisan quarter, formerly a Blacksmiths and now a delightful place with galleries, bookshops and traditional crafts.

Biarritz and its famous La Grande Plage is only 11km away where you can admire the Art Deco Hotel du Palais, built by Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, in 1855. Explore the glamourous shops, dine in some excellent restaurants, especially around the Port des Pecheurs or experience the amazing market at Les Halles where you can pick up many typical Basque specialities. There are some great walks along the promenades and beaches; head north to the lighthouse where you can climb the steps for superb views over the town and northern coastline. 

As well as the beaches in and around Biarritz, it’s also just over 10km to the brilliant coastline around Anglet, just north of Biarritz and the closest to Bayonne. There are eleven beaches here, some with cool restaurants and bars, others especially family friendly and some with a more wild and remote feeling.

This coastline is a mecca for surfers with schools for all ages and abilities easily found. Golf-lovers will also appreciate the courses across this region, including the famous NAS Golf Chiberta near Bayonne – make sure you book ahead as this is one of France’s most stunning courses near Ocean beach.

You might also want to explore some of the further wonders of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region, whether idyllic Basque villages near the majestic mountains or laid-back seaside towns along the Basque coast. 

This whole region also offers an extended range of outdoor activities, such as walking, horse-back riding, fishing, cycling, canoeing and many other water-sports.

Accommodation

Manoir Interiors (3 floors, approx. 550m2)
- 2 x living rooms with doors leading out to terrace
- Large dining room with doors leading out to terrace
- Kitchen with dining area, fully-equipped
- 6 bedrooms including a top-floor tower bedroom
- 4 shower rooms
- 2 bathrooms
- Games and playroom (can also sleep up to 4 additional children)
- Laundry

Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (5mx15m) with security cover
- Plancha/BBQ
- Table tennis
- Football goal
- Petanque
- 3 hectares/30,000m2 grounds
- Former stables (unrenovated)
- Private chapel
- Private gates and parking

Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Heating
- Home entertainment system with screen/projector
- Apple TV
- Bose home sound system (in all first-floor entertaining rooms)
- Indoor games and books
- Boogieboards x 3
- Alarm system