Framed by the Pyrenees to the east and the Bay of Biscay to the west, the Basque region of southwest France, which borders Spain, enchants visitors with its charming villages, scenic countryside, lively coastal towns, and casual, individual atmosphere.
The coastal resort of Biarritz has long been the retreat of royal families and the wealthy. In the early 19th century the town was popular with the Spanish nobility, and later became fashionable with the French court of Napoleon III. He constructed the magnificent Villa Eugenie, now the L'Hotel du Palais, for his wife. Later, at the turn of the 20th century, Biarritz became a regular destination of England's Queen Victoria and Edward VII, and, until the outbreak of WWII, it was Europe's premier holiday destination for the rich. Today, Biarritz continues to cater to the wealthy, with its three excellent beaches, delicious restaurants and luxurious accommodations. South of the town you can explore the Virgin's Rock and the Sea Museum.
Located on the northernmost section of the Basque coastline, Bayonne, the capital of the region, is a delightful old town featuring a quaint riverfront setting and old city walls. The Bomat Museum and Basque Museum are two of the town's most interesting attractions. Other noteworthy towns and villages along the coast between Biarritz and Bayonne include Bidart, perched on the highest cliffs along the coast, Guethary, Hendaye, and the famous privateer port of St Jean de Luz.
Inland, dozens of charming Basque villages dot the slopes and valleys of the Pyrenees. Of note is the town of St Jean Pied-de-Port, with its numerous cafes and restaurants, ancient Gothic church and battlements, and acclaimed Musee de la Pelote Basque. The scenic drive from Bayonne to Combo-les-Bains is spectacular, as is the fantastic train journey from St Ignace to La Rune, which takes you 2,500 feet in 30 minutes. Other locations worth visiting are Sare, St Pee-sur-Nivelle, Mauleon-Licharre, Ainhoa, and Ascain.
Nature lovers should sample the fabulous 200 metre-deep gorges at Gorges de Kakouetta and the amazing caves of the Grottes d'Isturitz and Oxocelhaya, while those interested in snow sports should head for the ski resort of Cauterels, dwarfed by the towering peak of Vignenale, the highest in the region.
The most convenient international airport to the Basque region is Bordeaux International Airport. Connections can be made to smaller airports in the region, or, alternatively, other transportation options can be arranged in Bordeaux.
More details on Bordeaux and the Dordogne region.
For more information, see www.francetourism.com
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