Things to do in Basque Country

The majority of things to see and do in Basque Country revolve around the natural splendour of the region. The mountains and coastal scenery are spectacular and it is a particularly good area for walking trips.

Bayonne is a well-preserved cathedral city with traditional narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Tourists can visit the magnificent 13th-century Cathedrale Ste-Marie and the Basque Museum. Biarritz, a beloved holiday destination of the aristocracy for centuries, adjoins Bayonne and is spectacular, offering lovely beaches and the best surfing in France.

The great Roman Catholic pilgrimage town of Lourdes, situated in the dramatic Hautes-Pyranees, draws thousands of visitors. Although the grotto, with its miraculous healing waters, is the main attraction, this beautiful village also offers some good historical sightseeing. The Fortified Castle is worthwhile and there are a number of wonderful old churches in the area.

Biarritz photo

Biarritz

The holiday destination of Biarritz became famous in the 19th century when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a …

Saint Jean de Luz photo

Saint Jean de Luz

Saint Jean de Luz is a lively and cosmopolitan town to visit. The lovely medieval town centre has been influenced by Spain and the Moors over the centuries and offers a charming mi…

Bayonne photo

Bayonne

The popular holiday destination of Bayonne is the capital of Basque country, and a beautifully preserved cathedral city. Divided by the Nive and Adour rivers, its narrow atmospheri…

Lourdes photo

Lourdes

Not strictly Basque country, but part of the nearby Bigorre region, the town of Lourdes is situated in the Hautes-Pyrénées and has been one of the great Roman Catholic pilgrimage…

Pau photo

Pau

The popular holiday destination of Pau is situated 50 miles (80km) inland, high above the Gave de Pau River, and is a good base from which to explore the Pyrénées and the picture…

The Pyrenees photo

The Pyrenees

The wild mountains of the Pyrénées stretch for 250 miles (402km) from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and have for many centuries formed a natural frontier, physical, climatic …

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