Tourism
Visit Cambo-les-Bains,
a spa town in the Basque Country
Located in the Nive Valley, Cambo-les-Bains blends thermalism, the Basque way of life, and Belle Époque heritage. This spa town owes its fame to its waters, but also to Villa Arnaga, the home of Edmond Rostand, the author of Cyrano.
To visit Cambo-les-Bains and enjoy its gentle atmosphere, here are the essentials to see, just thirty minutes from our campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz!
Cambo-les-Bains at a glance
- Cambo-les-Bains is a renowned spa town in the Basque Country.
- Villa Arnaga, the home of Edmond Rostand, was completed in 1906.
- The thermal baths border a 12-hectare park along the Nive River.
- Saint-Laurent Church houses a gilded altarpiece and wooden galleries.
- The town is divided between Haut-Cambo, on the hill, and Bas-Cambo.
Kanbo
Cambo-les-Bains
Villa Arnaga and Basque heritage
The landmark monument of Cambo-les-Bains remains Villa Arnaga. Built in 1906 for the writer Edmond Rostand, author of Cyrano de Bergerac, this Neo-Basque residence features sumptuous French-style gardens, designated as Jardins Remarquables (Remarkable Gardens). Listed as a Monument Historique, it can be visited as a museum.
In the village, Saint-Laurent Church reveals its wooden galleries and gilded altarpiece, while its cemetery holds the grave of Edmond Rostand.
Good to know: Villa Arnaga can be visited from April to November, including the gardens; allow at least an hour and a half on-site. Literature lovers can continue to the nearby cemetery where Edmond Rostand rests. An audio guide sheds light on the writer’s life and the design of the house.
Thermal baths, park, and the banks of the Nive
Visiting Cambo-les-Bains also means enjoying its gentle spa atmosphere. Renowned for rheumatology and respiratory treatments, the thermal baths are surrounded by a 12-hectare park on the banks of the Nive, perfect for a stroll. The town can be explored on foot, between Haut-Cambo perched on the hill and Bas-Cambo, below near the river.
From our Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Cambo can be reached in about thirty minutes through the Nive Valley.
Three ways to enjoy Cambo-les-Bains:
- The thermal park is perfect for a shaded walk by the water.
- The Nive trail connects the Haut and Bas-Cambo districts.
- The Belle Époque villas recall the golden age of the resort.
A tip from the Merko Lacarra campsite team
“Combine a visit to Villa Arnaga in the morning with a stroll in the thermal park in the afternoon. Then head to nearby Itxassou for its cherries and scenery. Cambo is best enjoyed without rushing!”
Looking for a getaway between culture and nature in the Basque Country? From Merko Lacarra campsite in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, head to Cambo-les-Bains for a day of heritage and spa relaxation. Book your stay and let yourself be carried away by the gentle flow of the Nive!
frequently asked questions
FAQ – Visiting Cambo-les-Bains
What is there to see in Cambo-les-Bains?
In Cambo-les-Bains, don’t miss Edmond Rostand’s Villa Arnaga and its gardens, Saint-Laurent Church and his grave, and the thermal park on the banks of the Nive. A walk between Haut and Bas-Cambo completes the visit.
Can you visit Villa Arnaga?
Yes, absolutely! Villa Arnaga, the home of Edmond Rostand, can be visited as a museum, including the French-style gardens. Listed as a Monument Historique and designated as a Jardin Remarquable, it is mainly open from April to November. Allow about an hour and a half for the visit.
Why is Cambo-les-Bains a spa town?
Cambo-les-Bains owes its status to its waters, used for rheumatology and respiratory conditions. The resort welcomes spa guests to thermal baths renovated in the early 20th century, set in the heart of a 12-hectare park in the Nive Valley.
How do I get to Cambo-les-Bains from Saint-Jean-de-Luz?
From Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Cambo-les-Bains can be reached in about thirty minutes by car, covering about thirty kilometers through the Nive Valley. From our campsite, the excursion can easily be combined with nearby Espelette or Itxassou.
Sources: Villa Arnaga, Edmond Rostand Museum / Cambo-les-Bains Tourist Office
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