Arcangues, commune in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Arcangues is a small commune on a hilltop in the Labourd region, overlooking a golf course with the Pyrenees beyond. It features old stone and wooden buildings, gently winding streets, and a village center where the church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the town hall, and a fronton for traditional Basque pelota converge.
The d'Arcangues family ruled the commune from the 1500s to the 1700s, and their influence remains visible in local names and buildings. In the early 1800s, fierce fighting between French troops and the Duke of Wellington's army left a lasting mark on the village.
The name likely refers to a rocky height facing east, reflecting its position in the landscape. Local customs remain alive through festivals and traditional crafts that visitors encounter while walking through the village.
The village offers several marked walking trails including Boucle Oihana, Boucle Mariano, and Boucle du Chateau, allowing visitors to explore the countryside at their own pace. The nearby golf course and walking through the narrow streets on foot are also popular ways to spend time.
Luis Mariano, a famous singer, loved this village so much that he chose to be buried here; his tomb is now a popular spot visitors come to see. The cemetery offers views of mountain ranges and the colorful red and green houses of the village below.
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