Basque Country Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

France offers various options for mobile service, ensuring travelers stay connected.

SIM Cards & eSIMs

Local SIM cards from Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, or Free Mobile Available for purchase at official stores, tabac shops, or supermarkets.
Passport generally needed for registration when purchasing local SIMs.
For newer phones, consider an ESIM from providers like Airalo or Holafly for digital data plans.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available, with good mobile data coverage in most dense areas.

Connectivity Options

Free Wi-Fi at most hotels, cafes, restaurants, tourist offices, and public libraries.
France possesses good 4G and 5G network coverage for reliable mobile internet.
For consistent internet on multiple devices, consider a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot from Solis Wi-Fi or other retailers Like those found on Amazon.

Language Understanding

While French is universal, Basque is spoken by a minority; English can be found in tourist areas.

Language Landscape

French is the official language. Basque (Euskara) is spoken by a significant minority, especially inland.
English is common in major tourist areas, but less so in rural settings.
Translation apps like Google Translate (with offline packs) are very helpful for quick translations. For deeper language learning, Rosetta Stone is available.

Essential Phrases French

A few basic French phrases facilitate daily interactions and leave a positive impression.

French Greetings & Questions

Bonjour (bon-ZHOOR): Hello/Good day; Au revoir (o rev-WAHR): Goodbye.
Merci (mer-SEE): Thank you; S'if you please (seel voo PLEH): Please.
Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLEH?): Can you speak English?

Postal Services & Local Courtesy

Sending Mail

La Poste, the national postal service, operates offices in all towns and most villages.
Stamps (Timbres) are available at the post office and Tabac shops.
Look for the yellow La Poste sign for postal services.
Postcards, letters, and packages can be sent from these locations.

Basque Phrases

In Basque, "Kaixo" (Kai-sho) stands for hello.
"Eskerrik asko" (Es-ke-rrik ash-ko) stands for thank you.
Using these phrases in Basque-speaking areas indicates respect and often elicits a positive local response.
Road signs often feature bilingual text (French and Basque), a distinct regional characteristic.

Communication Guideline

Always ensure your phone is unlocked in advance of traveling if you plan to use a local SIM card. Downloading offline language packs for converting language apps is a pragmatic choice.

Business Hours & Schedules

Schedules may vary by season; checking ahead is advisable.

Retail & Shops

Generally open from 9-10 AM to 7-7:30 PM. Smaller boutiques often close for a lunch break (12:30-2:00/3:00 PM). Most shops are closed on Sundays outside major tourist zones.

Restaurants

Lunch service typically 12:00-2:30 PM. Dinner service 7:00-9:30/10:00 PM. Many close between these hours. Full meals outside these times may be difficult to find.

Supermarkets

Larger supermarkets open around 8:30-9:00 AM, closing between 7:30-9:00 PM. Many tourist-area supermarkets operate Sunday mornings until 12:30 PM.

Pharmacies & Banking

Access to health services and financial institutions. Pharmacies often have specific lunch closures.

Service Hours

Pharmacies: Typically 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM-7:00 PM. Look for "Pharmacie de garde" notices for after-hours needs.
Banks: Typically 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday. Some branches operate Saturday mornings.
ATMs (Distributeurs de billets): Widely available outside bank branches, in shopping centers, and transport hubs.

Museums & Attractions

Opening hours vary widely by season. Checking official websites for current schedules is sensible.

Variations to Note

During peak summer, extended hours are common.
In low season, hours are shorter, and many attractions may close one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday).
Always confirm specific operating times directly with the attraction before you go.

Public Holidays & Seasonal Closures

Public Holidays

Banks, post offices, and many shops may close on public holidays.
New Year's Day (Jan 1), Easter Monday, May Day (May 1), Victory in Europe Day (May 8), Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Bastille Day (July 14), Assumption Day (Aug 15), All Saints' Day (Nov 1), Armistice Day (Nov 11), Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule.

Seasonal Considerations

Some smaller businesses, especially seasonal ones in coastal resort towns, may close completely or operate with limited hours during the low season (November to March).
Confirm specific opening times in advance if traveling during off-peak periods.
Tourist areas often feature longer hours during summer months.

Timing Your Visits

For an optimal experience, align your activities with typical French business hours, especially for dining. Always confirm schedules for specific attractions to avoid disappointment.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting & Attire

Politeness is highly valued. Your manner of dress varies with the setting.

Social Pointers

Always use "Bonjour" (Good day) when entering shops or restaurants, and "Until we meet again" (Goodbye) when leaving.
Dress is generally casual. For churches or religious sites, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered shows respect.
Smart casual attire is suitable for upscale dining or evening events. Beachwear is for the beach only.

Dining & Tipping

Service is included in the bill by law, so tipping traditions differ from some other countries.

Restaurant Practices

Bread is often placed directly on the table. Tap water (Carafe d'eau) is free and should be requested.
Service (Service compris) is included. Tipping is not obligatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving a few Euros for exceptional service is a kind gesture.
Wine served by the glass (Verre), pitcher (Carafe), or bottle (Bouteille). Ice in drinks is not standard unless requested.

Photography & Taboos

Respect local privacy and be mindful of sensitive topics in conversation.

Social Sensitivities

Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people. Photography may be restricted in some museums or religious sites.
Avoid discussing politics, especially sensitive topics like regional independence or immigration, unless initiated by a local you know well.
Be mindful of societal subtleties; avoid overly loud conversations in quiet public spaces. Religion is generally a private matter.

Gender & LGBTQ+

France is generally progressive regarding equality and rights for all.

Inclusivity Information

France supports gender equality.
LGBTQ+ rights are legally protected, and major cities like Biarritz and Bayonne generally maintain a friendly atmosphere.
Public displays of affection are common for all couples.

Important Cultural Note

Behavioral Cues

Be aware of non-verbal cues from locals; adjust your behavior accordingly.
Avoid intrusive observation in moments of solitude or local rituals.
Talk in a low voice in quieter public settings, like transport or small shops.

Legal Aspects

Laws against discrimination exist for various protected characteristics.
Photography of individuals without consent for commercial use is generally restricted.
Respect national symbols and any local demonstrations, observing from a distance.

Local Interaction Tips

Enhancing Your Visit

A warm greeting could produce a positive initial connection with locals.
Show genuine interest in Basque culture and traditions.
Consider joining a local cooking class or cultural workshop.

General Courtesies

Be punctual for reservations or reservations.
Make reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends.
Maintain a respectful distance during conversations, avoiding overly close proximity.

Cultural Consideration

Simple greetings in The french language, or even a few words in Basque, are well received.

Accessibility Information

France has made advancements in improving accessibility for travelers with disabilities. However, some challenges persist, specifically within older infrastructure.

Mobility Infrastructure

Improvements are in place for public structures and transport, though old towns may present difficulties.

Developments & Challenges

The "Loi Handicap" has driven improvements in public spaces, transportation, and public buildings.
Newer infrastructure and renovations often incorporate accessible design.
Older city parts, like cobblestone streets in Bayonne's old town and narrow sidewalks, may pose difficulties.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Many sites and public transit options are adapted for varying needs.

Options Available

Many major museums (e.g., Musée Basque, Aquarium de Biarritz) feature accessible entrances, elevators, and facilities.
Modern Txik Txak buses and Tram'Bus vehicles generally provide ramps and designated wheelchair spaces.
SNCF (French national railway) features assistance for travelers with reduced mobility ("Assistance Voyageur Handicapé" - AVH).

Resources for Accessibility

French Tourism Websites

Look for the "Tourisme & Handicap" certification, identifying sites accessible to people with motor, visual, auditory, and mental disabilities.

Local Tourist Offices

Contact offices in Biarritz, Bayonne, or Saint-Jean-de-Luz. They usually have local details on accessible routes, facilities, and services.

Specialized Travel Agencies

Think about using an agency specializing in accessible travel for personalized planning and confirmed accessible options.

Accessibility Recommendation

Always call or email specific attractions, hotels, or restaurants in advance to confirm their current accessibility features, notably if your needs are specific. Websites may not consistently be fully up-to-date.

Basque Country Travel Tips