Ainhoa, commune in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Ainhoa is a small commune in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, located near the border with Spain. The village features narrow streets, stone walls, and traditional houses with red tile roofs that have been carefully maintained over centuries.
Ainhoa was established in the 13th century and developed as a trade and craft center at the border between France and Spain. The village was destroyed in the 17th century during the Thirty Years War but was rebuilt afterward, preserving its structure since then.
Ainhoa belongs to the Basque region, where traditions appear in the architecture and daily customs of the village. Local artisans and farmers keep traditional practices alive, while the stone houses with wooden details reflect how people have lived here for centuries.
The village is small and easy to explore on foot; visitors find modest guesthouses and inns for accommodation. The best time to visit is in spring or early fall when the weather is mild and hiking trails into the surrounding hills are accessible.
The village holds a certification as one of the most beautiful villages in France, an honor given only to communes with preserved history and character. The 13th-century church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption houses a local legend about a Mary apparition connected to a nearby chapel.
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