In 1793 the principality was occupied by troops loyal to the First French Republic and the last reigning prince, Antoine VII, was ousted.

On that day, Antoine I de Gramont in his capacity as mayor of Bayonne stated that the sovereignty of Bidache was held by him.

External recognition is found in letters patent issued by Henri IV of France and Navarre which refer to Antoine II de Gramont as "ruler of the land of Bidache" and exempt from his edict.

[2] In 1631 Cardinal Richelieu is recorded as having complained that Bidache was a "haven of thieves" and "Judaized" and recommends sending a commissioner to the principality.

In January 1790 attempts were made to secure the continued existence of the principality separate from the French crown but these came to no avail.