Bidart has returned to the media spotlight after images of Iñaki Urdangarin and his partner, Ainhoa Armentia, enjoying a day at the beach in Ilbarritz were shared. This setting marked the couple's first public sighting in 2022. It was a moment when they confirmed the breakup with Infanta Cristina and began a new chapter in the former duke's life.
Beyond the summer image, curiosity centers on the town where Urdangarin owns an exclusive and protected apartment. What does Bidart have that captivates a royal family and becomes a refuge for secrets and personal rebirths?
Bidart, the town in France where Iñaki Urdangarin seeks refuge
Bidart is a charming Basque-French town that surprises with its relaxed atmosphere. Its beaches, including Ilbarritz, combine golden sands and gentle waves, ideal for surfing and relaxation. In addition, the cliffs surrounded by vegetation offer natural viewpoints with ocean views.
The town center keeps its traditional essence. The white facades with red shutters, the squares with lively terraces, and the local product shops create a serene atmosphere without losing authenticity. Despite its proximity to tourist cities like Biarritz, it keeps a discreet profile, far from the hustle and bustle and mass tourism.
In terms of services, Bidart offers a wide range of restaurants where Basque cuisine with French influences predominates. It also has traditional bakeries, artisan markets, local art galleries, and yoga and wellness centers. For sports lovers, the hiking and cycling routes through the nearby hills are an added attraction.
Another of Bidart's charms is its peaceful and welcoming community. Although small, the town is home to a population that values calm, coexistence, and respect for the privacy of its residents. This human component is what ultimately established Bidart as Iñaki and Cristina's favorite enclave for years.
Its proximity to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz adds logistical appeal. In just 6 mi. (10 km) by car, one can reach airports and train stations. This makes it easy to arrive from Spain or any other point in Europe without losing the feeling of being in a haven of peace.
The protected and highly exclusive apartment of Iñaki Urdangarin in Bidart
Urdangarin's apartment in Bidart measures almost 1,100 sq. ft. (100 m²) and stands out for its functional layout and strategic location. It consists of two bedrooms, a full bathroom, an additional half bath, and a separate kitchen. It is a property designed to offer comfort and discretion, in a quiet residential area with white facades and open views.
The living room is equipped with a sofa bed and large windows that let in light while offering a view of the sea. From there, one can access a small south-facing terrace, ideal for family breakfasts or moments of relaxation. The home also has a garage, a community pool, and a large shared garden, features that are rare in coastal properties of this size.
Architecturally, the apartment is modest, but its charm lies in its practicality: functional, private, and well located. For years, it was the summer operations center for the Urdangarin-Borbón family. They spent summers, Holy Weeks, and even some Christmases there, always away from the media spotlight.
The most surprising thing is that, after the Nóos Case scandal, this property was not seized nor was it part of the division of assets. “The Bidart apartment, which is the only home in common that the former couple managed to save after the Nóos Case,” they explain in Mujer Hoy.
This fact reveals the importance of the property for the family. More than a material asset, the home symbolizes a legacy of privacy and emotional refuge. In many ways, it is the only thing that remains intact from that shared life.
To this day, it remains linked to Iñaki Urdangarin, although he is no longer part of the institutional environment he once occupied. In addition, according to sources close to the family, Claire Liebaert, the former duke's mother, still keeps a nearby residence, which makes more discreet family gatherings easier.
Bidart reveals itself as much more than a vacation destination; it is the place where Iñaki Urdangarin rebuilds his life after the storm. The town and its protected apartment embody the fusion of family history, discretion, and exclusivity.