Forming part of the programme “San Sebastian, Space for a Culture of Peace”, the Festival endeavours to awaken and stir the critical awareness of citizens with regard to the great many violations of human rights occurring all over the world. The aim with this event is to foster and spread values of equality, justice, solidarity, freedom and peace… with images, words, direct testimonies, contacts, experiences…
« These difficult times of worldwide economic recession oblige us to look both inwards and outwards. Near and far » says the mayor of the town « In the attempt to progress in a more human world. We cannot allow ourselves to sink into a crisis of human values cleaving an ever deeper breach in a world already wounded by injustice, violence, intolerance and unequal opportunities. »
San Sebastian, candidate for European Capital of Culture 2016, imaginatively places its stakes on this Festival combining the best movies in the world with a variety of creative activities targeting awareness among its citizens.
Informations : http://www.cineyderechoshumanos.com

In the 1980s, a Hawaiian had the idea of fitting a rudder on to a traditional dugout canoe, built to navigate the calm waters of the lagoons, in order to be able to venture out on to the open seas.
This innovation and the systematic use of composite materials have made the traditional vessel a great boardsports vehicle: the Outrigger Canoe is also called the Hawaiian dugout canoe or pirogue.
Perfectly adapted for use on our coasts, the Outrigger Canoe is without doubt faster than the sea kayak.  It is a very stable vessel that provides exhilarating sensations when surfing the swells of the open seas over several hundred meters.
Although very sporty and athletic in the waves, the Outrigger Canoe is also great fun when it is used for simple boat rides.  Some prefer to paddle the boat with their families along the coastline and discover the quiet little creeks.
Others may want to measure themselves at the sport, like the following 4 teams: the Gremlins of Boucau, AB surf, Woo team (reunited for the occasion) and an “invitation” team.  Aboard 4 pirogues the teams held an intense race over 500meters during the Bayonne Fete.  They could not resist paddling as far as the River Adour to be warmly encouraged by all the festival-goers…

It is in the church in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, during the Corsaires mass held on Sunday 30th August that the “Music on the Basque Coast” festival will start.
To be honoured this year is the Spanish pianist and composer, Isaac Albeniz, who was born in Catalonia and who died 100 years ago in Cambo-les-Bains.
Albeniz was born to a Basque father and a mother who was Andalousian at heart.  This eternal wanderer, inspired by the European music of his time and greatly influenced by his French masters, gradually asserted himself as the inspiration behind the revival of Spanish music.

Music on the Basque Coast will rightly pay tribute to him by exploring the musical creations of his era.
The churches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Urrugne, Ciboure, Ascain and Anglet, the Arnaga Villa in Cambo, the Gare du Midi in Biarritz and the theatre in Bayonne will welcome participating musicians up to 10th September 2009.
For the complete programme and to make reservations, visit the website: www.musiquecotebasque.fr
For further information call 05 59 26 03 16.

The 6th Art de Vivre fair will, this year, be held in the Château de Haitze, in Ustaritz.

It is the first time that the Château de Haitze, known as the oldest residence in the Basque Country, has been officially open to the public.  Since 1168, this estate has been the birthplace of one of the oldest families in the province of Labourd.
The 14th, 15th and 16th August 2009 – three days to…..
Three days to see at first-hand all the latest developments for the garden, the home, well-being and gastronomy.
A festive meeting of over 60 quality exhibitors, who may be considered as being difficult to find by the wider public, but who are present at this fair to offer visitors their creations and know-how.
Three days to wander about and discover the Park of the Château de Haitze, listed as a historical monument dating from the 12th century, which is opening its gates to the public.
In the barn of the chateau you will find professionals from the restaurant world who will propose their specialities at all moments of the day.
Three days to delight in entertainment for the whole family to enjoy:
•    Presentation by Bernard Laffond:  “Cooking with forgotten vegetables - a tasty pleasure for the palate and a boost for our health!”
•    Gourmand market with the presence of “Slow food”
•    Competition for the most elegant vintage car, in the presence of Christophe Hondelatte, patron of the 6th Art de Vivre fair, who will present the first prize.
Presentation, with the association “Ecurie Pays-Basque”, of vintage cars that will stand side-by-side with the latest “Jaguars”.
•    Jean Louis Chatard and his “enchanted horse-drawn carriages” will recreate the stables and offer horse rides in the park.
•    Open air introduction to Yoga by Sophie du Cray, who will outline the aims of this discipline before the lesson.
•    3 authors, 3 signatures
Paul Azoulay, writer, will autograph his last book on the stand of Céline Miguel, a mosaic artist.
Ségolène Lefevre will present “Les Femmes et l’amour du vin”.
Claude Labat will, through his latest book, talk about witchcraft in the Basque Country.
•    Exhibition in the art market by Laurent AUZERIC, member of the “European Council of Consultants in Works of Art”.
For further information: www. journees-art-de-vivre.com

La Crampote d’Erretegia has just opened and it is real happiness for Villa Kaioa.

Just a few meters from Erretegia beach, Jean and Nico welcome you at any time of the day, for a drink, a quick lunch or a good diner by the sea.

Fish or meat “a la plancha”, fresh salads and homemade quiches or pies… to enjoy everyone, adults and children, in a wonderful place, with nothing around, just nature.

And these two know how to welcome you friendly, always smiling, always something nice to say. La Crampote has just opened and we already feel good and at ease.

Try it, whatever is the weather : the covered terrace protects from th sun, the rain and the wind!

La Crampotte d’Erretegia is just above the Villa Kaioa, with an easy walking access, by the coastal path.

Phone : +33 559 269 527

Villa Kaioa in Bidart and Parcours Sensations in Ilbarritz have joined forces to offer you all inclusive golfing holidays.

Make the most of your stay in Villa Kaioa to acquire some basic golf techniques or to improve your swing and your handicap.  Several different formulas are available, adapted to your level and objectives. Lessons lasting 2 hours or 3hr 30, according to the formula chosen, every day for 5 days, for adults or with your children.

After your golf lessons, you can relax at the Villa, explore the region, go hiking or why not .. test out your newly acquired skills on one of the 12 golf courses in the region.  With the Biarritz Golf Pass you will have access to a different golf course every day.

Don’t forget to book your golf lessons when you reserve your stay at Villa Kaioa.
Villa Kaioa also offers Thalasso, sea-water, spa holidays and Basque Culture holidays.

For more information about Parcours Sensations: www.parcourssensations.com

The Makilas Eiffage 2009 - 24th edition - takes place from the 18th to the 23rd of may 2009.

This tournament, for amateurs, ladies and gentlemen, 1st and 2nd categories, happens in two times : double program on 18th and 19th may; single program on 20th, 21st et 22nd may.

5 days to be confronted on the most beautiful links of the area : golfs of Chantaco and la Nivelle in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Golf ok Chiberta in Anglet,  Golf du Phare in Biarritz, golfs of Arcangues and Hossegor and the Makila Golf Club in Bassussary.

5 days of entertainment : welcome cocktails, dinners, price-giving, welcome gifts… for the competitors and for persons accompanying.

Villa Kaioa in Bidart is the best place to get easily to the places of the tournament , as well as a wonderful place to relax. Villa Kaioa is for 6 persons, competitors and persons accompanying.

Registration deadline (according to availability) on saturday 16th may 2009.

www.lesmakilas.com

The façades of buildings illuminated by the projection of giant images, scenes, light shows… The magic of light will, once again, brighten our Biarritz evenings, from 20th December 2008 to 3rd January 2009.

On Saturday 20th December at 6pm, the town will be set aglow with a light show that will simultaneously switch on at all the remarkable sites in the town.  Followed by a firework show at Basta at 8pm!

Every evening from 20th December to 3rd January from 6pm to midnight: projection of giant images, architectural illuminations, fairy-like light and sound shows, temporary installations. (Place Clémenceau, Place Bellevue, Esplanade du Casino, Gare du Midi, les Halles and Javalquinto.)

It’s an easy bet that the occupants of Villa Kaoia will rejoice in the lights of Biarritz, seen in the distance!

Source : www.biarritzshabilledelumiere.com

The 22nd International Festival of Audiovisual Prorams takes place from 20th  to 25th January 2009.

During 5 days, Biarritz lives at television rythm. Dramas,series and serials, creative documentaries, reportages and current affairs, performing arts, short programs, the festival seeks to highlight the finest in production.

Open to people, the festival offers five days of ideal television : clear and thoughtful, independent, exacting, sensitive and insightful about the modern world, selected from the past year’s international productions.

Deadline for submission approaches, we should know very soon the selections.

For more information : www.fipa.m.fr

The 13th International Festival of Young Cinematographers takes place in Saint-Jean-de-Luz from 7th October to 11th October 2008.

This festival is the showcase for feature films: first or second fiction films by young film directors.  Short films have also been included in the competition since 2007.

This year, we will have the opportunity to see 10 feature length films and 11 shorts made by directors from France and further afield: Quebec, Spain, Hungary, Mexico, Italy as well as co-productions from France/USA, Austria/France, France/ Tunisia, France/ Belgium.

Without forgetting the evening entertainment!

The festival will pay homage to Patrice Lecomte on the evening of Friday 10th at 8pm at the Jaï Alaï.  His first short and first feature length films will be shown and some of his friends will come along to show their friendship.

As all good things must come to an end, the festival finishes on Saturday night with a closing ceremony and Antoine de Caunes’ film: “Coluche, l’histoire d’un mec”.

You can find the full programme on www.fijr-sj.com