Saint-Jean-de-Luz, elegance and maritime memory
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a city that is slowly being discovered. An ancient city of privateers, it tells its history through its typical houses, facing the sea, and its elegant facades. The house of the Infanta of Spain, that of Louis XIV, recall a prestigious past, while the beach promenade, lined with private footbridges, is a real postcard.
You wander around aimlessly, ice cream in hand, letting the sweet and salty smells mingle with the sea air. Here, there is almost always entertainment, a neighborhood party, Basque songs that resonate. A lively, warm city, deeply rooted in its identity.
Walking the coastline, from Bidart to Spain
The Coastal Trail, which connects Bidart at the Spanish border, is one of the most beautiful ways to enter the Basque Country. The path runs along the ocean, crosses cliffs and coves, reveals panoramas open to the Atlantic.
At every turn, the light changes, the wind increases, and we understand why walking here is almost a ritual. An accessible, powerful hike where the landscape naturally sets the pace.
Ciboure, Socoa and viewpoints steeped in history
Just in front of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Ciboure offers a more discreet face, but just as rich. We discover the Maurice Ravel's birthplace, the Saint-Vincent church, the lively quays and the promenade that leads to Fort Socoa. By taking a little height, the Bordagain Tower reveals a spectacular view of the bay.
A privileged observation point, ideal for understanding the unique geography of this Basque coast.
Impossible to mention tourism in the Basque Country without talking about La Rhune. Its small cog train, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, takes travelers up to an altitude of nine hundred meters. The ascent is slow, in a fully protected natural setting that respects the environment. Up there, the panorama is striking: mountains, ocean, ocean, villages and the Spanish border line up as far as the eye can see. An experience that is at once ecological, typical and deeply exotic.
Cities, villages and flavors of the interior
The Basque Country can also be lived far from the coast. Bayonne, Biarritz and the beaches of Anglet offer a perfect balance between culture, elegance and the ocean. Inland, the Basque villages reveal another facet of the territory. Espelette, Ainhoa, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the Aldudes, the passage of the Roncesvalles pass tell a story that is more rural, more mineral, but just as authentic. The roads wind between vineyards and pastures, especially on the Route des Vins d'Irouléguy and that of Ossau Iraty cheeses, true emblems of the Basque region.
Spain nearby, between pintxos and panoramas
Only a few kilometers away, Spain is a natural part of the trip. From Hendaye, a shuttle boat allows you to reach Hondarribia in just a few minutes. The perfect opportunity to enjoy a drink accompanied by tapas or traditional pintxos. A little further away, San Sebastian, located twenty-five kilometers away, offers the famous Concha Bay, its elegant beaches and its lively old town, famous for its pintxos bars. Finally, the Col d'Ibardin, accessible from a small mountain, offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Biscay. Hiking around the lake, gourmet breaks and a Spanish atmosphere complete this multi-faceted detour.
