Things to do in French Basque Country

Explore Biarritz and the delightful coastal village of Saint Jean de Luz on this full-day guided tour from Bilbao. Feel a salty breeze as you drive with your windows down, marveling at the expanse of the blue ocean en route. Tuck into a tasty local treat before heading into Spain to visit San Sebastian's charming streets. After a pickup from your hotel in Bilbao, begin with a guided visit to Biarritz in the French Basque Country, a summer resort for the European Royalty. Discover the best views of the city and its most famous corners. Head to Saint Jean de Luz, a quaint coastal village where you'll taste a typical local sweet. Finally, stop in San Sebastian for a walking tour into the old town followed by a visit to Mount Igueldo with its spectacular panoramic views over the city.

Enjoy a private trip with a driver-guide explore the Basque Country. Visit lovely villages and areas including Saint Jean de Luz, Ciboure, Socoa, the Corniche Basque, Ainhoa, Espellette, Saint Jean Pied-de-Port and Biarritz. Saint Jean de Luz  is a lovely little fishing port on the Basque coast just South of Biarritz. First, drive to Ciboure, Socoa, and along the Corniche Basque. The road is on top of this magnificent stretch of cliffs and coastline and leads south from the Vauban Fort of Socoa to Hendaye on the Spanish border. Next, veer away from the coast and up into the foothills of the Pyrenees, towards the lovely French Basque mountain town of Ainhoa. After Ainhoa, head to Espellette, a Basque town with traditional colors and architecture. The houses have a special decoration, they’re covered with garlands of red peppers. Then it's time to leave Espelltte and drive to Saint Jean Pied-de-Port. This medieval fortified city is still surrounded by a parapet wall, and plays an important role for pilgrims. It’s the last stop in France along the Camino de Santiago de Compostella. After visiting these mountain towns, return to the Atlantic coast to visit Biarritz; before returning to Saint Jean de Luz or the point of departure.

The first stop on the tour is Saint Jean Pied De Port which is considered the start point on the famous St. James Way, the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The Basque language is still spoken on both sides of the border of this stunning medieval town. Next, it's the town of Bidarray, an off the track town in the countryside. Drive along the famous Pass Du Roland to get to Espelette town. Labourd style houses make this town unique, as it's known for its dried red peppers hanging from their facades. Taste some of the typical products of the region. Ainhoa is known for its church, a cemetery full of the traditional disc-topped monuments and white and red houses - a very typical Basque village. Finally, it's Sare, one of the most beautiful villages. Placed at the base of the first mountain in the Pyrenees mountain range, La Rhune, Sare is a major prehistoric site and has carefully preserved.

Delight in the renowned beaches of Biarritz, meander through the narrow streets of Saint Jean De Luz and marvel at the architectural beauty of San Sebastian on this full day tour from Bilbao. Follow the highway towards the east, through stunning natural landscapes, to arrive at Biarritz. Known as the Beach of Kings, it was a magnet for famous and royalty such as Napoleon III, Gary Cooper, and Frank Sinatra, and is still nowadays a very important tourist destination. Stroll through the old port, the Virgin on the Rock, and the scenic streets of this sea-side village. Next, following the panoramic coastal road views, you will continue onto Saint Jean De Luz, a lovely small village located on the French Basque coast. The house of Louis XIV, the Church of Saint Jean Baptist, and charming narrow streets are tourist highlights. Continue the last leg of journey to San Sebastian, the most beautiful city in the Basque Country. Enjoy a guided walking tour into the old historical quarter where some free time for lunch. In the afternoon, you will make a sightseeing tour where you will discover the magnificent views of the Igeldo mount and return back to Bilbao.

See the towns along France’s Basque coast on this full-day tour from San Sebastian. Visit fishing villages like Saint Jean de Luz, or villages on the beach such as Biarritz where people from all around the world spend their summer enjoying Basque gastronomy and surfing.  Begin with a stop in Bayonne, a charming small city full of historic buildings and a quaint downtown. Admire harbors with fishing boats as well as popular surfing spots.  In Biarritz, enjoy watching the activity of the young surfers in front of the high-end casinos and traditional restaurants. Walk with your guide through the villages and travel along the coast by private transportation.   During the tour, your group will make a stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a 2-course lunch at the restaurant with dessert included. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel. 

Travel the Basque French Coastline, skipping from town to town stopping for the highlights of each township. Spend time exploring each unique feature of beauty that differentiates each township from the next. Visit the town that inspired the writings for Victor Hugo, in Pasajes San Juan. Visit the famous town of Biarritz, known as the pearl of the coast. This tour will make sure to travel along the way through the highlights of Saint Jean de Luz and Hendaya for their French Basque qualities. Find the Basque Spanish influenced settlements as a unique twist from the French.  Experience a turn in time, in Hondarribia a Spanish down known for the best preserved medieval architecture. Visit too the 16th century attributions that have been well preserved as a quaint sight to see. From Jaizibel mountain see the best sights of the region. Looking at both the Spanish countryside in one direction, the French countryside in one direction and the second largest bay in the world open to beautiful Atlantic Sea in the next direction. 

Experience the best of the French section of the Basque Coast on this day trip from San Sebastián. Explore Saint Jean de Luz, Biarritz, Hondarribia, and Guethary. Discover quaint fishing villages, Michelin-starred cuisine, and breathtaking views.  After getting picked up from your hotel, travel to the city of Biarritz. Here, learn about the city's history as a surfer mecca and enjoy a walk along the seaside promenade. Stop by Les Halles market to experience the best of French cuisine including its cheeses, its charcuterie, and its bakeries and patisseries. Continue to Guethary and learn why Madonna was so captivated by the charming and peaceful seaside village. Next, head to the birthplace of the macaron, the Maison Adam patisserie in Saint Jean de Luz, and learn about the town's pirate history. Travel along the Route de la Corniche to reach Hondarribia, a city at the forefront of world cuisine. Stop for lunch and choose from pintxos or Michelin-starred dining. On the way back, take in views of the Basque coast and Mount Jaizkibel.

Embark on a guided gastronomic adventure through the French Basque Coast of Iparralde, one of the most picturesque regions on the Atlantic Coast. Explore the seaside villages of Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz & Guethary and sample its local specialties. Meet your guide in the morning and be introduced to the history of the area. Enjoy a spectacular drive along the corniche basque to Saint Jean de Luz. Start your culinary journey with a visit to the local ‘affineur’, an expert who receives cheese from producers and holds it in their shop until it’s ready to eat. Sample a selection of ‘raised’ by affineur cheeses. Sip French Basque wine from Irulegui. Next up, take a stroll along the streets of the town listening to the thrilling stories of local pirates, corsairs, sailors, and fishermen. Enjoy free time to visit the 13th-century church of St. John the Baptist with its remarkable hull-shaped wood-paneled vault. If you'd like to try local foie gras, be taken to a farm store stocked with this French delicacy.  To complete your trip to Saint Juan de Luz, visit the pastry shop where macarons were first created in 1660. Buy these confections and head to the surfing and food paradise of Biarritz. After having a glimpse of the Biarritz lighthouse, continue to Les Halles neighborhood and its vibrant food market.  Visit the market’s most-loved bar where locals stop for a seafood aperitif while shopping. Explore the area like a local by trying oysters, shrimps, and snails from Arcachon. Pair your meal with a glass of great white wine from Bordeaux.  Then, discover the truffle heaven, a bar specializing in truffle-flavored charcuterie and gourmet products from the region. Next, make some room for pintxos.  From Biarritz, go back to the other side and explore the picturesque fishing village of Hondarribia. Taste some of the best pintxos in an award-winning restaurant. Learn about modern Basque cuisine and discuss the differences between French Basque and Spanish Basque food. At the end of the day, return to San Sebastian with a full belly and lots of memories.

Meet your guide at the Quiosque of the main square of Saint Jean de Luz (Place Louis XIV). Then set off on your tour to explore the beauty and the secrets of the most famous attractions of this beautiful and picturesque town. You will start by discovering the charming fisherman's port of Saint Jean de Luz. From there you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pyrenees. You continue with a visit to some of the most famous ship-owner palaces of the city, like the "Maison Louis XIV", a XVII Century palace that hosted the 'Sun King' during his wedding celebrations, and the "Maison de l'Infante", a Venetian style palace used by the Spanish Infanta, "Maria Teresa". You will then head to Saint Jean de Luz's Bay, with its immaculate sandy beach and the Belle Époque architecture from the time when the town was a holiday resort for the European aristocracy. You end the tour by walking along the bustling street of "Rue Gambetta", where you will learn about local gastronomy. You also visit the beautiful Saint John the Baptist Church, where your guide will tell you the fascinating story of the Sun King's wedding and the secrets of Basque religious traditions. At the end of the tour, your guide will be glad to dedicate some time to answer your questions, give you directions and restaurant recommendations, and make sure you know where to buy the local delicacy: the famous "macarons", so you can continue a memorable visit on your own.

Explore the Basque Country on a week-long journey to the sites of historical and cultural importance on a trip that includes 4-star accommodation. Using Bilbao as your base, enjoy half-day and full-day excursions to surrounding cities and towns. Travel along the coast to see fishing villages, old ports, and picturesque beaches. Spend time inland visiting mountains, wineries, and remote villages. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Bilbao After arriving in Bilbao, transfer to your hotel. Receive your dossier with information about the Basque Country and the program. Depending upon your time of arrival, there will be free time for exploring on your own. Lodging at the hotel in Bilbao. Day 2: Urdaibai – Bermeo – Gernika - Bilbao Breakfast, Depart for the coast on a half-day excursion, heading along the right bank of the river and by the industrial towns of Barakaldo, Sestao, and Portugalete. Travel past the famous Transporter Bridge of Biscay, through the imposing Castle of Butron, and to the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Visit Mungia, the fishing village of Bermeo, Mundaka and the Urdaibai Reserve of Biosphere, and Gernika. Return to Bilbao and free time for lunch (your guide will recommend you the best options). Later, walking tour of Bilbao, visiting the old quarter and seeing the main squares, churches, and more. Lodging at the hotel. Day 3: Biarritz – San Sebastian Breakfast. Travel to Biarritz and tour the old port, the Virgin on the Rock, and the Beach of Kings. Continue along the coast to Saint Jean De Luz, and then stop in Hondarribia where you have some free time for lunch (your guide will recommend the bets options). In the afternoon, you will arrive in San Sebastian, for a panoramic tour of the city’s mountain and historical quarter, followed by free time. Then return back to Bilbao and accommodation. Day 4: Vitoria – Rioja Breakfast. Travel to Vitoria for a tour of the city and the best preserved Old Town in the Basque Country. Then follow the route toward the wine region, passing by Labastida, to arrive in the medieval village of Laguardia. Enjoy a walking tour and a visit to a traditional Rioja winery. By mid-afternoon you will return back to Bilbao by way of Elciego, where you will see the magnificent architectural work of Frank Gehry at the Marques de Riscal Winery. Accommodation in Bilbao. Day 5: Sanctuary of Loyola – Getaria – Zarautz – San Sebastian Breakfast. Make your way to the Sanctuary of Loyola, then visit Getaria, a charming fishing village and the birthplace of Juan Sebastian Elcano. See Zarautz, home to the longest beach in Basque Country. Then go to San Sebastian for a city tour, followed by a walking tour in the historic center, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon. Day 6: Elorrio – Oñati – Sanctuary of Arantzazu Breakfast. Spend the day exploring the traditional inner Basque Country. Head toward Durango, located near Gorbea Natural Parka and Urkiola Natural Park. Stop in Elorrio, an area characterized by the abundance and slenderness of its palaces and manor houses of stone and carved stonework. Continue to Oñati, home to the oldest university in the Basque Country. Travel up a road between cliffs to reach the Sanctuary of Arantzazu, where you can tour the grounds and enjoy the view, before returning to Bilbao in the afternoon. Day 7: Bilbao Breakfast. Enjoy free time in the city until it’s time to transfer to the airport, train station, or bus station.