Starting from Biarritz

2 to 4 days

biarritz, espelette, saint-jean-de-luz

The history and culture of the Pays Basque is rooted in its boldness and creativity. The region draws its inspiration from its heritage and its contrasts, between the ocean and the mountains. France’s cradle of surfing, a 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.

DAY 1 - Biarritz, the most prominent seaside resort on the Basque coast

  • carte de l'itinéraire "Au départ de Biarritz"
    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 Art-Déco 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.

EXCURSION 1 (half-day) : 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.

EXCURSION 2 (half-day or full day) : Basque villages and mountains

This is the living heart of Basque traditions. Green hills, red and green half-timbered houses, pelota court. Discover one 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 experiences: Climbing the Rhune in a scenic train.

EXCURSION 3 (full day) : Pau - Jurançon

The capital of Béarn region, facing the Pyrenees mountains. Birthplace of Henry IV, the most beloved of the 16th-Century French kings. A city with 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 • the Jurançon vineyard.
  • Unique experiences: 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, an unforgettable experience 2000m up in the Pyrenees National Park.

EXCURSION 4 (half-day) : Saint-Jean-de-Luz 

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.