In Dancharia, cross-border shopping turns into a treasure hunt: here, at a glance, are 7 must-have souvenirs to tuck into the trunk before hitting the road.
- 🧀 Sheep’s cheese aged in Navarre
- 🌶️ Espelette pepper in all its forms
- 🍷 Irouléguy wine red or rosé
- 🥓 Bayonne ham sliced to order
- 🍫 Chocolate from Maison du Chocolat Basque Country edition
- 🏺 Basque ceramics hand-painted
- 🎯 Custom “Euskal Herria” pétanque balls
Must-have gastronomic souvenirs from Dancharia
Visitors come first for the good food: the commercial area is full of typical products priced 15 to 40% cheaper than in France thanks to the reduced Spanish VAT.
Specialties to put in your basket
- 🧀 Sheep’s cheese AOP Ossau-Iraty – fresh aisle of Venta Peio Gourmet (Carretera N-121-A, km 8).
- 🥓 Bayonne ham boneless, ready to slice – Carrasco butcher’s, 50 Avenida Dantxarinea.
- 🌶️ Espelette pepper powder, jelly or sauce – “Eztia” corner at Venta Etxeberria.
- 🍷 Irouléguy wine vintage 2023 – La Rioja cellar (P2 parking, rue Jauregia).
- 🍰 Basque cake filled with black cherry – Ongi Etorri pastry, 12 Calle Askatasuna.
- 🍫 Chocolate from Maison du Chocolat “Txokolate” 70% bar – Pop-Up kiosk, central gallery.
- 🍯 Pyrenean honey creamy – Apiculture Iraty stand, Saturday morning covered market.
| 🛒 Product | Average price France | Price found in Dancharia | 💸 Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 g sheep’s cheese | €12 | €8 | -33% |
| 1 kg Bayonne ham | €28 | €19 | -32% |
| 75 cl Irouléguy wine | €10 | €6.50 | -35% |
| 40 g Espelette pepper | €5.90 | €4 | -32% |
Looking for other regional sweets? Partner blog So Travels details the 2025 selection of the best vintages.
Handcrafted gift ideas and typical objects
Leaving the border empty-handed is not an option: Basque know-how is expressed through durable creations, perfect for gifting.
Top craft items
- 🏺 Basque ceramics red and green – Santxotena workshop (15 Dantxarinea Plaza).
- 🥿 Hand-stitched espadrilles – Pikunieta boutique, north forecourt access.
- 🧵 Striped Basque fabric “Etxeko” per meter – Jauréguiberry haberdashery.
- 🎯 Euskal engraved pétanque balls – Sport & Txapela stand.
- 🍽️ Embroidered placemats – Artea cooperative, south gallery.
| 🎁 Object | Highlights | Recommended shop |
|---|---|---|
| Basque ceramics | Hand-painted, dishwasher safe 😍 | Santxotena (open 9 am–7 pm) |
| Basque fabric | Organic cotton, 180 g/m², 8 colors 🔥 | MJC Draps & Arts |
| Espadrilles | Limited edition 2025 “Urri” 👟 | Pikunieta |
Shopping enthusiasts will find more inspiration on Kaalam or on Mon Shop Express.
Top ventas and shopping addresses in Dancharia
The historic ventas line the main street (N-121-A): each has its strengths, from free parking to tasting areas.
3 stops not to miss
- 🏬 Venta Peio – gourmet products, perfumes, fashion (GPS: 43.3057, ‑1.5012).
- 🥘 Venta Berrouet – XXL deli counter, panoramic pintxos bar.
- 🎁 Venta Usandizaga – crafts corner and Basque ceramics showroom.
| 🚏 Venta | Specialty | Opening hours | ☎️ Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peio | Gastronomy & fashion | 8:30 am–7 pm | +34 948 79 13 11 |
| Berrouet | Tapas & ham | 9 am–7 pm | +34 948 63 72 09 |
| Usandizaga | Crafts | 9 am–6:30 pm | +34 948 63 70 02 |
For an overview, see the Hôtel Corail article or the ReadMei Travel interactive map.
Customs rules: quantities and tips for 2025
Before crossing the border, a quick point on the legal limits to avoid any issues.
| 🛂 Category | Allowed quantity | Tip 👍 |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | 800 units | Separate cartons in luggage |
| Wine | 90 l | Prefer 5 l boxes for Irouléguy wine |
| Beer | 110 l | Keep proof of purchase |
| Spirits >22% | 10 l | Transport upright |
| Cheese & deli meats | Unlimited if vacuum-packed | Opt for 250 g packs easy to declare |
- 📸 Keep receipts to prove origin.
- 🕑 Allow 5 minutes at the border post during busy times.
- 📲 French customs app “Europe Borders” to scan your purchases.
Main rules are also detailed on Quel Voyage.
Practical tips for a successful shopping day
Many coach companies offer the “Dancharia express” excursion for €38; departure at 7 am, return at 7 pm. Upcoming dates displayed: April 19, May 10, June 14, July 12.
Timing & organization
- ⏰ Arrive at 9:30 am to benefit from fully stocked fresh aisles.
- 🍽️ Lunch at 12:30 pm at the panoramic Berrouet restaurant (menu “basque cake” dessert).
- 🚗 Load dry goods first, frozen goods last with a cooler.
Payment methods and services
| 💳 Method | Availability | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Bank card | 100% of shops | €0 (euro zone) |
| Cash | BBVA ATM in center gallery | €1 commission |
| Apple/Google Pay | 60% of checkouts | None |
Need shopping ideas elsewhere? Browse our guides: London, Bali, Ardèche, Brussels, our homepage.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about shopping in Dancharia
- 🕐 Are shops open on Sundays?
Yes, most ventas open 9 am–6:30 pm without interruption, except December 25 and January 1st. - 🚙 Can you easily park a camper van?
The P4 parking (south entrance) has 40 XXL spaces and a drainage station. - 🍖 Does Bayonne ham have to be declared at customs?
No if vacuum-packed; however, do not exceed 20 kg for personal use. - 🎁 Where can I find gift wrapping on-site?
The “packaging” service at Venta Usandizaga wraps all handcrafted items for free. - 📦 Do the ventas ship to home?
Since 2024, Venta Peio offers shipping to mainland France via Colissimo (from €12). Consider grouping orders to reduce shipping costs.
