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Ecomusée Pilotari

The heart of Basque pelote

The village where, in 1857, Gantxiki invented the wicker xistera.
4 outdoor fronton playing area; 2 indoor trinquet courts; 1 left-wall court.
Almost 200 registered players, several international champions.
The only pelota museum in France.

 

Come to Donamartia and learn all about the game of Basque Pelota.

Donamartia: the house where Gantxiki invented the xistera
Donamartia: the house where
Gantxiki invented the xistera


The museum visit strats with an introduction to the world of pelota. Who invented the game? And how are its bats, balls and xistera, made?

Next, you pass through a dark corridor resembling the entrance to an indoor trinquet court, sit on one of the tiered benches and watch a large-screen video film showing the various ways of playing basque pelota.

Complete your knowledge of the game in room 4, where many documents, small-scale models and audiovisual and interactive terminals are on display.

Length of the visit: 45 minutes.

 


A big-screen video (various ways of playing pelota)The making of a xistera
A big-screen video (various ways of playing pelota)           The making of a xistera      

Opening hours :

July and August :

  • Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 11.30am and 2pm to 6pm.
  • Sundays & bank holidays: 9.30am to 11.30am.

September to June :

  • Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 11.30am and 2pm to 5pm.
  • Saturday: 9.30am to 11.30am.

Entrance fee :

  • Adults : 5€.
  • Children : 2€50 (children under 12 free, accompanied by a parent).
  • Groups (20 or more):2€50 per person.
  • Children group (20 or more) : 2€.

Access to the museum:

The PILOTARI eco-museum, an extension of the St Pée sur Nivelle Tourist Office, can be found next to the outdoor fronton playing area in central St Pée.

> See detailed map of village