Sports are a fundamental part of the regional identity, with rugby holding a near-religious status.
* **Rugby Union:** The region is a stronghold of French rugby, home to top-tier (Top 14) clubs including **Stade Rochelais** (La Rochelle), **Union Bordeaux Bègles** (UBB), **Section Paloise** (Pau), and **Aviron Bayonnais** (Bayonne). * **Football (Soccer):** **FC Girondins de Bordeaux** is the region's most historic and historically successful football club, though smaller clubs like Pau FC play in the professional leagues. * **Surfing:** The region hosts prestigious international surfing competitions, including stops on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series and Championship Tour in Hossegor/Seignosse. * **Traditional Sports:** In the Basque country, traditional sports like **Pelota** (Pilota) are highly popular, with frontons (playing walls) found in nearly every village.