Nouvelle-aquitaine France Travel Guide
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: This historic town is nestled in the Pyrenees foothills, about an hour's drive from Bayonne. It's the traditional starting point for the Camino Frances, the most popular route of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Its middle ages citadel, narrow cobbled streets, and bridge over the Nive River turn it into a beautiful and culturally significant destination.
Espelette, Ainhoa, Sare: These three charming inland villages, classified as "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France," form a scenic loop, ideal to visit together. They are approximately 30-45 minutes' drive from the seaside towns. Espelette is celebrated for its peppers, Ainhoa for its traditional Basque houses, and Sare for its caves and proximity to La Rhune mountain.
Select your mode of transport for seamless exploration.
Independent travel offers maximum flexibility to set your own pace and explore locations. A hired car is the recommended option for inland French Basque Country villages. Public transport is effective for San Sebastián.
Tours are a practical choice for those who prefer not to drive or manage public transport logistics, especially for many inland villages or cross-border trips.
The region presents magnificent natural environments for day trips, from protected wetlands to rugged mountain gorges.
The western edge is accessible for day trips, presenting dramatic mountain landscapes, diverse wildlife, and lots of trails.
A national nature reserve north of Anglet and Bayonne. A significant wetland for migrating birds, it features walking trails and observation hides.
Discover breathtaking geological formations and thrilling suspended crossings in the Pyrenees mountain range.
The Basque Coast offers a variety of beaches, from expansive sandy stretches to intimate coves.
Expand your cultural understanding with excursions to landmarks and traditional rural areas beyond the main towns.
Discover unique amazing buildings and ancient human history.
Experience the agricultural heartland and the spiritual journey of the Camino de Santiago.
Increase your appreciation of local Basque products and craftsmanship.
Dive into area festivities and daily cultural expressions.
Venture into less-explored areas for a cultural connection.
Seek out the smallest hamlets in the inland valleys, where daily life unfolds with traditional charm.
Discover hidden artisan workshops where traditional Basque crafts are still produced.
Find ancient chapels nestled in the countryside, offering glimpses of regional religious history.
For those with more time, extending your trip beyond the French Basque Country allows for local exploration or connections to different zones of The french republic and Spain.
If Donostia charmed you, reach to a 2-3 a single-day visit. This results in a comprehensive taste of the Spanish Basque region.
Dedicate 2-A 3-day period to hiking, canyoning, or exploring the Pyrenees. Stay in villages in the mountains for access to gorgeous national park trails.
Travel north to Bordeaux for 1-2 days. Explore its elegant city, an UNESCO World Heritage site, and venture into the surrounding renowned vineyards.
Begin on the French Basque Coast, cross into the Castilian Basque Coast (Donostia, Bilbao), and potentially continue into Cantabria (Santander) and Asturias for a comprehensive northern Spain coastal experience.
Commence in the French Basque foothills, move east through the central Pyrenees (Lourdes, Gavarnie), extending into Andorra or the French Catalan Pyrenees for deep mountain exploration.
Combine French Basque dishes with a journey north to Bordeaux, explore Saint-Émilion vineyards, and extend to the Cognac region for a comprehensive gastronomic tour.
