Monique's little studio has been refurbished to a high standard and is bright and cheerful. If you are unfit/unwell the walk up the three flights of stairs, especially with a suitcase could be a problem. It is close enough to walk to the local attractions but for those slightly further afield a bus ride (bus stop very close) is only 1 euro, even to Bayonne. During the week the buses are very frequent but less so at week ends. There is a handy Spar shop nearby but it closes for lunch and at 1pm on sundays. Also close by are recycling and household rubbish bins, easy to drop off en route to the beach.
There is a very good restaurant, La Table Basque a gentle stroll away, it might be a good idea to reserve a table as it does get busy. Further afield we enjoyed the quayside restaurants which are more informal.
There is a sofa bed which we found comfortable to sleep on and not difficult to convert, although we didn't always bother! (We hired the sheets from Monique but you can take your own).
If you are a light sleeper the traffic noise might keep you awake as you need the windows open. That is not to say that there is very heavy traffic, but the noise did seem to travel! However if you have been surfing, swimming, walking, eating and drinking plenty of the local produce it probably wont bother you too much.
The kitchen is well equipped to prepare simple meals and the fridge also has a small freezer compartment for ice cream etc. There is also a washing machine, there is no iron but that didn't bother us.
The shower is good and there is plenty of storage for toiletries and towels. There is also plenty of storage space for clothes and suitcases to be put away plus all the paraphernalia of maps, guide books that you have when on holiday! So although it is small you don't feel over cluttered.
We visited during the dance festival and saw free outdoor performances. There are plenty of cultural activities happening throughout the year and of course surfing is very big there now. Swimming can be a problem with surf and surfers, the Vieux Port is calmer and easier for swimming.
Monique doesn't live on site, she is easily contactable should you have queries or problems, we communicated in franglais! Her son speaks very good English.
If you want a base to sleep, eat, is close to the local attractions and very good value we can definitely recommend this 'tres jolie' little studio.
Thank you Monique for your help and for giving us a lift to the station, I know you were going in that direction anyway but it certainly made it easier for us and it was good to spend a little time with you. From Sue and David