Between sea and mountains, this idyllic south-western corner of France, whose distinctive red and white houses nestle in impossibly green hills, has a little bit of everything. Small in area yet full of contrasts, the Basque Country is thus ideal for exploration.
Historically, culturally and architecturally rich; blessed with a mild climate and natural beauty; boasting sandy Atlantic beaches, picturesque fishing-ports and Pyrenean mountain scenery; a very distinctive, colourful popular culture and mouth-watering local delicacies. And locals with their own complex language, traditions, sports and folklore, deeply attached to their land and own special way of life, neither French nor Spanish, but fiercely, proudly Basque. Together they all make for a unique, multi-faceted whole
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And this multi-centre itinerary is perfectly tailored to give the visitor a thorough introduction to all things Basque in a relatively short space of time, to begin to capture this unique Basque essence. The TGV will speed you comfortably to the vibrant historical Basque capital, Bayonne; excellent local connections then allow for visits to St Jean Pied de Port, in the beautiful Pyrenean foothills, and coastal St Jean de Luz, picturesque fishing village and seaside resort. A comfortable stay and genuine Basque ambience is assured in carefully chosen, centrally located 3 star hotels (2 star in St Jean Pied de Port)
Bayonne
at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers, has been transformed in recent times. Dominated by its magnificent cathedral, a UNESCO world heritage site, the delightful old town is a lively open-air museum of half-timbered buildings and flower-filled streets, surrounded by ramparts, perfect for exploring. Don't miss the musée Bonnet (El Greco, Rubens, Goya) or folkloric musée Basque, shopping in the old town (Bayonne is the ham and chocolate capital of France), or the many restaurants, bars and bodegas which line the pedestrianised streets and Nive quaysides. A short local bus ride away lies the glamorous seaside resort of neighbouring Biarritz
St Jean Pied de Port
another delightfully preserved but bustling medieval town, lies on the banks of the fast-flowing Nive, just a few miles from the Roncevaux Pass and Spanish frontier, and owes its historical importance to being the last staging-post in France on the famous pilgrimage route to Compostella. It is surrounded by the stunning mountain scenery of the Pyrenees, a paradise for walkers and nature lovers. The town itself is still partly enclosed by ramparts, full of typical Basque houses and narrow cobbled streets winding up to its citadel, for panoramic views. The rail journey from Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port, which follows the winding river Nive, is a particular scenic highlight of the tour
St Jean de Luz
offers a traditional Basque seaside experience, and much more besides. It is a natural harbour, sheltered by dramatic cliffs, with a long sandy beach and lively fishing port, a cosmopolitan town with a real buzz. The captivating old centre, a warren of narrow pedestrianised streets, ornate facades and hidden courtyards, dates from its 16th century heyday, its architecture predominantly Basque with shades of Moorish, and simply invites discovery on foot. Basque culture infuses the regular processions, festivals and open-air music and dance in the squares and quaysides, and the town boasts the best sea-food restaurants on the Cote Basque. Day trips up the nearby Rhune mountain by rack railway or to San Sebastian in Spain are highly recommended
NOTE: St Jean de Luz may be replaced by Biarritz during the month of August