Ascain Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Ascain

Azkaine

Commune

Coat of arms

Ascain

Location in France

Ascain

Location in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Country

Ustaritz-Vallées de Nive et Nivelle

Intercommunality

Pays Basque

Area

19.27 km² (7.44 sq mi)

Population

(Jan. 2019)

4,359

• Density

226.21/km² (585.87/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+01:00 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+02:00 (CEST)

INSEE/Postal code

64065 /64310

Elevation

5–883 m (16–2,897 ft)
(avg. 52 m or 171 ft)

¹ French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Ascain is a small town, also called a commune, located in the southwestern part of France. It is part of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques area, which is like a county or département. This region is known for its beautiful landscapes and unique culture.

Where is Ascain Located?
- What is a Commune?
- How Many People Live in Ascain?
Exploring Ascain's History and Landmarks
Nature and Scenery Around Ascain
- View of Larrun Mountain
- The Nivelle River
Images for kids
See also

Where is Ascain Located?

Ascain is found in the French Basque Country. This area is close to the Pyrenees mountains and the border with Spain. The town sits near the Nivelle River, which adds to its natural beauty.

What is a Commune?

In France, a commune is the smallest unit of local government. It's like a town or a village with its own mayor and local council. Ascain is one of many communes in France.

How Many People Live in Ascain?

As of January 2019, about 4,359 people lived in Ascain. The town covers an area of about 19.27 square kilometers (about 7.44 square miles).

Exploring Ascain's History and Landmarks

Ascain has a rich history, with some very old structures still standing today. These landmarks tell stories of the past.

The Roman Bridge

One of the most famous landmarks in Ascain is its old Roman bridge. This bridge crosses the Nivelle River. It shows how long people have lived and built things in this area.

Traditional Basque Houses

You can see many traditional Labourdine houses in Ascain. These houses have a special style, often with red or green half-timbering. They are a key part of the local architecture.

The Church of the Assumption

The town's main church is called the Church of the Assumption. It is an important building in Ascain. The church has interesting features like an old clock and unique decorations inside.

Basque Steles (Hilarri)

Around Ascain, you might spot ancient stone monuments called Hilarri. These are traditional Basque steles. They often have unique designs, including symbols like crosses or even swastikas (which in this context are ancient symbols of good luck, not related to modern political groups).

Basque Pelota Court (Fronton)

Like many towns in the Basque Country, Ascain has a fronton. This is a special court used for playing Basque pelota. It is a very popular sport in the region.