The Best Places to Visit in Basque Country

Located in France and Spain, Basque Country is steeped in tradition, with its own language, culture, and typical foods. It also happens to be a particularly scenic region with lush countryside, rugged hills, and dramatic coastlines. If you’ve just caught a glimpse on-screen, you’re probably wondering where the best places to visit in Basque Country are.

You’re in the right spot as Lux Europe has decades of experience welcoming guests to Europe, and we’ve learned the ins and outs of this region, which is why we’re here to help.

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 lived in this hilly region that is now part of northern Spain and southwest France along the border of Spain, including the Pyrenees mountains along the Bay of Biscay.

They 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 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 from the start. Although the region enjoyed a period of self-governance, 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. This resulted in 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 many compelling reasons to visit Basque Country in France or Spain on your next trip to Europe. This region 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 rich Marmitako stew. Adventurers can take advantage of the region’s ample hiking opportunities, and travelers who appreciate local culture can get their fill in Basque Country’s impressive museums. 

However,  the many beautiful villages, towns, and cities are the main attraction for travelers of all kinds in Basque country.

Best Places to Visit in Basque Country

While these are just a few of our favorite destinations, each offering its own unique experience, we feel they’re the very best places to visit in Basque Country. 

Bayonne 

This picturesque French city with ancient roots is located near the Spanish border at the confluence of the Nive and Adour rivers. One of the city’s fortifications, it dates to the 1st century AD, 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 it’s 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 with buildings brightened 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. This French city was even the favorite getaway of Napoléon III in the mid-19th century and other European nobles were soon to follow. Today, the area offers everything from luxurious seaside resorts and a booming nightlife scene to picturesque beaches, boutique-lined streets, and more. 

Highlights of Biarritz: 

• The Grand Plage, the city’s iconic strip of beach
• An impressive restaurant scene featuring 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, 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 where it empties into the ocean. The small town prospered in the 17th century with fishing and the activity of the area’s pirates, the Basque corsairs, contributing to the economy. 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. It offers a beautiful stretch of beach and several small, pretty squares where you can sit and take in local life. As a town that’s 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 beach and promenade 
• The pedestrianized Rue Gambetta 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 a gateway to the Camino de Santiago’s well-traveled “French Way” route. The first day of the hike takes pilgrims 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 that the famous trail traverses.

You certainly don’t have to be a pilgrim to visit Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The charming village offers additional historical and culinary attractions. Plus there are 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. 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 AD before it became part of various Spanish kingdoms centuries later. In modern times, San Sebastián is renowned for its beaches and dining scene. In fact, the city is home to the second-most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world!  

 

Highlights of San Sebastian:

• The mouthwatering food scene, with everything from famous Michelin-star restaurants to casual tapas eateries (pintxos in Basque country) where you’ll also find some of the best wine Spain has to offer
• Sun-soaked 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 particular personal interests? At LuxEurope, we rely on decades of experience welcoming guests to Europe to put together entirely customized itineraries. Consider incorporating Basque Country into your next visit to France or Spain. You might even combine it with the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) or one of countless other enticing destinations.

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!