The Best Places to Visit in Basque Country

The Best Places to Visit in Basque Country

Basque Country is an area of both Spain and France that’s steeped in tradition with its own language, culture, and typical foods. It also happens to be a particularly scenic region with green countryside, rugged hills, and dramatic coastlines. 

If you’ve heard of Basque Country and are wondering if it’s worth a visit, read on. Lux Europe has decades of experience welcoming guests to Europe and we’ve learned what makes this region tick. Here are some of the best places to visit in Basque Country.

History of Basque Country 

Though experts still aren’t certain about the early history of the Basque people, research has suggested that they descended from Neolithic farmers. The Basque—who lived in the hilly region that is now the north of Spain and its border with France—used their knowledge of the land to resist being conquered by peoples like the Visigoths, Moors, and later the Romans. Thanks to their resilience, the Basque people have kept their long-standing traditions mostly intact, as well as their language, which is called Basque by outsiders but “Euskara” by its native speakers.

During the 9th century C.E., Basque Country was incorporated into the Kingdom of Navarre, which eventually became part of modern Spain. Even so, the Basque people have pushed for independence since the early days. The region enjoyed a period of self-governance before the Spanish government ended its autonomy in 1839. 

During the Spanish Civil War, the Basque language was banned and the rights of the Basque people were severely diminished, leading to the formation of a Basque nationalist group that was active between 1959 and 2018. In 1979, autonomy was returned to the Basques. In more recent times, Basque culture and language have been revived in the area, leading to less friction with the Spanish government.  

Why Visit Basque Country? 

There are lots of compelling reasons to visit the Basque Country in France or Spain on your next trip to Europe—this area has something for everyone! 

History buffs will enjoy learning about the region’s complex past and well-maintained traditions. Foodies can savor traditional Basque dishes like meat and fish cooked on the griddle or the filling Marmitako stew. Adventurers can take advantage of the region’s ample hiking opportunities, and travelers who like to appreciate local culture can get their fill in Basque Country’s impressive museums. 

However,  the main attraction for travelers of all kinds is the many beautiful cities and towns in Basque Country, each offering a unique set of experiences. Here are just a few of our favorite destinations and some of the best places to visit in Basque Country. 

Bayonne 

This picturesque French city with ancient roots is located near the border with Spain at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers. One fortification in the city is attributed to the 1st century C.E., but records indicate the area was populated even earlier. Over time, Bayonne grew, eventually becoming the capital of the former Labourd province in the 11th century. The city was briefly under English control until it was taken by the Crown of France in the 15th century. 

In modern times, Bayonne has been awarded the coveted title of a City of Art and History, in recognition of its rich cultural heritage. Since the city is easily accessible by train and offers a convenient home base for exploring the Pyrenees and other nearby wonders, Bayonne is a great option for travelers curious about Basque Country. 

Highlights of Bayonne: 

• The Romanesque Bayonne Cathedral
• The 11th-century Old Castle of Bayonne 
• Postcard-worthy streets where buildings are brightened up by colorful window shutters 
• An impressive street art scene
• The bustling Central Market 
• The Basque Museum, where you’ll find exhibits on local history and regional art

Biarritz 

If you’re after a mixture of a laid-back surfer vibe and an upscale coastal resort feel, Biarritz is an ideal destination. After all, this French city served as a favorite getaway of Napoléon III in the mid-19th century, and other European nobles were soon to follow. Nowadays, the area offers everything from luxurious seaside resorts and a booming nightlife scene to pretty beaches, boutique-lined streets, and more. 

Highlights of Biarritz: 

• The Grand Plage, the city’s iconic strip of beach
• An impressive restaurant scene, complete with Basque, French, and Spanish flavors and abundant fresh seafood
• The impressive 19th-century Villa Belza towering above the ocean
• Rocher de la Virge, or Rock of the Virgin, is a cliff that is the subject of many legends and a great place for a scenic stroll  

Saint-Jean-de-Luz

South of Biarritz, in the Basque Country of France, the fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz sits on the estuary of the Nivelle River right as it empties into the ocean. The small town prospered in the 17th century thanks to a combination of income from fishing and the activity of the area’s pirates, called the Basque corsairs. It’s perhaps best known as the location of the wedding between French King Louis XIV and Maria Theresa of Spain. 

Visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz for the quintessential coastal Basque experience. Here you’ll find a beautiful stretch of beach and several small, pretty squares where you can sit and take in local life. As a town used to welcoming travelers and nomads of all kinds, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a particularly open-minded and welcoming part of Basque Country. 

Highlights of Saint-Jean-de-Luz: 

• The town’s beach and promenade 
• Rue Gambetta pedestrian street lined with shops
• The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church where the French king was married
• The main square: Place Louis XIV
• Saint-Jean-de-Luz’s vibrant local market 

Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port 

This small town in the Pyrenees is best known as the starting point of the Camino de Santiago’s well-traveled “French Way” route. The first day of the hike takes pilgrims up through the Pyrenees into Spain–in fact, “pied de port” in the town’s name means “foot of the pass,” referring to the Roncevaux Pass the famous trail traverses.

You certainly don’t have to be a pilgrim to visit Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port though. The picturesque village offers additional historical and culinary attractions, plus plenty of small shops and galleries to browse during your stay. 

Highlights of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: 

• The 17th-century Citadel
• Church of Notre Dame du Bout du Pont
• The Bishop’s Prison monument
• Locally owned boutiques 

San Sebastián

San Sebastián is the capital city of the Gipuzkoa province, a key part of the autonomous Basque territory, and there is evidence of human activity in the area as early as 24,000 B.C. The city was home to Roman settlements between 50-200 C.E. before it became part of various Spanish kingdoms centuries later. In modern times, San Sebastián is known for its beaches and renowned dining scene—the city is home to the second-most Michelin-star restaurants per capita in the world!  

Highlights of San Sebastian: 

• The restaurant scene, with everything from famous Michelin-star restaurants to casual tapas (called ‘pintxos’ in Basque country) eateries where you’ll also find some of the best wine Spain has to offer
• Sunsoaked beaches, like Playa de la Concha and its western extension Playa de Ondarreta, where locals and visitors gather
• Monte Igueldo, a mountain summit just outside of the city that offers spectacular views 

How LuxEurope Makes Basque Country Come Alive

As you can see, there is plenty to experience in Basque Country. So how do you go about visiting the region in a way that suits your personal interests? At LuxEurope, we rely on decades of experience welcoming guests to Europe to put together completely customized itineraries. Consider incorporating Basque Country into your next visit to France or Spain! 

Whether you’re most interested in filling up on Basque culinary specialties and local wines, discovering cultural traditions, learning about local history, wandering cobblestone streets around picturesque villages, or pursuing your favorite mode of outdoor adventure, let us combine your favorite activities into a vacation to remember.

 If you’re interested in learning more about the area or are ready to take the plunge and plan your bespoke tour of the Basque Country, get in touch with our travel experts today!