About
Boucau, New Aquitaine, at 2,5 miles from Bayonne
Located on the banks of the Adour - the name Boucau comes from the Gascon "boucaou" (little mouth), a word used to designate the mouth of the Adour -, Boucau is in the heart of the Pyrénées Atlantiques, a few steps from the ocean. Neighbor of Bayonne but also of Tarnos, the town is distinguished by its strategic geographical position and its quality of life.
Created in 1857 on the decision of Napoleon III, by "borrowing" two districts of Tarnos: the lower district (Boucau) and the upper district (Romatet), Boucau has been marked by a history rich in twists and turns...
The port traffic initially supported a few dockers as best they could, but it was in 1880 that the installation of the Forges de l'Adour considerably increased its port activity and brought a very large influx of people.This intense working life generated many social conflicts.
Nowadays, very attached to its history but also focused on the future, Boucau is recognized as "City where life is good" and has nearly 8500 inhabitants.
Located in the heart of the city, the Bois Guilhou is a veritable jewel of greenery covering 20 hectares. Property of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department, it is part of the Sensitive Natural Areas (ENS).
An agricultural exploitation until the middle of the 19th century, the Domain de Laclau, as called from its origin, was acquired by Ernest Guilhou in 1874. He fitted out the castle and gave the park its splendour. In June 1932, the castle was ravaged by a violent fire and abandoned. It will be razed in 1986, and became the property of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
It is a wonderful place for a nature break in a preserved landscape: there are find five marked trails and picnic tables for you to enjoy. A great place to cool down when it is hot!
Built in 1732, to protect the boats of pilots and boatmen, the old slipway stretched between two dykes towards the Place de la Gare.
It was filled in between 1854 and 1857 to allow the passage of the Bordeaux-Bayonne railway line, and it was rebuilt in its current location.
Today, La Cale is also a place for walks open to all. Picnic tables have been set up there and allow you to contemplate the view facing the Adour during the lunch break.
