In the footsteps of Pierre Loti in Hendaye
By following in the footsteps of Pierre Loti in Hendaye, the public will discover an unknown and exciting part of the life and work of the writer.
Pierre Loti died in Hendaye on June 10, 1923, after having spent 32 years there - a time of unusual wealth and freedom. In contrast to his demonstrative house in Rochefort, Bakharetchea, his villa on the Bidassoa, the border river in the centre of the Basque Country, between France and Spain, stands out for its simplicity.
It is the image of another Loti, less known, endearing and passionate: here by the pelota, the contraband, the popular demonstrations, the dance... and the loves.
The visit reveals this face of the writer, through the places, what we will be able to say and see of it, and hear of it since, to the historical and biographical comments will be added readings of some of his «Basque» narratives.
It is about putting his steps back in those that the writer Pierre Loti made in Hendaye between 1891 and 1923: the Gazteluzahar pediment where he played ball, the cemetery where his friends are buried, the monument that was dedicated to him, the villa next to his where the Lavaud lived, his villa where he died on June 10, 1923, on the Bidassoa side, the Old Port of Hendaye, the pier for Fontarrabie, the Old Port district, the street that bears his name and finally Bakharetchea, his house seen from within: its magical garden and terraces. To these «stations», unpublished biographical indications and readings of texts written by Loti in relation to the places will be provided. The visit will be provided by actors of the small Théâtre des Chéchénias and the Cie des Trois-Chemins, and by the biographer of Loti «Basque side»...