What to do in the Basque Country ? Discovering Agour Cheese Factory
Wondering what to do in the Basque Country ? Nestled between green hills and the gentle slopes of Mount Baïgura, the Agour Cheese Factory is a true showcase of Basque know-how. Located in Hélette, a charming little village in the heart of the inland Basque Country, it has embodied for decades a passion for the land, the transmission of knowledge, and the defense of local pastoral traditions.
Founded in 1981, Agour is much more than just a cheese factory : it is a family and collective adventure, a company deeply rooted in its territory, producing characterful cheeses using traditional methods.
The house’s crown jewel ? The Ossau-Iraty PDO sheep’s cheese awarded multiple times at the World Cheese Awards. Alongside this unmissable classic, the factory also offers a wide range of products : tommes, artisanal ice creams, flavored cheeses, and even innovative creations such as cheese matured with Espelette pepper purée.
Hélette : A typical village balancing tradition and modernity
Hélette is a peaceful and authentic place, emblematic of the inland Basque Country. Located at the foot of the mountains, it charms visitors with its red half-timbered houses, rolling landscapes, freely roaming sheep, and its vibrant village life. Hélette is also an ideal stop for anyone wondering what to do in the Basque Country with family or friends. It’s also an ideal starting point for hikers, especially those heading to Baïgura, an iconic summit offering breathtaking panoramic views over the entire region.
What to do in the Basque Country ? The Pastoralism and Cheese museum : an immersion into the world of basque shepherds
Open to the public all year round, the Pastoralism and Cheese Museum offers a genuine dive into the history, techniques, and values that shape the Basque pastoral world. Located within the cheese factory itself, this modern and interactive museum traces — through videos, period objects, shepherds’ testimonies, and educational installations — the evolution of mountain life and cheese production.
Visitors discover the life cycle of sheep, the traditional tools of the shepherd, cheese-making techniques, and the importance of pastoralism in shaping the Basque cultural landscape. The museum also explores transhumance seasons, artisanal production in a cayolar (shepherd's hut), and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking an alternative, heritage-focused of what to do in the Basque Country.
The visit concludes with a friendly tasting of Agour products, where guests can savor the full richness and diversity of sheep's milk cheeses — often enjoyed with black cherry jam here in the Basque Country.
What to do nearby ? A region rich in cultural and natural discoveries
After your gourmet visit to the Agour Cheese Factory, extend your adventure by exploring the surroundings of Hélette. Just a few kilometers away, the village of Irissarry is home to the Maison Ospitalea, a beautifully restored 17th-century former commandery, now a cultural center. Here you’ll find temporary exhibitions on Basque heritage, workshops for children, and lectures focused on local history.
For nature lovers, the region offers numerous hiking trails, especially around Mount Baïgura — perfect for a scenic walk or even paragliding from its summit. These activities are the perfect complement to a discovery-filled day in the heart of the inland Basque Country, where culture, nature, and local traditions come together.
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An original activity idea : what to do in the Basque Country between culture and taste ?
Whether you’re curious about traditions, passionate about gastronomy, or simply passing through the Basque Country, a visit to the Agour Cheese Dairy and its museum is an immersive, delicious, and cultural experience. It offers a deeper understanding of the profound ties that unite the Basque people with their land, their animals, and their heritage.
So, what to do in the Basque Country ? Visit the Agour Pastoralism and Cheese museum, a lively vibrant place where past and present meet in service of an authentic and sustainable future.
📍 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.
