Euskadi is Basque language for the Basque Country.

The basque country in Spain is known as Euskadi (EUS) or the Basque country, whereas in France it is known as Pays Basque or the Basque Country (FRA)

In total there are 41 pilgrim walks within the Basque country. The Camino de Santiago known in English as the Way of St. James, is a network pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in north-western Spain. Many follow the pilgrimage routes as a form of spiritual path or spiritual growth.

The French Way (Camino Francés) and the Routes of Northern Spain are listed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The Camino Francés, or French Way, is the most popular. Most consider the French border in the Pyrenees the natural starting point. By far the most common starting point on the Camino Francés is Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, on the French side of the Pyrenees. The distance to Santiago de Compostela is about 777 km (478 mi).

Spiritual pilgrimage or tourism is to travel to find purpose and meaning to life. It elevates the physical, mental, and emotional energies. It develops, maintains, and improves the body, mind, and spirit. Spiritual tourism is not connected with any specific religion. It is different from religious tourism. 

The Basque Country borders Cantabria and the Burgos province to the west, the Bay of Biscay to the north, France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and Navarre to the east and La Rioja (the Ebro River) to the south. The territory has three distinct areas, which are defined by the two parallel ranges of the Basque Mountains. The main range of mountains forms the watershed between the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins. The highest point of the range is in the Aizkorri massif (1551 m).

The Basque mountains form the watershed, and also mark the distinct climatic areas of the Basque Country: The northern valleys, in Biscay and Gipuzkoa, and also the valley of Ayala in Álava, are part of Green Spain, where the oceanic climate is predominant, with its wet weather all year round and moderate temperatures. Precipitation average is about 1200 mm.

The middle section of the Basque Country is influenced more by the continental climate, but with a varying degree of the northern oceanic climate. This gives warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The Ebro valley has a pure continental climate: winters are cold and dry and summers very warm and dry, with precipitation peaking in spring and autumn. Due to the proximity to the ocean however, the Ebro part of the Basque Country is moderate compared to areas further inland.

Endowed with colour, intensity and depth, the Basque Country welcomes travelers with exhilarating adventure, enthralling history and some of Spain‘s most beautiful spots. Studded with strange villages and bewildering vistas, the region hosts medieval towns aplenty. We take a look here at some of the finest places to visit.

Description some towns and cities in basque Country Colour, Intensity and Depth, Exhilarating Adventure Enthralling History and Beautiful Spots.

Zarautz (EUS) 13th century coastal town in Euskadi, longest beach on the Cantabrian Cornice.
Pasaia (EUS) Typical sailors’ town with mansions around the square overlooking the Bay of Pasaia.industries
St Jean de Luz: (FRA) in Pays Basque  – Excellent holiday resort, unforgettable charming corners
Bayonne: (FRA) Unique fusion of Basque styles and elegant Gothic buildings. typical charm
Bermeo (EUS) Reverberates with ancient tales.  Marine industries, Monastery of San Juan of Crag (1051)
Hondarribia (EUS) Medieval fortified city, stage for some of the most famous historical battles.
Sare: (FRA) Traditional architecture dating back to the fifteenth century. Classed as most Beautiful
Biarritz: (FRA) Established as a whaling port, then renowned for its miraculous waters
Getxo (EUS)  Luxurious country houses for the industrial bourgeoisie of 19th century
Lekeitio (EUS) Famous for its San Antolin festival and the renowned “goose race”

Day-Trips and Day-Excursions available (subject to availability) Contact babanglophonegroup@gmail.com for details, information, and pricing.

Day-Trip: Walking Tour – St Jean de Luz
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – San Sebastian
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – Hondarribia
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – Bayonne
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – St Jean Pied de Port, Ainhoa,
Day-Trip: Excursion – Loyola, Getaria, Zarautz  ,
Day-Trip: Excursion – San Sebastian, Pasaia
Day-Trip: Excursion – St Jean Pied de Port, Osses, Ainhoa, Espellette, Sare, Hondarribia
Day-Trip: Excursion – Bilbao, Getxo, Bermeo
Day-Trip: Excursion – Cantabrian Corniche, Bermeo, Guernica, Lekeitio, Bermeo, Ondarroa, Zumaia, Getaria, Zarautz, San Sebastian

Zarautz: 13th century coastal town in Euskadi longest beach on the Cantabrian Cornice.

Zarautz is a 13th century coastal town in the Basque Country, is situated at the center of Gipuzkoa. It is most famous for its beach, the longest in the region and one of the longest on the Cantabrian Cornice. The city’s ancient waters overlook the Palace of Narros, a true hidden treasure, while plenty of restaurants serving traditional Basque cuisine occupy the streets.

Pasaia: Typical sailors’ town with mansions around the square overlooking the Bay of Pasaia.

Located on the eastern side of Gipuzkoa, Pasaia is a typical sailors’ town with colorful mansions lined up around the central square overlooking the Bay of Pasaia. Pasaia is an important heritage center too, and great for those interested in an authentic cultural experience. Notable landmarks include the church of San Juan Bautista, the Arizabalo Palace, the hermitage of Santa Ana, the house where the French writer Victor Hugo spent his life, and a fine nautical museum.

St Jean de Luz: Pays Basque – unforgettable charming corners

Situated on the east side of the Bay of Biscay, Saint Jean de Luz belongs to the Labourd Province, firmly in the French part of the Basque Country. It is a major tourist destination known for its sandy beaches and clean blue waters. The town features some imposing monuments too, such as Quai de L’Infante, Rue Mazarin, Rue Gambetta and the Place Louis XIV that can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Travelers can take walking tours around the city’s ancient walls and discover its unforgettable, charming corners.

Bayonne: Pays Basque a unique fusion of Basque styles and elegant Gothic buildings

Bayonne, situated in the French part of the Basque Country, belongs to the cultural region of Gascony. Architecturally, it is an interesting fusion of traditional Basque styles and elegant Gothic buildings that endows the city with a truly unique character. Bull fighting is Bayonne’s most famous tourist attraction, as is its delicious chocolate, which has been produced for almost 500 years.

Bermeo: Reverberates with ancient tales. Monastery of San Juan of Crag (1051)

In Bermeo, peaceful waters stretch along the coastal line of Busturialdea and invite the weary traveller to look upon them in peace. The waters speak of the long past of Bermeo that can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the monastery of San Juan of Crag was built in 1051. Bermeo’s Old Town and Ercilla Tower still reverberate with these ancient tales.

Hondarribia: Medieval fortified city stage for some of the most famous historical battles.

Hondarribia, situated on the west shore of the Bidasoa river mouth in Gipuzkoa, is a border town facing Hendaye in France. The ferry service between the two cities is a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely ride between the two countries. Hondarribia is a medieval fortified city that set the stage for some of Basque Country’s most famous historical battles.

Sare: Traditional architecture dating back to the fifteenth century

Sare’s uniqueness is derived from the fact that it offers a glimpse into a remote past. This enchanting village situated in the province of Labourd near the French/Spanish border has a traditional architecture dating back to 15th century. Most of the buildings reflect the archetype of the ancient Basque house, a half-timbered farmhouse with characteristic sloping roofs and entry portals. The most spectacular mountain peak of the Basque Country, La Rhune, is situated only four kilometres to the west of the village.

Biarritz: Established as a whaling port then renowned for its miraculous waters

Biarritz has been connected to the sea since the 12th century, when it was established as a whaling settlement. At the beginning of the 18th century, Biarritz became a pilgrimage site renowned for its miraculous waters and healing properties. Today, the spirit of its waters attracts surfers from around the world. The annual Biarritz Surf Festival, founded in 1993 at the Côte des Basques, is one of the premier surf events in Europe.

Getxo: Luxurious country houses for the industrial bourgeoisie of 19th century

Getxo is a lovely provincial town situated in the district of Biscay. It forms a part of Greater Bilbao and Uribe. It was originally built as a group of luxurious country houses for the industrial bourgeoisie of 19th century Spain and the architecture of the town has retained much of its impressive, original look to this day. The Andra Mari Church, the antique Aixerrota Windmill and La Galea Fort are among the big draws, while the surrounding region is truly beautiful.

Lekeitio: known famous for its San Antolin festival and the renowned “goose race”

Lekeitio is a picturesque port city located in the province of Biscay, 55 kilometres north-east from Bilbao. In September, the city celebrates its most important festival in honor of its patron saint, San Antolin. The main part of the festival, known as the “goose race” involves boat races and holding on to a goose as long as strength allows. Weird and wonderful to say the least!

Must-see places in the French Pays Basque Country

Pays Basque Staying in Pays Basque, it is easy to fall in love with this region with strong character. Proud of their roots, the Basques have preserved their traditions and uniqueness of their region which contains many treasures. Cities, beaches, mountains and villages are all to discover, The diversity of the Basque Country is important.

 

 

Bayonne and Biarritz, are the flagship cities of the French Pays Basque region. Bayonne crystallizes Basque traditions and culture in its architecture and animations, Biarritz is an amazing mix of elegant architecture and surfer beaches. The whole Basque coast is worth visiting with beautiful beaches at Anglet and Hendaye, or beautiful villages like Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

The must-see unforgettable hinterland has many small villages of character such as Ainhoa, and Espelette, both ‘un-missable; as well as some natural wonders. From the summit of the Rhune to prehistoric caves, nature lovers will also be delighted. Here are all the essential places not to be missed during your stay in Pays Basque!

Bayonne
Located at the confluence of the Adour and Nive rivers, Bayonne is one of the most beautiful cities in the Pays Basque Country. Not only located directly by the sea, its charm is elsewhere. Basque identity is everywhere, both in the architecture and in the association that punctuate the city and its gastronomy… Bayonne is truly a city of its own, a must-see.

Start your tour of Bayonne in the Petit Bayonne district. With high black-timbered Basque buildings and colourful shutters, it exudes a crazy charm. It is good to stroll through the streets, where messages in Basque bloom on the facades and windows. You can stroll along the quays of the Nive, which divides the city in two. The facades are beautiful, especially on the not to be missed Jaureguiberry Wharf. It is nice to stop there for a drink. Across the river explore Great Bayonne. The historic district includes old halls, the Moulis House, and St. Mary’s Cathedral, with its beautiful colourful apse and cloister, These are ‘unmissable’.

Bayonne is also a renowned gastronomic capital. Be tempted by chocolate, and the delicious ‘Gateau Basque’ (Basque cake) or its famous ham, ‘Jambon de Bayonne’! At the Trinquet Saint André in the Petit Bayonne, you may attend a game of Pala, the famous Basque ball!

Biarritz and the Basque Coast
The pretty seaside resort of Biarritz is all contrasts, welcoming surfers in search of beautiful waves and rich tourists! To walk through its historic centre and admire the elegant villas is to understand it. Between the half-timbered Basque houses, the seaside villas, the luxurious hotels and the art deco casino, the architectures are very varied.

Walk along Grande Plage to the fishermen’s harbour full of charm. This small port offers a totally different atmosphere from the rest of Biarritz, more intimate and relaxed. It is possible to nibble on a few specialties in the middle of small houses and old boats.

The walk that winds along the Atalante plateau is particularly pretty, and discover the sights by the sea. You will see waves crashing against the, the pretty ‘Rock of the Virgin’ and in the distance, the lighthouse of Biarritz.

Next are the impressive and exciting ‘Museum of the Sea’, and superb beaches of the Biarritz region. The most athletic meet on the beach at Marbella or at of the Cote des Basque, popular with surfers from all over the world.

Grande Plage, ideally located in the heart of the city centre, is one of the most beautiful on the Basque coast for swimming. Head to the Biarritz Halles marketplace to enjoy local specialties. Products are  good quality and the Market is worth a visit for its atmosphere and architecture. You’ll love Biarritz and the Basque Coast.

Villa Arnaga
Located in Cambo-les-Bains, the magnificent Villa Arnaga houses the home and museum of writer Edmond Rostand. Commissioned by the writer following the success of Cyrano de Bergerac in 1903, the villa is huge and surrounded by vast French and English gardens. A visit allows you to discover the superb neo-Basque style architecture with its radiant red half-timbering. Colourful and richly decorated, the interior is particularly amazing and looks like a real theatre set. Photographs, paintings and drawings by Edmond Rostand are on display in the villa. The villa is closed part of the year, so be sure to check the visiting hours in advance.

Saint Jean de Luz
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a charming seaside town, very pretty, which has preserved its authenticity and traditions. As soon as you arrive there, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation! You must discover the port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, one of the city’s must-sees, with its colourful boats surrounded by beautiful Basque half-timbered houses. Its historic center is a mixture of beautiful stone houses and typically Basque white houses. Do not miss the ‘house of the Infanta’, and the magnificent Basque church of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where Louis XIV married in 1660! At the seaside, in a superb bay enclosed by Fort de Socoa stroll the promenade, with views of the magnificent golden beach and allows you discover a more upscale part of the city.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz beach is one of the most beautiful on the Basque coast. Surrounded by typical houses and protected from the waves, it is perfect for families. Don’t hesitate to plan a little more time in Saint-Jean-de-Luz if you want to take advantage of the beach.

La Rhune
La Rhune is a peak in the Basque Country at the western end of the Pyrenees located at an altitude of 905 meters on the border between France and Spain. It is covered in dolmens, stone circles and other neolithic monuments and was held to be a sacred place in Basque mythology. It was said to be the home of Lehensugea, the first serpent. Later, and perhaps as a consequence of the ancient sacred sites, the summit had a reputation as an akelarre or ritual meeting place for witches. Up until the 18th century, local villages paid for a monk to live as a hermit at the top of the mountain to keep witches away and ensure good winds.

La Rhune and the local area were notable smuggling routes used for centuries, including for refugees during the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Smuggling was of such importance that a local tale tells that the mountain was covered by gold until evil men came to take it away. They burned the trees on the mountain to reach the gold, but the metal melted and flowed away.

The mountain started to become a popular destination for tourists following Empress Eugenie de Montijo’s holidays in Biarritz since 1864, and her outings to its summit.

La Rhune dominates the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Basque coast and the Atlantic Ocean which stretches as far as the eye can see. The panorama from the top is superb! You can walk up there from the village of Sare, or take the little tourist rack-driven cogwheel train that facilitates crossing superb landscapes without getting tired.

If you choose hiking, you can also discover the varied landscapes. Fields, forests and mountain pastures follow one another throughout the climb, and you will most certainly meet Basque Pottoks, the small wild horses of the region.

Ainhoa, Sare, La Bastide Clairence and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
The Basque Country has four villages labeled “most beautiful villages in France” and they amply deserve their title!

Ainhoa ​​is a small postcard village: it is impossible to find more anything more Basque than it. Made up of a long and unique main street, its houses seem to have been taken from a Basque museum.

Sare is a peaceful village located at the foot of the Rhune. It has the charm of Basque mountain villages, with its houses mixing stones and half-timbering, and its pediment in the middle of the village.

La Bastide Clairence is famous for its many craftsmen. You will be able to discover their profession thanks to a route through the pretty Basque houses. It is also a typical south-western country house, with its main square arched with arcaded houses.

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a little different, but just as unmissable. It has few half-timbered houses, but coloured shutters and pink sandstone stones which make all its charm. Located on the banks of the Nive, it is a flagship site on the Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (El Camino) roads, many reminders of which can be found in the streets of the village.

Each village is different and worth a visit. It is easy to take a roadtrip between La Bastide Clairence, near Bayonne and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the Spanish border. It also allows you to enjoy the Basque hinterland, less popular, but also very beautiful. You will love the villages of Ainhoa, Sare, La Bastide Clairence and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Temps de visite : 2h

Espelette
The pepper capital is a charming village full of character in the heart of the Basque Country. The village has remained authentic, apart from the many peppers attached to its facades, which are only there for decoration. Take time to stroll through its pretty white and red streets, and below the village, around the stream. The church of Espelette is also worth a detour: typical of the Basque Country, it is decorated with black wooden balconies. Do not forget to visit the interesting chilli interpretation center and learn the origins of red pepper. Of the ten villages that produce it today, you will no doubt learn a lot about Espelette pepper!

Espelette is a victim of its own success: try to get there as early as possible in the morning to enjoy it in peace before the arrival of tourist coaches.

Anglet
Anglet is a small seaside town renowned for its eleven fine sandy beaches which stretch over 4.5 km. It is sometimes nicknamed “little California” and quickly understand why by viewing its beaches. Each has its own atmosphere! Those of Cavaliers welcome professional surfers, while the beach of La Barre is geared towards families. Head to La Madrague if you prefer a trendier beach. Anglet does not only offer beaches, the interior is also very pleasant. The pine forest facilitates walks or bike rides, and even golf. One can also visit Izadia Ecological Park, at the mouth of the Adour.

The Caves of Isturitz and Oxocelhaya
These nearby caves on Gaztelu Hill are part of the archaeological wonders of the Basque Country. First, discover the cave of Isturitz, inhabited for 80,000 years! Archaeologists have discovered many art objects and exceptional pieces of furniture. Today, you can admire beautiful rock carvings and huge limestone concretions.

Then explore the nearby Oxocelhayacave, a true geological treasure. The cave resembles a mineral cathedral shaped by millennia, mysterious and impressive. A guided tour of the two caves is very interesting. These two caves are geologically more impressive than that of Sare, especially for those who are not on their first underground visit.

The French Basque Country is one of the most atypical regions of France. Its strong identity, still carried proudly by Basques, really makes the difference. The region very well preserved, be it villages, towns or traditions. Nothing is commonplace in the Basque Country! Neither the landscapes, diverse and sumptuous, between the sea and mountains, nor the cultural historical and gastronomic traditions.

La Concha, San Sebastian

Endowed with colour, intensity and depth, the Basque Country welcomes travelers with exhilarating adventure, enthralling history and some of Spain‘s most beautiful spots. Studded with strange villages and bewildering vistas, the region hosts medieval towns aplenty. We take a look here at some of the finest places to visit.

Zarautz

Zarautz, a 13th century coastal town in the Basque Country, is situated at the center of Gipuzkoa. It is most famous for its beach, the longest in the region and one of the longest on the Cantabrian Cornice. The city’s ancient waters overlook the Palace of Narros, a true hidden treasure, while plenty of restaurants serving traditional Basque cuisine occupy the streets.

Pasaia Located on the eastern side of Gipuzkoa, Pasaia is a typical sailors’ town with colorful mansions lined up around the central square overlooking the Bay of Pasaia. Pasaia is an important heritage center too, and great for those interested in an authentic cultural experience. Notable landmarks include the church of San Juan Bautista, the Arizabalo Palace, the hermitage of Santa Ana, the house where the French writer Victor Hugo spent his life, and a fine nautical museum.

Saint Jean de Luz

Situated on the east side of the Bay of Biscay, Saint Jean de Luz belongs to the Labourd Province, firmly in the French part of the Basque Country. It is a major tourist destination known for its sandy beaches and clean blue waters. The town features some imposing monuments too, such as Quai de L’Infante, Rue Mazarin, Rue Gambetta and the Place Louis XIV that can be traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Travelers can take walking tours around the city’s ancient walls and discover its unforgettable, charming corners.

Bermeo

In Bermeo, peaceful waters stretch along the coastal line of Busturialdea and invite the weary traveller to look upon them in peace. The waters speak of the long past of Bermeo that can be traced back to the Middle Ages when the monastery of San Juan of Crag was built in 1051. Bermeo’s Old Town and Ercilla Tower still reverberate with these ancient tales.

Hondarribia

Hondarribia, situated on the west shore of the Bidasoa river mouth in Gipuzkoa, is a border town facing Hendaye in France. The ferry service between the two cities is a perfect opportunity to take a leisurely ride between the two countries. Hondarribia is a medieval fortified city that set the stage for some of Basque Country’s most famous historical battles. Its small winding lanes in the old quarter and medieval charm provide an exceptional atmosphere and cultural context.

Sare Sare’s uniqueness is derived from the fact that it offers a glimpse into a remote past. This enchanting village situated in the province of Labourd near the French/Spanish border has a traditional architecture dating back to 15th century. Most of the buildings reflect the archetype of the ancient Basque house, a half-timbered farmhouse with characteristic sloping roofs and entry portals. The most spectacular mountain peak of the Basque Country, La Rhune, is situated only four kilometres to the west of the village.

Biarritz

Biarritz has been connected to the sea since the 12th century, when it was first established as a whaling settlement. At the beginning of the 18th century, Biarritz became a pilgrimage site renowned for its miraculous waters and healing properties. Today, the spirit of its waters attracts surfers from around the world. The annual Biarritz Surf Festival, founded in 1993 at the Côte des Basques, is one of the premier surf events in Europe.

Getxo Getxo is a lovely provincial town situated in the district of Biscay. It forms a part of Greater Bilbao and Uribe. It was originally built as a group of luxurious country houses for the industrial bourgeoisie of 19th century Spain and the architecture of the town has retained much of its impressive, original look to this day. The Andra Mari Church, the antique Aixerrota Windmill and La Galea Fort are among the big draws, while the surrounding region is truly beautiful.

Lekeitio

Lekeitio is a picturesque port city located in the province of Biscay, 55 kilometres north-east from Bilbao. In September, the city celebrates its most important festival in honor of its patron saint, San Antolin. The main part of the festival, known as the “goose race” involves boat races and holding on to a goose as long as strength allows. Weird and wonderful to say the least!

Day-Trips and Excursions
Contact babanglophonegroup@gmail.com for details, information, and pricing.

Day-Trip: Walking Tour – St Jean de Luz
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – San Sebastian
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – Hondarribia
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – Bayonne
Day-Trip: Walking Tour – St Jean Pied de Port, Ainhoa,
Day-Trip: Excursion – Loyola, Getaria, Zarautz  ,
Day-Trip: Excursion – San Sebastian, Pasaia
Day-Trip: Excursion – St Jean Pied de Port, Osses, Ainhoa, Espellette, Sare, Hondarribia Day-Trip: Excursion – Bilbao, Getxo, Bermeo
Day-Trip: Excursion – Cantabrian Corniche, Bermeo, Guernica, Lekeitio, Bermeo, Ondarroa, Zumaia, Getaria, Zarautz, San Sebastian