Your Guide to the French Basque Country

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Biarritz is a popular beach town on the southwest coast of France, home to great views, food, nightlife, and more. A destination enjoyed by European royalty, this vibrant town provides many great experiences, making it one of French Basque Country’s many treasures.

Enjoy the vibe and charm of Biarritz Old Town.

Things to do in Biarritz

The city is known for its historical surf culture, as an unproven story says European surfing began on the beaches of Biarritz! Whether the story is true or not, there’s no doubt that surfing is huge in Biarritz, the Grand Plage and Cote des Basques beaches are two of the best spots to catch some waves, with surf lessons available for beginners!

Biarritz: where sun, sand, and surf converge

If surfing isn’t your thing, but the beach is, then Biarritz is home to many great beaches to enjoy the sun and sea. The already mentioned Grand Plage (meaning ‘Main Beach’) is close to the city centre, making it an easy place to visit during your stay.

There is also the Plage du Miramar, Plage Port Vieux, Plage Marbella, and more within Biarritz, making the seaside location the perfect destination for beach lovers.

The Rocher de la Vierge connects Biarritz's Grande Plage to the town's port.

Biarritz is also a top destination for foodies, home to Basque Country’s famous pintxos, as well as French influences in their love for oysters. There’s no shortage of choice for food in Biarritz, whether you want a casual bite at a bar, or a more sophisticated dining experience in the many restaurants. Due to its seaside location, the seafood here is fantastic!

Guided tours are available within the city, or you can follow the highlighted walking trail, which links to the nine iconic buildings present in Biarritz. For those interested in the rich history of the city, the Musée Historique charts Biarritz’s beginnings from a small fishing port to the dense and rich seaside resort it is today.

Simply put, when visiting French Basque Country, Biarritz needs to be on your list.

Holidays to Basque Country

Discover the Basque Country a region with rich culinary traditions, and vibrant cultural heritage.

In the most northern point of Basque Country sits Bayonne - a colourful, picturesque city home to a huge summer festival, chocolatiers and the well-known Bayonne ham. This city is known as the capital of French Basque Country - due to its cultural and economic position, its heritage has earned it the title of ‘The City of Art and History’.

A city of delights, Bayonne is one of French Basque Country’s greatest offerings, with plenty to enjoy during your visit.

Bayonne's rich history and heritage come alive through its stunning architecture and vibrant events

Things to do in Bayonne

Exploring the commercial ‘Grand Bayonne’ part of the city will allow you to enjoy the many displays of wonderful architecture on offer in Bayonne. From the Sainte Marie Cathedral which dominates the skyline, to the Town Hall, there are a number of beautiful, historical buildings to admire within the city as you walk through the quaint streets.

Bayonne is also a great spot for shopping, particularly in Les Halles, an indoor market selling local produce. This is the perfect place to try the local delicacies, including the unique Basque cake that’ll be easy to source, as well as the famous Bayonne ham!

Les Halles: Bayonne's busy market with fresh local produce.

The sweet, salted meat is often cut in thin slices, so you can enjoy it on its own - an absolute must-try when in the city.

As well as the ham, Bayonne is known for being the capital of chocolate in France, with guided tours available and seven leading chocolate makers still residing in the city. For those with a sweet tooth, Bayonne is heaven.

If you’re visiting in summer, the end of July sees the les fêtes de Bayonne festival take place over five days. A festival full of parades, featuring dancers, costumes and traditional Basque music, if you find yourself in the city during this time, it’s a celebration not to be missed!

In July, Bayonne comes alive with the les fêtes de Bayonne

To immerse yourself in the history of this city, the Musée Basque provides visitors with a history tour through Basque culture, tradition and society, as well as the history of Bayonne. The capital of French Basque Country, Bayonne is a city worthy of being explored and enjoyed during your trip.

For a more relaxed side of French Basque Country, Saint-Jean-de-Luz offers less crowded areas for you to enjoy compared to that of Bayonne and Biarritz. Once an important fishing port, this small seaside resort is now a culturally rich area for visitors to enjoy.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz fishing port: a charming seaside spot rich in culture.

Things to do in Saint-Jean-de-Luz

If Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a crown jewel, it's the Grande Plage beach. With fine sands, a beach club, and scenic views, this is the perfect spot to unwind. This beach is sheltered by sea walls, making it safe for all to enjoy. There are also a few more beaches located around the town, all with amazing waters perfect for swimming or surfing!

Grande Plage: the beautiful beach in Saint-Jean-de-Luz with soft sand and calm water.

For another outdoor activity, there are some lovely walks to enjoy in French Basque Country, with a coastal walk accessible from Saint-Jean-de-Luz. This coastal trail stretches a huge 25km, starting in Henday by the Spanish border.

The trail isn’t too challenging and is clearly marked with signs for ease, so it should be accessible for most. The trail will present some breathtaking views of the coast and landscape, making for a relaxing, memorable experience.

Discover the beauty of the Basque coast at Saint Jean de Luz with a walk along its shores

Like the two previous destinations, Saint-Jean-de-Luz has plenty of options when it comes to shopping and eating. With markets selling local produce and goods and plenty of restaurants with amazing food inspired by both French and Spanish cuisine, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.

For a special treat, try the famous French macaroons that are everywhere here too!

French Basque Country is a culturally rich region with stunning landscapes, food and architecture. These are just a few of the highlights of this wonderful part of the world, other notable destinations in Ainhoa, Sare and Espelette are also full of delights, and with Brittany Ferries 澳洲幸运10十168体彩开奖网, French Basque Country is easy to access on one of our ferries to Spain.

Once you’re there, you can follow our itinerary for the perfect road trip from Biarritz to San Sebastián. Let us get you there and set you up with accommodations that fit your style. Your adventure starts now!