Visit the Basque Country : Discover the Pastoralism and Cheese Museum of Maison Agour
If you’re looking for an authentic, gourmet experience while visiting the Basque Country, don’t miss the Pastoralism and Cheese Museum of Maison Agour in Hélette. This museum takes you deep into Basque traditions through the history, production and tasting of the famous Ossau‑Iraty sheep’s‑milk cheese. But that’s not all : it also pays tribute to an age‑old profession that still shapes the landscapes and identity of the Basque region today — pastoralism.
Visit the Basque Country and its unavoidable museum : where tradition meets terroir
Maison Agour, a landmark family business founded in 1981, opens the doors of its Pastoralism and Cheese Museum in Hélette, nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees. Through an immersive visit, you’ll uncover the secrets of artisanal sheep‑cheese making and dive into the world of Basque pastoralism, a true cultural and economic pillar of the region.
For visit the Basque Country in a delicious and educational way, this museum is ideal for families, school groups, curious travelers, and lovers of Basque culinary heritage.
A family business rooted in tradition
Since 1981, Maison Agour has grown into one of the flagships of Basque gastronomy. Specializing in sheep’s‑milk cheeses, most notably the PDO Ossau‑Iraty, it is committed to showcasing local know‑how, short supply chains and fully artisanal production.
Through its museum, Agour reaffirms its desire to preserve the living memory of the territory and offer visitors an authentic encounter with the men and women who create the true taste of the Basque Country.
A strategic tourist stop in the Basque Country discovery route
Located in Hélette, just a few kilometres from Saint‑Jean‑Pied‑de‑Port, Espelette or the Iraty forest, the Agour museum fits perfectly into a well-mapped itinerary to visit the Basque Country. Easily accessible from major Basque cities (Bayonne, Biarritz), it’s an unmissable stop on the road of Basque flavours and fits perfectly into any regional touring itinerary.
An unmissable stopover in the Basque Country : between cheese-making tradition and pastoral culture
Basque pastoralism : an ancient and still vibrant culture
The first part of the museum is dedicated to pastoralism, an ancestral agro‑pastoral practice that thrives in the Pyrenean mountains. A film immerses you in a shepherd’s daily life — summer transhumance, flock management and life in the high pastures. Oral testimonies in Basque and French bring this ever‑evolving culture vividly to life.
Cheese production : discover centuries old techniques
Next, explore the cheese‑making area, where every step — from milking to maturation — is explained in a clear, educational way. Molding, draining, salting and aging are brought to life with interactive displays and immersive video. You’ll also learn about the local sheep breeds (Manech red head, Manech black head and Basco‑Béarnaise) that reign in Basque cheese production.
A sensory and gourmet experience to explore, visit the Basque Country and its richness
The Agour shop : take Basque terroir home
Before leaving, stop by the museum’s shop to visit the Basque Country through its flavors. You’ll find:
- Ossau-Iraty cheeses, including one twice named best Cheese in the World
- Artisanal Basque charcuterie
- Local jams, Irouléguy wines, Basque ciders
- Traditional Basque biscuits made by Agour
It’s the perfect place to bring home a 100 % Basque gourmet souvenir.
Visit the Basque Country : a committed and responsible company
By highlighting traditional know‑how and mountain agriculture, Maison Agour supports a sustainable and solidarity‑based tourism model :
- Backing local shepherds
- Promoting short supply chains
- Raising environmental awareness
- Passing on Basque culture
By visiting the museum, you’re also taking part in a meaningful exploration of the Basque Country and becoming a key player in this local and responsible initiative, directly connected with producers and the region’s living heritage.
Why is this museum a must-see when visiting the Basque Country ?
The Pastoralism and Cheese Museum of Maison Agour in Hélette is more than just a museum : it’s a gateway to a way of life, an exceptional terroir and a collective memory rich in meaning.
Whether you’re a foodie, curious about local culture or simply seeking an authentic activity during your holidays, this unique site will leave you with unforgettable memories.
So, ready to visit the Basque Country through its cheeses, mountains and traditions ?
📍 Practical Information
- Address : Fromagerie Agour, Z.A. Ur Zabaleta, Route de Louhossoa, 64640 Hélette
- Phone : 05 59 37 63 86
- Store opening hours : Monday to Saturday
- Museum tours : 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and hourly during summer
- Visit duration : approx. 45 minutes
- Admission : Free – Complimentary tasting in the shop
- Accessibility : parking lot, wheelchair access, on-site boutique
👉 For group bookings, feel free to contact us in advance to plan your visit.
