With its combination of the ocean, forests, Basque traditions and local expertise, the Basque Coast offers the ideal setting for organising a seminar that breaks the mould. In Anglet, Biarritz, Bayonne or Ciboure, the Belha Collection hotels allow you to combine meetings, accommodation, catering and experiences designed to strengthen team spirit.
Surfing, cycling, Basque pelota, chocolate-making, canoeing, underwater winemaking or art workshops: each venue becomes the starting point for a unique programme. Discover our seven ideas for organising a seminar on the Basque Coast that is both team-building, a change of scenery and fully rooted in the local area.
In Anglet, a seminar combining surfing and thalassotherapy at Atlanthal
Opposite the beaches of Anglet, Atlanthal enables you to envisage a seminar entirely centred around the ocean. After a morning of meetings in one of the venue’s function rooms, staff can head to Cavaliers Beach for a group surfing taster session with Gliss’Experience.
Located right on the beach, this school – accredited by the École Française de Surf – organises courses tailored to businesses and groups. After the activity, everyone has some free time at the Atlanthal thalassotherapy centre. Whether it’s a marine adventure course, relaxing in the aquatic areas or simply taking a break overlooking the ocean, staff can enjoy this interlude at their own pace before dinner.
The programme:
- Reception and meeting at Atlanthal,
- Lunch at the hotel restaurant,
- Group surfing taster session with Gliss’Experience,
- Leisure time at the thalassotherapy centre,
- Dinner and overnight stay in Atlanthal.
In Anglet, a cycle ride between Le Pignada and the sea, starting from the Hôtel Les Terrasses
The Hôtel Les Terrasses is ideal for a more informal seminar, with a focus on nature and unwinding. After a morning’s work, the teams set off to explore Anglet with Joe Bike, which organises bespoke cycling trips for groups and companies.
Whether you choose traditional or electric bikes, with a route tailored to the participants’ ability, support from qualified guides and bikes delivered directly to the venue: this package allows you to put together an accessible ride between the Pignada Forest, Lake Chiberta and the Angloy coastline.
On their return, participants are free to make use of the Atlanthal thalassotherapy centre, which is accessible from the hotel, before meeting up for an aperitif or dinner.
The programme:
- Meeting at the Hôtel Les Terrasses,
- Lunch on site,
- Set off on a bike ride from the hotel with Joe Bike,
- Guided walk between the Pignada Forest and the coast,
- Leisure time at the Atlanthal thalassotherapy centre,
- Aperitif, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
In Biarritz, an introduction to Basque pelota from the ibis Styles Biarritz Plage
In Biarritz, after a meeting at the ibis Styles Biarritz Plage, the programme could centre on an activity that is emblematic of the region: an introduction to Basque pelota with Pelote Découverte.
Specially designed for seminars and corporate groups, this experience offers an introduction to the various disciplines of pelota, including their rules, techniques and equipment. Following an introduction to this Basque tradition, participants get to try their hand at the sport before competing against one another in team challenges.
The programme:
- Meeting at the ibis Styles Biarritz Plage,
- Lunch at the hotel,
- An introduction to Basque pelota with Pelote Découverte,
- Team challenges,
- A drink or dinner in the Les Halles area or around Port-Vieux,
- Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
In Bayonne, a journey of discovery into the world of chocolate from the Hôtel Le Bayonne
Since the Hôtel Le Bayonne, teams can visit the artisan workshop in Mr Txokola, situated in the heart of Bayonne.
The tour takes visitors through the main stages of chocolate production: roasting the beans, grinding, ageing, conching and moulding. Participants thus learn about the entire cocoa processing process whilst chatting with the artisans.
The experience continues with a tasting of cocoa at various stages of its production. Groups of more than eight people can book a dedicated tour with the chocolate factory.
The programme:
- Meeting at the Hôtel Le Bayonne,
- Lunch at the hotel restaurant,
- Set off on foot towards the Monsieur Txokola factory,
- An insight into the manufacturing process,
- Guided tasting,
- An evening in Petit Bayonne, along the banks of the River Nive and its cosy spots,
- Walk back and spend the night at the hotel.
In Bayonne, a canoe trip on the River Nive starting from the ibis Budget Bayonne
After a morning’s work at the ibis Budget Bayonne, the day continues along the River Nive with Yvan Leisure Canoeing Bayonne. Located just a stone’s throw from the hotel, this activity offers a chance to explore the town from an unexpected vantage point, amongst the leafy riverbanks and the façades of the historic centre.
Progressing in a canoe naturally relies on coordination, listening and finding a shared rhythm. Depending on the option chosen, the trip may take the form of a guided paddle or include a few team challenges, to be agreed with the organiser.
The programme:
- Meeting or briefing at the ibis Budget Bayonne,
- Lunch at the hotel or nearby,
- Setting off on a canoe trip on the River Nive with Yvan Loisirs,
- A group walk through the countryside and the historic centre,
back to the hotel, - Dinner in Greater Bayonne, around Les Halles, Rue d’Espagne or the banks of the Nive,
- Overnight stay at the hotel.
In Ciboure, an insight into underwater winemaking from the Ibis Ciboure
Since the Ciboure ibis, staff can go to the wine cellar Filmography, situated in Socoa, to discover a particularly unique winemaking method.
The tour explores the estate’s history, its onshore winery and its patented underwater winemaking process, carried out in the bay of Saint-Jean-de-Luz. A range of tour options are available to help visitors discover this unique method before tasting the various vintages.
The experience can be incorporated into a half-day seminar or form one of the highlights of a residential stay in Ciboure.
The programme:
- Meeting at the ibis Ciboure,
- Lunch in Ciboure or Socoa,
- A tour of the Egiategia winery,
- An introduction to underwater winemaking,
- Guided tasting of the vintages,
- An evening in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, between the harbour, Place Louis XIV and Rue Gambetta,
- Walk back or take a short transfer to the hotel.
In Ciboure, an art studio overlooking Socoa Bay, as seen from the ibis Budget Ciboure
Since the ibis Budget Ciboure, teams can join The Open Studio, just like art, situated in the Socoa neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from the bay.
The artist offers activities centred on drawing, painting, pastels and travel sketching. For a corporate group, the workshop can take the form of a collaborative project inspired by the landscapes of the Basque Coast.
Each team completes a section of the artwork before it is assembled. Suitable for beginners, this activity helps to stimulate creativity, active listening and collaboration. The finished artwork can then be displayed on the company’s premises.
The workshop’s capacity will need to be confirmed depending on the number of participants.
The programme:
- Meeting or briefing at the ibis Budget Ciboure,
- Lunch in Ciboure,
- A collaborative creative workshop overlooking Socoa Bay,
- A presentation of our achievements over a drink,
- Dinner near the harbour in Ciboure or in the centre of Saint-Jean-de-Luz,
- A post-meal stroll along the bay,
- Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
