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Overview:
The culture of the Pays Basque is rooted in Spanish and French history. The region draws its unique attractions from the heritage and contrasts you will find between the ocean and the mountains as you travel along the Atlantic coast or through the Pyrenees. France’s cradle of surfing, meeting place for golfers and players of Cesta Punta, the destination shines from its seaside resorts to its pretty villas and its colourful inland villages. Biarritz is the ideal starting point to discover this world-renowned paradise if you prefer an elegant sea resort. Bayonne could be a good alternative choice to enjoy a less sophisticated inland quaint little town. Saint Jean de Luz would be another choice for a stay by the sea side
Morning: Inspired by Empress Eugénie, the resort has long attracted the European aristocracy. Its aura of elegance is now being challenged by the culture of surfing. Discover the legendary Hôtel du Palais, the elegant ArtDéco municipal casino and the famous Grande Plage. Stroll along the coast and discover the famous Belle Époque buildings. Visit the Fishermen’s Port and the Rocher de la Vierge, with its panoramic view of the Basque coast. Afternoon: Visit Biarritz aquarium in front of the famous Rocher de la Vierge. The Cité de l’Océan is dedicated to the study of the sea. Evening: to be spent in shops and art galleries, then sunset on the terrace of a café to watch the surfers.
Half-day excursion
Bayonne – Anglet The historic city of Bayonne, sheltered by Vauban ramparts, is the heart of the living Basque culture. Anglet, nicknamed “Little California” with its bicycle path and numerous beaches, is appreciated by nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. Don’t miss: In Bayonne: Saint André Cathedral, the Basque culture and History of Bayonne Museum, the Bonnat-Helleu Museum, the Atelier du Chocolat, the Saint-Esprit district.
Anglet is popular with surfers, with its 11 beaches that stretch over 4.5 km and the immense pine forests of Chiberta and Lazaret. Unique experiences: Taste the ham and chocolate specialties in the city’s shops and, every fourth Saturday of the month, listen to Basque songs in the Bayonne halls. Great moments of local culture: the trinquet Saint André, Bayonne feast.
Full day excursion
This is the living heart of Basque traditions. Green hills, red and green half-timbered houses, pelota court. Discover some of the typical villages of the Pays Basque, not far from the ocean and the Pyrenees. Don’t miss: Espelette, Aïnhoa, Sare, Ascain, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Bidarray, Hasparren.
Unique experience: Climbing the Rhune in a scenic train
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Full day excursion
Pau is the capital of the Béarn region, facing the Pyrenees mountains. It is the birthplace of Henry IV, the most beloved of the 16th-Century French kings. This small town has an English charm. Don’t miss: the castle of Henri IV, a walk along the Boulevard des Pyrénées, the Hédas district, the Fine Arts Museum, the Bernadotte Museum.
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Not far from Pau are the Jurançon vineyards which produce sweet and dry white wines which have been highly appreciated since the 14th century by princes and kings. Unique experiences in the area: Lovers of wild water sports can go down the Oloron or Pau rivers by raft or kayak. Le Petit train d’Artouste, the highest railway in Europe, is an unforgettable experience 2000m up in the Pyrenees National Park.
Full day excursion
The former pirate city boasts a beautiful architectural heritage. A charming seaside town that can be discovered on foot. Don’t miss: With the Rhune as a backdrop, the port, the neo-Basque villas on the waterfront and the 17th-Century ship-owners’ houses. Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, the House of the Infanta, and the House of Louis XIV.
Unique experiences: The Basque coast road, sea cruises, canoeing, paddle-boarding, surfing, golf, and thalassotherapy. Should you prefer sightseeing to the beach and watersports, only 12 miles south of the Spanish border is San Sebastian, the capital of Gipuzkoa, one of the provinces of the Basque Autonomous Community situated along the Bay of Biscay.
Bilbao is less than 2-hour drive and 100 miles away from Biarritz. A full day to visit the Capital of Spain Basque country will allow you to visit the Old Town or “Casco Viejo” with small shops, artist galleries, beautiful churches and little squares their restaurants and “pintxos” bars. Plaza Nueva, the cathedral de Santiago de Bilbao, la Ribera Market, the Archeological Museum and the Basque Museum could be part of your program. Besides the gastronomy the main attraction of Bilbao is of course the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry. The architecture is stunning and the contemporary art treasures it contains are from Andy Warhol, Anish Kapoor, Louise Bourgeois and Jeff Koons among others.
This sample tour is just an example of a specific itinerary related to the country we just described to give you an idea of what is available in that country when you travel.
All our trips are tailor-made and we are at your disposal to plan your trip in consideration of how many people will be traveling, how many days you wish to travel, the season, the standard and the location of the hotels, the amount of meals you wish to include, the guided tours or experiences which will show you not only the “must see” landmarks but also the special interest sites and events you will love that are off the beaten track.
Francoise is the president and founder of Celestial Voyagers. She graduated with a tourism degree at Nice University in France and has worked as a tour director and operations manager in France, Australia and Mexico. Settling in New York City, she founded Celestial Voyagers with the aim of creating uniquely curated group travel for adults and Academia.