Back when we were living in Asia, we always said we wanted to go on a road trip in Pays Basque. But when you’re an expat in holidays in your home country, you usually have a marathon awaiting for you -to your parent’s place, you spouse’s parents’, your grandparents’, your friends’, etc. Which means no time for travels. Luckily, 2020 and all its increeedible turn of events made us move back to France for an undefined period of time. So we chose to settle in the region of Landes, north of the Pays Basque.
The Pays Basque* is located in the western Pyrenees, straddling the border between France and Spain. It is home of strong culture and traditions, such as the Basque pelota, the Basque cake, the red Basque foulard and beret, the language -the Euskara- and much more. It is rich. Green. With waves. It is beautiful. Let’s go on a gorgeous one week trip in Pays Basque. Ready? Let’s hit the road.
*Basque Country
getting to know the pays basque - from france to spain
Among with the map, here are some distances to give you an idea of what you can do in one week in Pays Basque.
Biarritz - Guethary: 12kms
Biarritz - Saint-Jean-De-Luz: 18kms
Biarritz - Hendaye: 31kms
Biarritz - San Sebastian: 50kms
San Sebastian - Hondarribia: 23kms
Biarritz - Espelette: 24kms
Saint-Jean-De-Luz - Espelette: 23kms
Itinerary of a one week trip in Pays Basque
day 1 : the basque coast, from bidart to guethary
Best way to start your week of discoveries in Pays Basque? The coast, of course. Start by a coffee at Bar du Fronton in Bidart, then explore the lovely streets of the village. You can dream about the house you’ll buy, one day… Then walk on the Sentier du Littoral for a lovely stroll with a panoramic view on the ocean, all the way to the Pyrenees. Go down to the Bleu Blanc Jaune bar for a beer or two barefoot in the sand, on Uhabia beach.
Afterwards, head to the lovely town of Guethary, get lost in its streets, enjoy the views and the beaches and surf spots around, then finish the day in Le C Restaurant, an incredibly scenic place to dine in. Oh, and it’s also delicious.
day 2 : from chambre d’amour to biarritz city
Wake up with a fresh breeze, walking by the ocean in Chambre d’Amour, a beach whose name makes one of the most romantic ones, for some reasons. Enjoy the quietness, explore the coast, then hike up to Kostaldea for a coffee with quite a view -prepare to WOW. From there, you can walk all the way down to Biarritz. -Yes, life’s that easy in Pays Basque.
Biarritz is quite a nice city. Right by the ocean, with cool surf vibes and a chic kind of style to top that, with stunning Haussmannian buildings. There are some of great places to discover. I personally enjoy a stop in Deus Ex Machina for an inspiring coffee in what seems to be kind of a motorcycle store. I absolutely am in love with Colors of Surfing concept -they’ve got boards, they’ve got coffee, they’ve got art. This place is really cool. The Cafe du Commerce is a classic, great spot for lunch. What else. You must take a walk on the beachfront, from the lighthouse to the Plage de la Côte des Basques -simply breathtaking.
day 3 : the beautiful village of sare
Let’s be honest, this one is still on my bucketlist -but we’re still in lockdown living our best life here (ah ah). So I’ll update that post as soon as I get my freedom back.
Sare is a legendary village situated at the foot of the Pyrenees. It’s surrounded by mountains (including La Rhune, which also is on my bucketlist). I’ve heard a lot about this place and cannot wait to explore it. [SOON]
day 4 : the scenic corniche drive
Ahhh la Route de la Corniche! One of our best days in France since we moved here in the Southwest. This road goes from Saint-Jean-de-Luz to Hendaye, and it is magical. It has brought back some memories of our road trip in New Zealand. The cliff, the ocean, the immensity, the green hills on the other side… Spectacular. Best thing is, in October, the weather was gorgeous and we had the road for ourselves.
We drove, as we had two little monsters sleeping in the car, but that’s definitely something we want to do again -by foot. It’s a 7.5kms peaceful hike (one way). Rewarded by a nap on the Hendaye Beach, or a plate of tapas by the ocean.
day 5 : cambo les bains & espelette
I have no idea why but Espelette has been one of those places I’ve been dying to explore for years. My mom always told me she loves that village, with its long garlands of pimentos hanging by the windows. It is indeed quite incredible. The pimentos, the houses, the unique atmosphere, the countryside around. And the people. Cambo les Bains also offers some gorgeous views of the surroundings.
day 6 : the beauty of the pyrenEes
I’ve only seen a tiny little part of it, but I know the potential. Can’t wait to explore more whenever I’m allowed to. [TO BE CONTINUED]
day 7 : welcome in spain ! tapas in Hondarribia and san sebastian
Who said tapas? Mama-mia, prepare for a feast!! From Hondarribia to San Sebastian, the cities of Spanish Basque Country also hide some gems. Stay tuned for more cool addresses, places to see, hikes and magic!
These are my dad’s pics, while waiting for me to get there. Once again. Sic.
where to eat/drink/have a coffee in Pays Basque
Some of these places close down during winter, often from October until April. Please check before going.
Bar du Fronton, 2 Place Sauveur Atchoarena, Bidart - Open Mon-Sun 8am-1am
Bleu Blanc Jaune, 350 Avenue d'Espagne, Uhabia Beach, Bidart - Open Mon-Sun 10am-10:30pm
Le C Restaurant, 257 Chemin de Cenitz, Guethary - Tue-Sat 12:30am-2:30pm, 7:30pm-9:30pm, Sun 12:30am-9:30pm
Kostaldea, Boulevard de la Mer, Anglet - Mon-Sun 8am-10:30pm
Deus Ex Machina, 55 Avenue de la Marne, Biarritz - Tue-Sat 10am-7pm
Colors of Surfing, 22 Avenue de Verdun, Biarritz - Tue-Fri 8:30am-6:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6:30pm
Cafe du Commerce, 1 Rue des Halles, Biarritz - Mon-Sun 08:30am–3pm, 7pm-11pm
THIS BLOG POST IS UNFINISHED. I KNOW.
What’s the point of publishing it if it’s unfinished? Well, I miss blogging so much. Exploring. Planning. Well, traveling. I miss the community. I want to feel like life is normal again. So let’s talk adventures. I’ll update the post whenever I’ll have more to share. While waiting, thank you for being here, thank you for sharing, thank you for reading the post all the way until the end. Thank you. Let’s keep the adventure going! Soon.
