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Bayonne
French Basque Country
Straddling two nations on the Atlantic Coast — stretching about 100 miles from Bayonne, France, south to Bilbao, Spain — lies the ancient, free-spirited land of the Basques. The Basque Country is famous for its beaches, culinary scene, and scintillating modern architecture…and for its feisty, industrious natives. It's also simply beautiful: Bright white chalet-style homes with deep-red and green shutters scatter across lush, rolling hills; the Pyrenees Mountains soar high above the Atlantic; and surfers and sardines share the waves. While the French side of this area seems French first and Basque second, the region has its own special spice, mingling Basque and French influences with beautiful rolling countryside and a gorgeous coastline.
At a Glance
The Basque Country
▲▲ San Sebastián (Spain) Relaxing upscale city with beachfront promenade wrapped around chic shopping neighborhood and tasty tapas bars.
▲▲ Bilbao (Spain) Revitalized regional capital with architectural gem — Guggenheim Bilbao — and atmospheric Old Town.
▲▲ St-Jean-de-Luz (France) Sleepy seaside retreat in the French Pays Basque that serves as home base for countryside exploration.
▲ Guernica (Spain) Village at the heart of Basque culture that was devastated by bombs during the Spanish Civil War — later immortalized by a Picasso masterpiece.
▲ Bayonne (France) Urban French scene with a Basque twist, home to impressive cultural museum, scenic ramparts, and lots of ham.
Biarritz (France) Beach resort known for its mix of international glitz and surfer dudes.
