All of the destinations below are well worth visiting and all are within an easy day return trip from our Pyrenees Basque Hub Village.
For each destination we indicate approximately how much time to allow for your visit and we also suggest itineraries combining two or more destinations into a comfortable and fascinating day out.
Biarritz
A great base to explore from, Biarritz is located 35 kilometres from the border with Spain. It is a luxurious seaside tourist destination known for the Hôtel du Palais (originally built for the Empress Eugénie circa 1855), its casinos in front of the sea and its surfing culture.
Visit the Eglise Alexandre Newsky, Casino Market for great fish, cheeses, etc. Walk around to the lighthouse, the Virgin on the Rocks. There’s an old fishing port with many seafood restaurants looking out to the sea. Swimming in ocean beach is superb – the best in France, I think! Biarritz boasts a wonderful Basque cuisine and a terrific patisserie with an ocean view.
(Allow several visits: accessible by car, train, bus)
Espelette
This place is HOT. Buy some chili peppers there for the fieriest gastronomic experience of your life. You may need to then go onto Lourdes for a quick cure!
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
Hondarribia
Only 20 minutes by car or a bit longer by train. Go to Spain for lunch either here or at the next destination (San Sebastian)
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car, train)
San Sebastian
An elegant northern Spanish city, 25 mins further on from Hondarribia. Great tapas to be had here and many examples of fine Spanish architecture.
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car, train)
Bilbao
Put on the map by the building of the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which is one of those ‘must-sees’ that is somehow worth seeing even if its collection inside is somewhat disappointing, Bilbao remains a popular destination and it’s quite feasible to do it in a day trip by car or train from your hub base in Biarritz. There’s much more to see in this city that blends modernistic architecture with the older Basquais style with great success!
(Allow most of one day: accessible by car)
St Jean de Luz
Not far from your base in Biarritz, this is a lovely afternoon or evening’s outing where you’ll see charming Basquais houses around the old port and will have a choice of many fine eateries.
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
Bayonnne
Again, not far from Biarritz and plenty to see in this town that was famous for” bayonets”!
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
St Jean Pied-de-Port
This must be the most famous waypoint on the Camino Walk. It’s at the foot of the Pyrenees and a favourite with many walkers on pilgrimage. It’s worth seeing but quite small with not a great deal to see so.
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
Pau
This is the Paris of the Basque country. I think it is just lovely and worth visiting, either on your way to the coastal hub or as a day trip there and back.
You can also visit it on your way to Lourdes
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
Lourdes
The perfect place to go if you have a bad cough or a gammy leg and want an instant cure. Our Lady of Lourdes will fix!
(Allow a few hours: accessible by car)
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