Exploring Biarritz Coastal and Mountain Gems -

Exploring Biarritz Coastal and Mountain Gems

6 Days | History & Culture

Enjoy a 6-days trips from Bilbao to the French Basque Country and the Landes region.

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 bike rides. The third day includes an excursion into the Basque mountains, with stops at Pas de Roland, Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, and Espelette. The following days are dedicated to discovering the beaches, Biarritz's covered market, and cultural sites in the Landes, such as Saint-Sever and Dax.

Day by day

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Day 1: Biarritz - Anglet

Private transfer from Bilbao (Spain) to Biarritz (France)

A driver-guide will pick you up in Bilbao for a driving tour in the Spanish Basque Country and drive you safely to your hotel in Biarritz or Anglet

You’ll reach the coast north of Bilbao to discover the impressive site of Gaztelugatxe. A hermitage built in the Middle Ages on an islet at the foot of a cliff. The site was featured in the “Game of Thrones” series and attracts many fans.

The second stage leads to the fishing village of Mundaka. Situated between ocean cliffs and the vast estuary of the River Oka, the views are splendid. The small, photogenic fishing port offers good restaurants.

You’ll follow the river to the village of Guernica, the ancient Basque spiritual capital where the kings of Spain came to swear an oath to respect the “fueros” (local customs and privileges). An important page of history unfolded here when Franco decided to bomb the town to crush the Basque resistance.

You’ll soon reach the freeway for the French Basque country.

Day 2: Biarritz - Anglet

Private guided tour of Biarritz

You will start your tour at the Esplanade of the Casino de Biarritz and discover the exceptional geographical location of this city between the heathlands of Les Landes and the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Interactively and playfully, your guide will evoke the typical Basque architecture with its beautiful house overlooking the coast.

You will pass by the Old Port and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view from the “Rock of the Virgin” over the coast, the Basque mountains, and the wide sandy beaches.

Suggestion – Biarritz with the bike

You will find the right bike route for you through Biarritz, where there are 663 cycle routes to explore. The routes you most commonly find here are of the hilly or uphill type. Most people get on their bikes to ride here in July and August.
Explore the Biarritz which offers one of the most attractive seaside saunters in France, on a route lined with tamarisks and hydrangeas.

Day 3: Biarritz - Pas de Roland - Saint Etienne de Baigorry - Aldudes - Irouléguy - Saint Jean Pied de Port - Espelette - Anglet

Full-day private guided driving tour in the Basque Mountains

Your adventure begins with your driver guide at the legendary Pas de Roland, reportedly named after Charlemagne’s nephew – a dramatic rocky pass crossed by the Nive River.

Next, the picturesque village of Saint Étienne de Baïgorry, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, beckons with its shifting landscapes and architecture as you listen to stories on ancient Navarre, the Wars of religion, and the persecuted Cagot people.

Your next stop is the secluded Aldudes Valley, a haven for the rare Basque pig. Rescued from the brink of extinction, these black beauties now grace our tables as the exquisite PDO Kintoa ham. Prepare to immerse yourself in the farm life, witness the traditional ham drying process, and indulge in a unique tasting session.

Your journey continues to Irouléguy, a village steeped in history and flavor. Its vineyards, once dedicated to Spanish monks and pilgrims, now yield delicious wines waiting to be discovered. History buffs and gourmands will find themselves equally enthralled.

A few kilometers onward, you will stop at Saint Jean Pied de Port, a magnificent 12th-century fortified town beckons. This ancient capital of Lower Navarre and a crucial stop on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage promises a glimpse into a bygone era. To cap off this enriching day, you’ll meander through the charming village of Espelette, renowned for its vibrant chili peppers, and pick up a souvenir or two!

Day 4: Biarritz - Anglet

Suggestion – Biarritz beaches

You can visit Biarritz which has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Especially water sports enthusiasts and surfers feel at home here. Biarritz has a total of 6 kilometers of beaches in the city itself. One of the most beautiful beaches in Biarritz is Grand Plage –  It was these strong waves that made the beach so popular with surfers in the late fifties of the 20th century when this sport became popular in Europe. Nothing has changed since then. The Grand Plage in Biarritz is currently considered one of the best surfing beaches in the world. The continuation of the Grand Plage is the beach Miramar.

You can also explore the Plage du Vieux which is a small, sheltered beach on the Old Port of Biarritz and, with its calm waters, a popular seaside resort for locals, also perfect for families with children.

Suggestion – Biarritz covered market

You can’t visit Biarritz without visiting the Halles market: it’s the very heart of the town! A must for discovering Basque gastronomy, the various stalls are mouth-watering. Sample charcuterie and cheeses, and don’t forget to stock up on Espelette chilies and truffles in all their forms. In the building next door, you’ll find all the products of the sea… a typical atmosphere guaranteed!

biarritz

Day 5: Anglet

Discover the heritage and cultural sites of the Landes region

From your hotel, discover the cultural and historical sites of the Landes. If the region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, the built and culinary heritage is not to be underestimated, especially in the countryside. Your driver-guide will show you the wonders and secrets of this region.

The village of Saint-Sever, an ancient medieval town, owes its reputation to its majestic abbey church, built with seven staggered apses that give an original esthetic. Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the abbey was founded at the end of the 10th century and you can visit it freely or rent an audioguide at the Tourist office of Saint-Sever. A few streets away you will find the Couvent des Jacobins. You can access freely to the cloister but it also hosts the Museum of Art and History of Cap de Gascogne.
Dax, the land of thermalism has many treasures to offer you. Whether you are interested in the Greek-Roman era, bullfighting or Art Deco heritage, religious or natural, there is something for everyone in this two-thousand-year-old city!
On your way back, you can stop at the castle of Gaujacq, a seigneurial residence dating from the 17th century, at the time of King Louis the 14th. This castle, located on the heights of Gaujacq faces the Pyrenees. The architecture of this castle is original and unusual. It is organized around a garden of delights, surrounded by an Italian-style gallery. The owners open the doors of their apartments, decorated and furnished with the inspiration and harmony of the 17th and 18th centuries. Thanks to the woodwork and painted panels representative of this period, you will be transported back a few centuries.

Day 6: Biarritz

Luxury transfer from your hotel to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) or train station

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle from your hotel to Biarritz Airport or the train station.

End of Our Service

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About This Trip:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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