The ocean’s only rival here is the mountain. Between these two worlds lies Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, a village with eternal charm, its old buildings perched on the banks of the river Nive. Charles II of Navarre called it “the key to my kingdom.”

Anne-Marie and Firmin Arrambide have turned this former stagecoach lodge into a place of total relaxation. For forty years, Firmin Arrambide and his wife Anne-Marie have never ceased to make this house an essential and recognized address in the Basque country and beyond. Open the door to discover the most Basque of French chefs. From generation to generation since 1939, the Arrambides have been protectors of Basque culinary tradition. Firmin has seen the rebirth of the Irouléguy vineyards, Basque pigs, live trout and pastries with true, authentic flavors. He grew up here in an environment that celebrated good food.

The plates offer all the bounty of nature: forest ceps, Adour salmon, big river trout, game and ham dried in the open air. But the cuisine is also carefully and soberly prepared, a masterpiece of simplicity, without ado and affectation, as if "Fifi," as he is known to his friends, was stepping into the background in order to better surprise his guests.

In 2016, Firmin Arrambide died but the torch has already passed to his son Philippe in the kitchen and his daughter Sandrine ensuring continuity for a culinary and sensory experience in a delightful family atmosphere where the values are inchanged.