Manoir De L’Adour | 6-Bedroom Chateau with Private Pool in Bayonne

Fourteen guests arrive at a Basque country estate where the Adour river flows below manicured lawns, century-old oaks frame the horizon, and the Atlantic coastline waits just 11 kilometres away. This 18th-century manoir stands on a hilltop between Bayonne and Biarritz—two of France’s most compelling coastal destinations—commanding gardens that stretch across three hectares of rolling terrain. Manoir De L’Adour sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, making it the rare luxury villa rental in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region that accommodates both intimate retreats and multigenerational family gatherings without compromise.

Inside Manoir De L’Adour

The interiors span three floors of thoughtfully restored architecture, where 17th-century stonework coexists with 21st-century comfort. Two interconnected living rooms flood with southern light through floor-to-ceiling French doors, each opening directly onto stone terraces where morning coffee becomes an event. The dining room continues this pattern—walls of glass frame the river vista while guests gather around a table sized for group meals and shared conversation.

The kitchen demands attention. Fully equipped for serious cooking, it features pierre de Bidache flooring (a local stone specific to the Basque region) and retains the grand fireplace of its 18th-century origins. An integrated dining zone seats family and staff together, a throwback to the building’s monastic heritage when this room fed a community of nuns.

Six individually designed bedrooms occupy the upper floors. One tower room dominates the top storey—vaulted ceilings soar cathedral-high beneath exposed beams, offering a retreat that feels separate from the main house. The remaining five bedrooms range from generous doubles to flexible twin configurations, each appointed with quality linens and period furniture chosen to complement rather than overpower the architecture.

Six bathrooms and shower rooms service the bedrooms—a ratio that eliminates morning queues for anyone sharing the villa. Original tiles and classic fixtures sit alongside heated towel rails and rainfall showerheads. A dedicated laundry room, games room with table tennis, and home entertainment system (including Apple TV and Bose speakers throughout ground-floor entertaining spaces) complete the functional interior.

The manor’s history reads in its physical fabric. Original fireplaces and pierre de Bidache flooring in the kitchen and grand entrance anchor guests to the building’s past. The tower—an 19th-century addition—signals the property’s evolution from family home through its period as a cloister (complete with private chapel, still standing on the grounds) into its current incarnation as a gathering place for discerning travellers. Every floor tells this layered story without sentiment or artifice.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Three hectares of grounds unfold from the manoir in descending slopes toward the river. Ancient trees—oaks and chestnuts that predate the house itself—create natural gathering points and shaded retreats. Rustic stone steps wind downward through landscaped lawns toward the heated swimming pool (5 metres by 15 metres), its security cover ensuring safety when children are present.

Terraces serve as outdoor extensions of the interior living rooms, with table and seating groups positioned to capture either morning sun or afternoon shade depending on the hour. A plancha and full barbecue setup anchors the entertaining zone—this is where guests prepare evening meals from produce sourced at Bayonne’s Les Halles market or fresh fish from the Atlantic, just 11 kilometres north. Local Basque wine—Irouléguy reds and txakoli whites—pair naturally with this setting.

Additional outdoor amenities reflect both playfulness and practical family holidays: a football goal for casual matches on the lawn, petanque court for après-swim competition, table tennis table, and three boogieboards stored in the manor for impromptu trips to nearby Anglet’s 11 beaches. The grounds encompass a former stable building (unrenovated, suitable for storage or future development) and private gates with secure parking that insulates guests from passing traffic while maintaining rural character.

The viewpoint—hillside position overlooking the Adour—means sunsets acquire theatrical quality. Light catches the river’s curves and paints the distant hills as thermals lift from the water. Silence dominates once sunset traffic on nearby roads quietens; bird calls replace car engines by dusk.

Location: Bayonne and the Surrounding Area

Manoir De L’Adour occupies positioning that rewards both urban exploration and coastal escape without requiring lengthy drives. Bayonne—4.5 kilometres south—functions as the intellectual and cultural anchor of the Basque coast. Medieval cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings crowd the river, creating a pedestrian maze that reveals chocolate shops (L’Atelier du Chocolat deserves a separate visit for its single-origin pralines), galleries, bookshops, and the Musée Basque, which documents the region’s distinctive language, sports, and crafts. The Gothic cathedral crowns the old town, its 13th-century cloister providing quiet refuge. Seventeenth-century ramparts, still largely intact, form a walking circuit above the riverbanks where restaurants serve txuleta (grilled meat) and pipe-and-drum music drifts from cafés during festival season.

Biarritz lies 11.5 kilometres northwest—a 20-minute drive delivering guests from countryside retreat to imperial beach resort. La Grande Plage anchors the town, backed by Art Deco hotels (the Hôtel du Palais, commissioned by Empress Eugénie in 1855, dominates the shoreline). The Port des Pêcheurs (Fisherman’s Port) surrounds visitors with excellent restaurants serving local catch. Les Halles market sprawls across multiple floors with Basque specialities: Espelette peppers, Ossau-Iraty cheese, jamón ibérico, fresh seafood. A lighthouse at the north end of town rewards a climb with panoramic views; Rocher de la Vierge (a dramatic rock formation crowned with a statue) provides another iconic viewpoint accessible by footbridge.

The Atlantic coastline near Anglet—10 kilometres north—offers 11 distinct beaches, each with distinct character. Some cater explicitly to families with shallow water and beach bars; others attract surfers from Spain, Portugal, and beyond. Equipment rental and lessons accommodate beginners through advanced practitioners. NAS Golf Chiberta, located near Anglet and consistently ranked among France’s top courses, requires advance booking but rewards with championship-calibre fairways near Ocean Beach.

For mountain scenery and Basque village exploration, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques region extends southeast toward the Spanish border. Villages like Espelette (famous for its peppers and traditional architecture), Ainhoa, and Sare offer hiking routes through beech forests and past traditional farmhouses. The region supports fishing (river permits available), cycling on quiet rural roads, horse-riding through vineyard country, and canoeing on the Nive and Adour rivers.

Explore our villas in Pyrénées-Atlantiques for additional luxury options in this region, or browse our full collection of villas in France. For comprehensive destination planning, read our Biarritz travel guide, which covers seasonal highlights, dining recommendations, and cultural events throughout the year.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families with multiple generations benefit from the 12-guest capacity and six separate bedrooms—grandparents, parents, and children each maintain private sleeping space while sharing communal living areas. The games room absorbs teenagers and children during downtime; the heated pool provides obvious recreation.

Friend groups numbering 8-12 find the manor’s scale accommodates without requiring split bookings across multiple properties. Individual bedroom doors provide privacy; shared entertaining spaces encourage collective meals and evening activities.

Families with younger children appreciate the security fencing, heated pool with cover, proximity to family-friendly Anglet beaches, games room, and boogieboards. Table tennis and petanque offer inclusive activities for mixed ages.

Food-focused travellers gravitate toward the fully equipped kitchen, proximity to Les Halles market in Biarritz (11.5km), and established restaurant culture throughout Bayonne. The plancha/barbecue setup supports both casual entertaining and ambitious cooking projects.

Golf enthusiasts book during shoulder seasons to access NAS Golf Chiberta while avoiding summer crowds. Spring and autumn offer ideal golfing weather and fewer restrictions on tee times.

Couples seeking seclusion within reach of urban exploration find the tower bedroom’s scale and privacy compelling, combined with the privacy of 3 hectares and the manor’s distance from neighbouring properties.

Practical Information

Capacity: Manoir De L’Adour accommodates 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The games room can convert to additional sleeping for up to 4 children if required, effectively allowing 16 occupancy in family configurations.

Getting there: Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) lies 13 kilometres from the manor—approximately 25 minutes by car. Regular flights connect to Paris, London, and other European cities. Pau Pyrénées Airport (Pau), 80 kilometres south, offers alternative access with slightly longer transfer times. Ground transport (private car rental recommended; local car services available) provides flexibility for exploring the region.

Nearest supermarket: Carrefour supermarket in central Bayonne is 5 kilometres away; independent grocers and the specialty markets cluster in Bayonne’s old town and Biarritz. Fresh produce, fish, and regional specialities source directly from Les Halles market (11.5km, Biarritz).

What is included: Utilities (heating and pool heating), Wi-Fi internet, home entertainment system with Apple TV and Bose speakers, all linens and towels, use of games and recreational equipment, pool security cover, and access to the grounds including chapel and former stables. Maid service is available at additional cost. Boogieboards and table tennis equipment are provided.

Check-in flexibility: Standard check-in is 4 PM; check-out is 11 AM. Early arrival or late departure can often be accommodated with advance notice, depending on seasonal scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions about Manoir De L’Adour

How many guests does Manoir De L’Adour sleep?

Manoir De L’Adour sleeps 12 guests as standard across 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The tower bedroom accommodates 2; the remaining five bedrooms each contain 2 beds (mostly doubles, with some flexible twin configurations). The games room includes sofa sleeping suitable for up to 4 additional children in family situations, bringing total capacity to approximately 16 in multigenerational contexts. Contact the property directly to discuss sleeping configurations for your specific group.

What is the nearest airport to Manoir De L’Adour in Bayonne?

Biarritz-Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is the primary gateway, located 13 kilometres from the manor—approximately 25 minutes by car. This regional airport serves direct flights from Paris Orly, London, Amsterdam, and other European hubs. For larger groups or alternative pricing, Pau Pyrénées Airport (PAU) lies 80 kilometres south (90-minute drive), connecting to Paris and secondary European routes. Private car hire or airport transfer services facilitate ground transport from either airport.

What is the best time of year to rent Manoir De L’Adour?

May through September offers the most reliable weather for beach visits and outdoor entertaining, with water temperatures reaching 18-20°C by July-August. July and August attract peak summer crowds to Biarritz beaches; June and September provide warmer weather with noticeably fewer tourists. Spring (April-May) features mild temperatures (15-18°C), lower rates, and excellent conditions for golfing and exploring regional villages. October-November brings autumn colour to the grounds and hunting season in the Pyrénées, though Atlantic weather becomes unpredictable. Winter (December-February) offers low rates and empty beaches, but shorter daylight hours and frequent rain; heating keeps the manor comfortable indoors. Easter holidays and Pentecost weekends book months ahead due to school calendars across France, UK, and Spain.

Is Manoir De L’Adour suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated 5×15-metre swimming pool features a security cover and shallow zones suitable for young swimmers. The 3-hectare grounds provide safe, enclosed space for unsupervised play. Family-friendly Anglet beaches (10km away) offer lifeguard supervision and shallow water perfect for ages 3+. The games room includes table tennis, boogieboards, and books; a football goal and petanque court occupy older children during downtime. High chairs, cots, and children’s equipment can be arranged in advance. The proximity to Bayonne (4.5km) means ice cream, playgrounds, and the chocolate museum are quick drives. The manor’s layout—with multiple bathrooms and sleeping zones—suits multi-generational groups where parents and grandparents need separate space.

What is included in the rental price at Manoir De L’Adour?

The rental price includes all utilities (electricity, gas, heating), pool heating during season, Wi-Fi internet, home entertainment system (with Apple TV and Bose speakers in ground-floor entertaining areas), all bed linens and towels, use of recreational equipment (table tennis, boogieboards, petanque set, football goal), access to the private chapel and grounds, and pool security cover. Maid service (available daily or on specific days) is additional. Complimentary parking on the grounds. Household consumables (toiletries, kitchen basics) are not included, though the property provides initial supplies for convenience.

What restaurants and shops are near Manoir De L’Adour?

Bayonne (4.5km, 10-minute drive) clusters excellent dining along the Nive riverfront: Chez Pantxua and Buvette Gastronómica specialize in Basque txuleta and pintxos. L’Atelier du Chocolat (Bayonne old town) showcases single-origin pralines and hot chocolate. Markets: Bayonne’s traditional covered market (Les Halles de Bayonne) opens Tuesday-Saturday, offering fresh produce, fish, Ossau-Iraty cheese, Espelette peppers, and jamón. Carrefour supermarket in central Bayonne stocks international brands and regional specialities. Biarritz (11.5km) offers higher-end dining around the Port des Pêcheurs (Chez Dominique, La Trattoria) and the casual-but-excellent Les Halles de Biarritz market. Anglet (10km north) features family restaurants and beach bars. For regional wine, local producers near Irouléguy (30km southeast) offer tastings of distinctive txakoli white and Irouléguy reds.