Espelette Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in France’s Pepper Capital
Last Updated on 14th May 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau
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A place where dried peppers dangle from red-painted shutters and is surrounded by the dramatic green peaks of the Pyrénées, Espelette feels distinctively different from much of the rest of France. This small village in the Labourd province has a mighty big reputation, renowned for its cobbled, colourful streets, historic sights, and most importantly, its protected pimento pepper (piments d’Espelette). This Espelette travel guide covers the very best of things to do, places to see, local food, and travel tips for visiting the Basque village.
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A Beautiful French Destination
Espelette is listed among the most beautiful towns in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). It is also widely regarded as the most iconic and picturesque village in the French Basque Country. This fact will become apparent as soon as you set eyes on the charming, colourful streets, decorated with the famed red pimento peppers.
What is Espelette known for?
Espelette is best known for its AOP-protected Espelette pepper (Piment d’Espelette), a variety of Capsicum annuum that was introduced from South America by explorers sometime in the 16th century, and has been cultivated here ever since. Indeed, they are famously referred to as the “red gold” of the Basque Country.
The village’s identity is quite literally intertwined with these red peppers. No matter where you look, you’re likely to spot the iconic red chilli peppers. Even the local ice cream shop sells chilli-flavoured ice cream!
Another defining feature of Espelette is its location in the French Basque Country, a region known for its distinct language, cuisine, and traditions that set it apart from the rest of France.
Where is Espelette
Nestled in the Basque Country, Espelette is actually not all too far from the border of Spain. The village is located in what is known as the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The closest major city to Espelette is Bayonne.
Best things to do in Espelette
Wander around the town
Simply wandering around the village and soaking up its unique charm is one of the best ways to experience it. Espelette is filled with traditional Basque architecture, a dazzling display of baserri (farmhouses). These white-washed houses are completed with colourful wooden beams and shutters – most of which are painted in “Basque red”.
While exploring the cobbled streets, you’ll come to various viewpoints where, on a clear day, you can see the green peaks of the Pyrenees poking from behind the houses. The village centre itself is lined with small boutique shops, restaurants, and plenty of chilli shops!
Church of Saint Étienne
At the historic heart of Espelette, you’ll find the charming 17th-century church of St Etienne. It’s considered one of the most beautiful ecclesiastical buildings in the Basque Country, known for its defensive “keep” bell tower, stunning Renaissance portal, three floors of galleries, and its gilded Baroque altarpiece. The church was listed as a historical monument in 1925.
Castle of the Barons of Espelette
The Château des Barons d’Ezpeleta, as it’s known in French, is an impossible to miss, rounded and restored stone fortress at the centre of the village. Built atop an old fortified castle and once the residence of the local barons, this medieval-era structure now serves as the village’s town hall, tourist office, and a space for cultural exhibitions. It is accessible to visitors all year round.
Centre d’interprétation du piment d’Espelette AOP
This small interpretation centre is completely free to visit and consists of a handful of rooms. Inside, you can learn all about the story of the famous Espelette chilli pepper, from its arrival in the Basque Country to its status today as a protected regional product. There are informative exhibition displays as well as a short video, guiding you through its history, cultivation and cultural importance in the local community.
Shop for local products
Espelette’s charming streets will leave you expecting it to be full of unique, characterful shops…and you won’t be disappointed! There are plenty of places to pick up local treasures, from artisan crafts and regional delicacies to souvenirs inspired by the village’s famous chilli peppers. Here are just some of the places you should pop into:
- Antton Chocolatier: Selling chocolates since 1993, here you can even taste spicy chocolate!
- Maison Gastellou: This traditional Basque charcuterie shop specialises in artisanal cured meats and preserved goods, and has been run by the same family for several generations.
- Ezpeletako Izarra: Looking to bring a souvenir home from your trip? Ezpeletako Izarra sells all kinds of local herbs and spices.
- Centre d’interprétation de l’AOP Ossau Iraty: Learn all about and taste Basque cheese in this store.
Atelier du Piment d’Espelette
Nestled on the fringes of the village, L’Atelier du Piment is a working chilli farm and an absolute must-see attraction when visiting Espelette. This friendly, local “red gold” producer invites visitors to get their hands dirty (quite literally) by following the process from soil to chilli. They offer anything from exploring the fields, taking part in workshops, to tastings of their delicious protected peppers!
Events and festivals
Like many rural villages and towns in France, Espelette has its fair share of festivities throughout the year.
- Fête du Piment: While the famed red chilli pepper is celebrated every day in the village, on the last weekend of October, an annual festival is held to mark the end of another year of harvest. And so, the usual activities of selling strings of chilli peppers, spiced products and whatnot go on, but a special solemn mass blessing of the peppers and various other festivities take place over the course of the weekend too.
- Fêtes d’Espelette: Equally as important is the annual village festival. Offering a five-day celebration of Basque culture through music, dance, mouthwatering cuisine, and pelota games, the celebration usually takes place in early August.
Discover nearby towns and villages
Espelette is not the only village listed among the most beautiful villages in France in the Basque Country. In total, there are four, and two of the others(Ainhoa and Sare) are within a ten-minute drive of Espelette.
Where to eat in Espelette
Food is one of the most important aspects of Basque culture, and when you’re in the chilli pepper capital of France, you would be remiss not to indulge in all the local delights on offer! As far as Espelette peppers go, you can literally find anything flavoured with them, pâtés, sauces, jellies, cheese, even chocolate and ice cream!
Piment d’Espelette is also often used to elevate traditional dishes like ratatouille or Basque piperade – adding that little bit of extra spice. Basque cuisine is characterised by its simple yet hearty flavours. Ingredients typically include fresh seafood, grilled meats, and peppers, with plenty of olive oil and garlic. Some of the best places to eat in Espelette are:
- Aintzina – Located in the heart of the village with a super rustic/traditional layout, this eatery serves delicious Basque cuisine and works closely with local suppliers and producers. There’s also a beautiful covered terrace to sit out in.
- Bar Restaurant etxemendi Chez Lucas Et Julie – Described as simple and unpretentious, this classic Basque kitchen serves emblematic and traditional dishes.
- Les glaces à nous – Head here for delicious ice cream. Gateau Basque (taking flavours from the iconic dessert into ice cream? Yes, please) is an absolute must!
- Atelier du Piment d’Espelette – The chilli farm actually has a small café restaurant on site where you can sample plenty of delicious dishes, with chilli as the star!
- Choko Ona Espelette – For those seeking out a fine dining adventure, this restaurant turns local produce into art (it costs a small fortune, but is certainly worth it for foodies!)
Where to stay in the Basque Country
As you’ll probably only be spending a few hours in Espelette, I don’t particularly recommend staying here. If you do wish to enjoy a slower pace, then Hôtel Euzkadi is a good choice. Otherwise, I recommend staying in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Bayonne, or Biarritz. Here are a few suggestions of where to stay (based on web-reviews):
Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Hotel Relais Saint Jean Troyes – Well-reviewed and overlooking the port itself, this four-star hotel is situated just over a five-minute walk from the beach, and highlights include free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Check prices and availability here.
Bayonne: Hotel Le Port Neuf – This 2-star tourist hotel is located within many of Bayonne’s main attractions, including the river and botanical gardens. Highlights include free Wi-Fi and a restaurant on-site. Check prices and availability here.
Biarritz: (for the height of luxury!) Hôtel du Palais Biarritz – This grand palace is now listed as a historic monument and was constructed by Napoleon III for his wife Eugénie. Now classed as a 5-star hotel, amenities include a pool, spa, and some rooms have a beach view. Check prices and availability here.
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