Basque Country -

Basque Country

Browse the sample tours below for inspiration or contact us straight away for a tailor-made itinerary by a local travel designer.

The Basque Country in France is a culturally rich region nestled in the Pyrenees mountains, renowned for its distinct Basque heritage, vibrant festivals, and picturesque landscapes. It encompasses charming towns, delicious cuisine, and a blend of traditional and modern influences, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its unique culture.

Our Favorite Tours

Elegant Bordeaux & Basque Journey

7 Days | Premium | From $4,399 pp
Embark on a journey through Bordeaux and the Basque coast, featuring private transfers, guided city tours, wine tastings and scenic explorations. This trip begins with arrival in Bordeaux, featuring ...
Wine & Food

Basque Coastal Adventure - Surf & Explore

5 Days | Premium | From $2,899 pp
Immerse yourself in this coastal retreat in the Basque Country, combining relaxation and thrilling activities in the heart of nature. Enjoy an exhilarating surfing initiation class in Hendaye's ...
Skiing & Adventure

Basque Coast Luxury - History, Cuisine, & Sailing

5 Days | Luxury | From $5,799 pp
Indulge in the luxury of the Basque Coast on a 5-day trip. Explore Biarritz's rich history and vibrant culinary scene, renowned for its imperial villas and pristine beaches. Immerse yourself in the ...
History & Culture, Wine & Food

Exploring Biarritz Coastal and Mountain Gems

6 Days | Luxury | From $4,799 pp
The trip begins with a guided tour from Bilbao to Biarritz, visiting sites like Gaztelugatxe, Mundaka, and Guernica. In Biarritz, a guided tour explores the city and its beaches, with suggestions for ...
History & Culture

South West France Culinary and Wine Tour

8 Days | Luxury | From $8,299 pp
Immerse yourself in the charm of the South West of France and discover its rich gastronomy. Explore Biarritz, its exquisite cuisine, and historic architecture. Enjoy a tour of the Basque vineyards, ...
Wine & Food

Luxury Biarritz and Basque Country Retreat

6 Days | Excellence | From $12,399 pp
During this luxury stay, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Biarritz, a round of golf at the Biarritz Le Phare club, and a gourmet dinner. You'll stay in an oceanfront palace. A private tour will take ...
History & Culture, Skiing & Adventure

The Basque Country in Depth

Cultural Immersion

Traveling to the Basque Country in France offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests, providing a multifaceted exploration for visitors.

Cultural immersion is a highlight of a visit to this region, where you can delve into the distinctive Basque heritage. The area boasts a rich history reflected in its architecture, museums, and local traditions. Explore charming villages like Espelette, known for its red peppers and traditional Basque houses adorned with vibrant red and green shutters. Additionally, take part in local festivals such as the Fêtes de Bayonne, where the streets come alive with music, dance, and vibrant colors, showcasing the lively Basque culture.

Stunning Natural Landscapes

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Basque Country offers stunning natural landscapes and outdoor activities. The Pyrenees mountains provide an excellent backdrop for hiking, offering trails that cater to various skill levels. Coastal towns like Biarritz beckon surfers to ride the waves of the Atlantic Ocean, while picturesque beaches invite relaxation and seaside strolls. The region also boasts renowned golf courses with breathtaking views, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in nature.

Gastronomy

Food lovers will revel in the Basque Country’s culinary delights. Indulge in pintxos, the region’s version of tapas, served in lively bars throughout cities like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you can sample an array of small, flavorful dishes. Traditional Basque cuisine, characterized by fresh seafood, hearty stews like marmitako, and succulent meats cooked over an open flame, provides a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates local ingredients.

History

Finally, history enthusiasts can explore the region’s fascinating past through visits to medieval towns, ancient churches, and historical sites such as the Château d’Abbadie. These sites offer insights into the Basque Country’s heritage, illustrating the intersections of its unique cultural identity with broader historical narratives.

In essence, traveling to the Basque Country in France promises a multifaceted experience, combining cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and a glimpse into its captivating history, making it a destination that caters to a wide array of interests and passions.

When To Visit The Basque Country:

The Basque Country in France offers varied experiences throughout the year, making it an enticing destination regardless of the season. For those seeking ideal weather conditions, the best time to visit is typically during the summer months from June to August. This period brings warm temperatures, perfect for enjoying the region’s beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities like hiking in the Pyrenees, and exploring vibrant coastal towns. However, spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer milder weather, and fewer crowds, and are excellent times for outdoor adventures, cultural exploration, and indulging in the region’s culinary delights without the peak tourist rush. Winter (November to March) brings cooler temperatures and is ideal for those interested in experiencing the festive charm of Basque towns, participating in winter sports in the mountains, and enjoying the local holiday traditions. Ultimately, the Basque Country beckons visitors year-round with its diverse offerings, catering to different interests and preferences across all seasons.

Logistics:

In the Basque Country of France, delight in the distinct flavors of Basque cuisine, characterized by its fresh seafood, flavorful pintxos, and hearty traditional dishes. Sample the renowned Basque pintxos, small bites bursting with flavor, often featuring local ingredients like seafood, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses.

By Train: Traveling to the Basque Country by train offers a convenient option. High-speed TGV trains connect major cities like Paris and Bordeaux to the region, providing comfortable and efficient transportation options.

By Plane: The closest airports to the Basque Country are Biarritz Pays Basque Airport and San Sebastián Airport. Biarritz Airport serves as a major gateway with connections to various European cities, while San Sebastián Airport offers regional flights within Spain. Both airports provide easy access to the Basque Country, allowing travelers to swiftly begin their exploration of this culturally rich region.

Experience The Basque Country

Explore Biarritz and its Beaches

Discover the glamorous coastal town of Biarritz, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy surfing or simply relax on sandy shores like Grande Plage or Côte des Basques, soaking in the sun and the lively beach culture. The ... Show More »Discover the glamorous coastal town of Biarritz, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy surfing or simply relax on sandy shores like Grande Plage or Côte des Basques, soaking in the sun and the lively beach culture. The ...

Discover the glamorous coastal town of Biarritz, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy surfing or simply relax on sandy shores like Grande Plage or Côte des Basques, soaking in the sun and the lively beach culture. The town itself offers a blend of upscale boutiques, charming cafes, and a historic lighthouse, providing an eclectic mix of experiences.

Discover Bayonne's Cultural Heritage

Visit Bayonne, a city steeped in history and culture. Wander through its charming streets lined with traditional Basque-style buildings, visit the Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, and explore the Musée Basque, offering insights into Basque ... Show More »Visit Bayonne, a city steeped in history and culture. Wander through its charming streets lined with traditional Basque-style buildings, visit the Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, and explore the Musée Basque, offering insights into Basque ...

Visit Bayonne, a city steeped in history and culture. Wander through its charming streets lined with traditional Basque-style buildings, visit the Gothic Cathédrale Sainte-Marie, and explore the Musée Basque, offering insights into Basque traditions and art. Don’t miss the annual Fêtes de Bayonne, a vibrant festival where locals and visitors alike celebrate with parades, music, and traditional costumes.

Wine Tasting in the French Basque Country

Discover the wine-producing regions nestled within the Basque Country. Explore vineyards and wineries, particularly in the Irouléguy appellation, where you can taste local wines crafted from grape varieties unique to the region. Engage in wine ... Show More »Discover the wine-producing regions nestled within the Basque Country. Explore vineyards and wineries, particularly in the Irouléguy appellation, where you can taste local wines crafted from grape varieties unique to the region. Engage in wine ...

Discover the wine-producing regions nestled within the Basque Country. Explore vineyards and wineries, particularly in the Irouléguy appellation, where you can taste local wines crafted from grape varieties unique to the region. Engage in wine tours and tastings, appreciating the distinctive flavors of Basque wines while enjoying the scenic countryside.

Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Immerse yourself in the charming coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for its picturesque harbor and beautiful Basque architecture. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets lined with vibrant houses and artisan shops. Take in the ... Show More »Immerse yourself in the charming coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for its picturesque harbor and beautiful Basque architecture. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets lined with vibrant houses and artisan shops. Take in the ...

Immerse yourself in the charming coastal town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, known for its picturesque harbor and beautiful Basque architecture. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets lined with vibrant houses and artisan shops. Take in the stunning view of the bay while strolling along the promenade, and don’t miss the chance to taste the local specialty, the delicious Basque cake called “Gateau Basque.”

Favorite Hotels

Premium

Hotel Le Garage

4-Star Hotel
Premium

70 hectares ... et l'océan

4-Star Hotel
Luxury

Hotel Brindos, Lac & Chateau

5-Star Hotel
Premium

Les Hortensias du Lac

4-Star Hotel
Excellence

Les Prés d’Eugénie - Maison Guérard

5-Star Hotel
Excellence

Hotel du Palais

Palace

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